Do I Need to Play Path of Exile 1 Before 2? The Ultimate Guide
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The burning question on every ARPG (Action Role-Playing Game) fan’s mind: Do you need to play Path of Exile 1 (PoE1) before diving into Path of Exile 2 (PoE2)? The short answer is no, you don’t need to. PoE2 is being developed as a standalone game with its own campaign, systems, and progression. However, whether you should play PoE1 first is a different story, one that warrants a deeper exploration. Think of it like this: you don’t need to read the Silmarillion before The Lord of the Rings, but understanding Tolkien’s world is infinitely enriched by doing so. Let’s break down why.
Why You Might Want to Play Path of Exile 1 First
While PoE2 is designed to be accessible to newcomers, there are several compelling reasons to experience the original Path of Exile beforehand.
Understanding the Lore and World of Wraeclast
Path of Exile has a rich and often grim lore. The world of Wraeclast, a cursed continent where exiles are banished, is filled with dark secrets, ancient gods, and twisted monsters. Playing through the PoE1 campaign will give you a solid foundation for understanding the backstory and the motivations of various characters and factions. While PoE2 will have its own storyline, it will undoubtedly build upon the existing lore, making your experience richer if you’re already familiar with the setting.
Learning the Core Mechanics
PoE is known for its complexity. From the passive skill tree – a sprawling constellation of choices – to the gem socketing system, which allows you to customize your skills, there’s a lot to learn. While PoE2 is revamping some of these systems, the core principles will likely remain the same. Playing PoE1 will give you a head start in understanding these mechanics and allow you to experiment without feeling overwhelmed in PoE2.
Familiarizing Yourself with the Currency System
PoE’s economy revolves around a unique currency system based on items like Orbs of Alchemy, Chaos Orbs, and Exalted Orbs. Understanding how these items are used, traded, and acquired is crucial for progressing in the game. While PoE2 may introduce new currency types, the fundamental principles of the PoE economy will likely carry over. Getting a handle on it in PoE1 will be beneficial.
Experiencing the Challenge and Reward Loop
Path of Exile is a challenging game. It requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. Overcoming these challenges and seeing your character grow stronger is incredibly rewarding. Playing PoE1 allows you to experience this satisfying loop without the pressure of feeling like you’re “falling behind” in PoE2.
Because it’s Free!
The best part? Path of Exile is free-to-play. You can jump in and start exploring Wraeclast without spending a dime. This gives you the perfect opportunity to see if you enjoy the game’s mechanics and atmosphere before investing time in PoE2.
The Case for Skipping Path of Exile 1
Despite the benefits of playing PoE1, there are valid reasons why you might choose to skip it and jump straight into PoE2.
Time Commitment
Path of Exile is a time-consuming game. Reaching the endgame and experiencing all the content can take hundreds of hours. If you don’t have a lot of free time, you might prefer to focus your efforts on PoE2, which will have a fresh campaign and new content.
Overwhelming Complexity
For some, PoE’s complexity can be a barrier to entry. The sheer number of systems and options can feel overwhelming, especially for new players. If you’re intimidated by the complexity of PoE1, you might find PoE2’s revamped systems more approachable.
Waiting for the “New Hotness”
The hype surrounding PoE2 is undeniable. Many players are eager to experience the new campaign, classes, and systems as soon as possible. If you’re one of those players, there’s no shame in skipping PoE1 and diving straight into PoE2.
Ultimately, the Decision is Yours
There’s no right or wrong answer to the question of whether you should play Path of Exile 1 before 2. It depends on your personal preferences, gaming habits, and goals. If you’re a lore enthusiast, a mechanics aficionado, or simply looking for a challenging and rewarding ARPG, playing PoE1 is highly recommended. If you’re short on time, intimidated by complexity, or just eager to experience the latest and greatest, skipping PoE1 is perfectly acceptable. Whatever you choose, remember to have fun and enjoy the journey. The Games Learning Society acknowledges the importance of engaging gameplay and how it helps players understand the depth and complexity of different game mechanics, you can visit GamesLearningSociety.org to know more.
Path of Exile 1 & 2: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Path of Exile 1 and 2, addressing various aspects to help you make an informed decision:
Is Path of Exile 2 a separate game from Path of Exile 1?
Yes, Path of Exile 2 is a standalone game, not just an expansion. It has its own campaign, systems, and progression, separate from Path of Exile 1.
Will my purchases from Path of Exile 1 carry over to Path of Exile 2?
Yes, your cosmetic purchases (MTX) will be shared between both Path of Exile 1 and Path of Exile 2. This means you don’t have to repurchase cosmetic items.
Can I play Path of Exile 1 after Path of Exile 2 is released?
Absolutely. Both games will coexist, and you can choose which one to play. Path of Exile 1 will continue to receive updates and leagues, just like before.
Will Path of Exile 1 be updated with the new engine and features from Path of Exile 2?
Yes, Path of Exile 1 will be updated with the new engine and graphical improvements from Path of Exile 2, enhancing the overall experience.
Will Path of Exile 2 replace Path of Exile 1?
No, Path of Exile 2 will not replace Path of Exile 1. They are distinct games offering different experiences.
What are the main differences between Path of Exile 1 and Path of Exile 2?
The major differences include a new campaign in Path of Exile 2, revamped character models, updated skill system, and overall improved graphics. Additionally, Path of Exile 2 introduces new classes and reworks old Ascendancies.
How many classes will be available in Path of Exile 2?
There will be 12 classes in Path of Exile 2, including 6 returning classes and 6 brand new ones.
Will the passive skill tree be the same in both games?
The passive skill tree is being significantly reworked in Path of Exile 2, so while the underlying principle is the same, the actual tree will be quite different from Path of Exile 1.
Is Path of Exile 2 free-to-play?
Yes, like Path of Exile 1, Path of Exile 2 will be completely free-to-play.
When is Path of Exile 2 expected to be released?
The Closed Beta for Path of Exile 2 is scheduled for June 7th, 2024. A full release date has not been officially announced.
What happens to leagues in Path of Exile 1 when Path of Exile 2 comes out?
Path of Exile 1 will continue to have new league launches, staggered alongside those of Path of Exile 2. This ensures both games remain active and updated.
Will Path of Exile 2 have a different endgame than Path of Exile 1?
Path of Exile 2 will have its own unique endgame with new challenges and progression systems, separate from Path of Exile 1.
Is Path of Exile a CPU or GPU intensive game?
Path of Exile is more GPU intensive than CPU intensive, especially for playing at higher resolutions and frame rates.
Is Path of Exile solo-friendly?
Yes, Path of Exile is solo-friendly, and you can complete all content alone, though trading with other players makes certain aspects, such as acquiring specific currency or reaching the highest levels, easier.
Will Path of Exile 2 have improved new player onboarding?
Grinding Gear Games is aware of the steep learning curve in Path of Exile and aims to improve the new player experience in Path of Exile 2, making it more accessible to newcomers. The Games Learning Society and other groups are keen to study how this onboarding process unfolds in practice, helping to further improve the game.