Although it shares similarities with Diablo 2, Grinding Gear Games’ ARPG Path of Exile 2 stands out as one of the main rivals to Diablo 4. Both titles are giants in the ARPG genre, attracting a similar crowd of players who love loot collection, character customization, and dynamic combat. However, they differ significantly in their design philosophies and target audiences, particularly in how they approach world-building and integrate gameplay within that framework.
Path of Exile 2 focuses on providing depth, complexity, and high replay value, while Diablo 4 leans more towards accessibility and engaging storytelling. Players of Path of Exile 2 can expect a greater level of challenge compared to what they might find in Diablo 4. On the other hand, Diablo 4 is designed to appeal to both seasoned ARPG players and newcomers, featuring streamlined mechanics and a stronger narrative. These factors contribute to the understanding that Path of Exile 2 is unlikely to shift towards an open-world format like Diablo 4, as it would compromise the unique qualities that set it apart in the competitive ARPG landscape.
Path of Exile 2 Is Unlikely to Ever Feature an Open World
Path of Exile 2 Is Structured Around Instanced Areas and Procedurally Generated Maps
In contrast to Diablo 4, which offers an open world with interconnected regions and smooth exploration, Path of Exile 2 is designed with instanced areas and procedurally generated maps. Although the towns in Path of Exile 2 stay consistent, the world maps rely heavily on procedural generation, resulting in most areas outside the main towns being randomly created each time players visit. This approach enhances the replayability of Path of Exile 2, keeping the environments fresh and engaging for players.
Path of Exile 2’s Gameplay Thrives on Close-Quarters World Design
Grinding Gear Games intentionally designed the close-quarters world of Path of Exile 2 during its development, and this choice enhances the game’s unique gameplay experience. Unlike many other ARPGs, Path of Exile 2 presents a greater challenge, demanding players to exhibit the same level of diligence and awareness typically required in a FromSoftware Soulslike. This heightened difficulty arises partly because players often find themselves with limited escape routes, forcing them to depend on precise dodging and smart management of health and mana flasks to survive.
If Path of Exile 2 were to embrace an open-world format like Diablo 4, it might lose some of its challenging gameplay. Players could easily distance themselves from enemies, which would lessen the reliance on the game’s intricate combat mechanics. Additionally, the absence of an open world in Path of Exile 2 enhances its focused challenges, particularly in the endgame content. The game’s emphasis on instanced areas promotes greater replayability, a crucial aspect for any endgame experience.
An open-world model might eventually be a good fit for the endgame of Path of Exile 2, where players traverse a vast map and engage in various instanced activities. The appeal of an open-world setup is that players could actively explore the terrain with their characters, rather than just moving around like in a virtual board game. However, this approach could potentially lessen Path of Exile 2’s competitive advantage over Diablo 4, so it might be wise to stick with the current format.