New Gameplay Features and Returning Mechanics

Path of Exile 2 offers a wide variety of new gameplay features for new and old players to discover. Read on to know about the new gameplay features and returning mechanics of Path of Exile 2!

Path of Exile 2 New Gameplay Features

All New Gameplay Features
New and Improved Combat Mechanics New Classes and Ascensions Revamped Gem System Dual Specialization New Equipment Types Charms Flask Rework New Unique Bosses and Enemies Upgraded Visual and Graphics Quality

New and Improved Combat Mechanics

Path of Exile 2 introduced new combat and movement mechanics that help create a more dynamic, refreshing, and customizable experience for new and returning players.

Movement

For movement mechanics, players can now perform Dodge Rolls to evade most enemy attacks and avoid taking damage. Aside from this, players are now able to move even while casting skills, making gameplay much smoother and playstyles that use multiple skills in succession more viable.

The game now also implements both WASD and point-and-click control schemes for character movement, allowing players a more intuitive gaming experience based on their preferences.

Combat

Path of Exile 2 also introduced New combat mechanics. One of the most notable ones is a new resource called Spirit, used to activate persistent skills so that buffs and minion summons are always present during battle.

They also improved upon previous game mechanics like Shield blocking, with players now being able to block all frontal attacks and spells rather than just increase the chances of blocking. Another example is an improved weapon swap system, wherein players can now automatically switch weapons when activating skills rather than needing to press a hotkey.

New Classes and Ascensions

There are six new classes and 18 new Ascendancy Classes in PoE 2, with three Ascendancy Classes per Base Class. Note that in Early Access, only six of the twelve total classes will be available to play. These classes include those listed above except the Druid and Huntress, which are replaced by the Witch and Ranger.

List of Classes

Revamped Gem System

One of the most significant changes Path of Exile 2 brought was a revamped gem system. Overall, this revamp helps make builds more varied and unique, with players having more freedom to choose and combine a vast amount of skills.

Some notable changes include the introduction of Uncut Skill Gems, which allows players to select and create desired skill gems from across all skill types, skill gems directly being inserted into characters rather than equipment, and the colored socket system and crafting table getting removed.

Weapon Specialization

Path of Exile 2's passive skill tree also introduces the Weapon Specialization feature. With it, players can use different passive skills when using different weapon sets. Another feature would be the ability to respec skill points using gold instead of refund points.

New Equipment Types

Path of Exile 2 introduces new weapon types, each with unique quirks. As of recent news, new and confirmed weapon types include the Crossbow, Scepter, Spear, and Flail. All of these new weapons increase the diversity of playstyles players can experience.

Charms

Aside from weapons, new equipment and items to help players were also introduced, For example, Charms are a type of defensive accessory that use flask charges to automatically provide resistances or immunities against debuffs after conditions have been met.

Flask Rework

Resource flasks also received a minor rework in Path of Exile 2. Now, players only have one dedicated Health and Mana flask, which can be refilled by killing enemies or at town wells.

New and Unique Bosses and Enemies

Path of Exile 2 also brings about 100 new bosses and tons of new enemies, which players may face throughout their playthrough. Each of these bosses is unique and scarcely shares any similarities with bosses from the first game.

Upgraded Visual and Graphics Quality

Path of Exile 2 is more visually stunning and impactful than its predecessor, given recent improvements to the game's engine. Each graphic in the game looks objectively clear, crisp, and vibrant compared to the first game.

Path of Exile 2 Returning Mechanics

All Returning Mechanics
Ascendancy Atlas of Worlds Passive Skill Tree Co-op and Multiplayer

Ascendancy

Path of Exile 2 is keeping the Ascendancy mechanic, making features like Ascendancy Classes and Ascension Trials return. However, for Ascension Trials, one key difference is that players can now choose between two Ascension Trials to do: The Trial of Sekhemas and the Trial of Chaos.

Atlas of Worlds

The Atlas of Worlds returns in Path of Exile 2 as the game's end-game system map. Here, players can experience end-game systems like Breach, Ritual, Delirium, Expedition, and the Burning Monolith. Each of these systems was inspired by previous League Mechanics in Path of Exile 1.

Another improvement in the Atlas of Worlds system is that each end-game system gets in own specialized tree in the Atlas tree, each needing special currencies to unlock their nodes.

Passive Skill Tree

Path of Exile's famous passive skill tree also returns in Path of Exile 2, albeit with some differences. One difference is that there are now 100 more passive skills for players to explore. Another is that there are new node types, such as customizable attribution nodes.

Co-op and Multiplayer

Like in Path of Exile 1, Path of Exile 2 will also include a multiplayer system integrating features such as PvP duels, six-player co-op, cross-platform and cross-progression compatibility, and a new local couch co-op. Compared to the first game, however, Path of Exile 2 will improve the former's multiplayer systems so that players may enjoy it more.

Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) Related Guides

Latest News and Game Info

All News Article and Game Info

Other News and FAQs

List of Bugs and Errors

List of Patch Notes and Updates