I love Path of Exile. I was introduced to it almost ten years ago, not too long after it came out, by a gaming friend who suggested I might like the dark fantasy and combat elements. It was probably my first isometric RPG set in a huge, ever-growing fantasy world and I did fall in love with it.

That’s not to say I don’t have my gripes. Path of Exile has always felt like one of those games that you need to stay on top of – following expansions, builds and strategies – or you’ll fall behind fast, and unfortunately that’s exactly what happened to me. I came back to PoE a couple of years ago and felt so puny and underpowered and clueless compared to a lot of the PoE streamers I was watching on Twitch. There is an extremely complex aspect to Path of Exile, a game that continues to grow and evolve, which some new players might find intimidating or even off-putting.

I don’t think you need to avoid it though. You can still play through the main campaign on your own and get a lot out of it.

Developed by Grinding Gear Games and released in 2013, Path of Exile quickly amassed a loyal and passionate following. It has a dark and gritty atmosphere, an incredibly deep and complex character customisation, and intricate gameplay mechanics. The game has become a staple in the ARPG genre, but it’s a big iceberg to chip into.

In this post I’m going to cover some of the pros and cons of playing Path of Exile as a new or returning player in 2023.

A Dark and Immersive World

Path of Exile welcomes players into the grim and treacherous land of Wraeclast, a forsaken continent filled with horrors, ancient secrets, and a pervasive sense of despair. The game’s atmospheric setting, coupled with its haunting soundtrack (covered below) and rich lore, creates a uniquely immersive experience. Every corner of the world is meticulously crafted, inviting you to unravel its mysteries and confront the darkness that engulfs it.

Deep Character Customisation

One of the defining aspects of Path of Exile is its unparalleled depth of character customisation. The game features a vast skill tree called the “Passive Skill Tree,” which offers an astonishing number of options for players to create unique and specialised characters. Each class begins on a different point of the tree, but you can choose your own direction as you level up, allowing for diverse playstyles and build variations. This intricate system, combined with the extensive selection of skills and abilities, grants you an unprecedented level of control over your character’s development.

Path of Exile is a dynamic game with frequent updates and balance changes, which can significantly affect the popularity and effectiveness of character builds.

Dextero has a post listing seven of the most popular builds in Path of Exile in 2023: 7 Best Path of Exile builds in 2023 ranked: Necromancer, Gladiator & more.

You can also find a ton of different builds and guides at PoE Builds. I’ve used this site in the past, especially as a returning player who felt a bit lost!

Endless Possibilities with Skill Gems

It took me a little while to figure out the gem system, but it’s a fantastic and innovative skill enhancement system, and once you get used to it you’ll notice a massive difference in your gameplay.

Rather than traditional character classes dictating available abilities, skills are tied to gems that can be socketed into equipment. This allows you to mix and match skills to suit your preferred playstyle, creating an almost limitless combination of builds. The gem system also encourages experimentation and adaptation, as you can swap gems in and out to tailor your abilities to different challenges.

Unforgiving and Rewarding Gameplay

Path of Exile embraces a challenging gameplay experience that appeals to hardcore ARPG enthusiasts. The game offers a vast array of challenging encounters, including dangerous bosses, intricate maps, and merciless PvP battles. The unforgiving nature of combat, combined with a robust economy and trading system, adds an extra layer of depth and excitement. Furthermore, Path of Exile is known for its frequent updates and leagues, which introduce new mechanics, items and challenges to keep the game fresh and engaging.

A Passionate and Supportive Community

Beyond its remarkable gameplay, Path of Exile has fostered a vibrant and dedicated community. The developers at Grinding Gear Games maintain a strong connection with the player base, regularly communicating and incorporating feedback into updates and expansions. The community itself is known for its helpfulness and willingness to assist new players, making the game more accessible to those entering the world of Wraeclast.

A Beautiful Soundtrack

Sometimes when I’m questing I have to stop for a few minutes and just absorb the haunting and gorgeous soundtrack. You can listen to it here. The background music and atmospherics adds a lot to the overall vibe of the game.

From the eerie and foreboding tracks that accompany exploration in the game’s treacherous dungeons to the intense and adrenaline-pumping compositions during intense boss battles, the soundtrack enhances your immersion in the game.

If you’re looking for an ARPG that challenges and rewards in equal measure, Path of Exile is undoubtedly a journey worth taking.

Header image from PC Gamer.