Summary
One of the more significant changesPath of Exile 2has made when it comes to the series' combat is its emphasis on mobility. It’s not that the first game wasn’t ever mobile, by any means, but the design ofPath of Exile 2’s combat centers around movement more than ever before. However, while this might make the game more engaging to a certain degree, it naturally comes with a massive trade-off that is ultimately unavoidable.
Game Rant recently had the opportunity to play nearly 8 hours ofPath of Exile 2at a live hands-on previewevent for the game ahead of its December 6 early access release, so we also had the chance to experience this emphasis on mobility firsthand, as well as the trade-off that results from it. At the end of the day, we found the exchange to be highly rewarding and worth the effort, effectively puttingPath of Exile 2another step ahead of its predecessor.
Path of Exile 2 Emphasis on Mobility Simultaneously Increases Its Challenge
Path of Exile 2’s Combat Emphasizes Mobility More Than Its Predecessor
Unlike the first game,Path of Exile 2allows players to dodge roll in order to evade incoming damage. It’s a very simple maneuver and might not seem like much at first, but it’s all but necessary inPath of Exile 2’s combat. Firstly, it helps players to remain more engaged in combat, as opposed to simply holding one or two buttons to mow down waves of enemies as they could in the originalPath of Exile. Secondly, the trade-off that happens due to the inclusion of a dodge roll inPath of Exile 2arguably makes it all the more important.
More Mobility in Path of Exile 2 Means a Greater Challenge With Greater Rewards
Path of Exile 2isn’t the firstARPG to feature a dodge roll, but it is the first game in its series to include the ability. That doesn’t meanPath of Exile 2treats its own dodge roll like the other ARPGs that incorporate one into their combat, as the ability to dodge roll in these games often takes a backseat to simply overpowering enemies. In ARPGs likeDiablo 4, so long as players obtain powerful gear, maximize the efficiency of their build, and learn the ins and outs of their chosen character class, they really only need to use the dodge roll ability a minimal number of times to emerge victorious from even the toughest boss battles.
InPath of Exile 2, however, players are expected to use the dodge roll ability frequently to avoid damage, as the challenge in the sequel has been ramped up to match the increased mobility in the game. Herein lies the trade-off, as one useful ability is offered in exchange for players' hardship. In fact,Path of Exile 2’s game director, Jonathan Rogers, said at the preview event, “We want you to die on the first boss fight.” So,Path of Exile 2has been intentionally designed to be more challenging, but at least it also provides players with a way to actively avoid that damage now.
The same could be said ofPath of Exile 2’s more mobile classes, like the Ranger, which is designed to remain mobile at all times, even to the point of leaping to avoid danger.
While the difficulty has increased inPath of Exile 2, that means the reward has as well. Sure, as players down a majorboss inPath of Exile 2and retrieve the loot it drops, that, in and of itself, is a reward. But there is nothing quite like the feeling that comes from overcoming a great challenge, and that is a feeling that should be ever present in those patient enough to perform regular rotations of attack and dodge as they journey through Wraeclast inPath of Exile 2.
Path of Exile II
WHERE TO PLAY
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation free-to-play Action RPG created by Grinding Gear Games. Journey across the deadly continent of Wraeclast, meeting multiple immersive cultures while facing off against evil in many forms. Path of Exile 2 features twelve character classes, 240 Skill Gems, hundreds of equipment base types, a six-act campaign, more than a hundred unique boss fights, a deep endgame system and so much more. Play with your friends without losing any progress with couch co-op, cross-play and cross-progression.
