Image via Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile 2 has evolved into its own standalone game
I was torn back in 2019 when Grinding Gear Games revealed Path of Exile 2 as more of an expansion that would integrate with and extend the base game. I love Path of Exile, but a big focus for PoE2 appeared to be accessibility POE currency trade . Therefore, it seemed counter-intuitive to me to combine the two when it seemed they would each be a unique experience.

It certainly makes sense to support the two as separate games moving forward. Here's the list of the current features for Path of Exile 2:

100 distinct environments 600 monsters 100 bosses 1,500 passive skills 36 ascendancy classes 240 active skills 700 equipment types 6 person co-op
For comparison, the base Path of Exile currently has 19 ascendancy classes, 1,325 passive skills, and 276 active skills. This is with nearly a decade of updates and expansions under its belt, as well.

Furthermore, balance would have surely become an issue when integrating the two games with each other. With each having its own separate ascendancy classes, splitting the two game should hopefully streamline any ongoing balancing.

Grinding Gear Games announced that a closed beta for Path of Exile 2 will launch on June 7, 2024. While a release date has yet to be announced, it looks like we might have to wait a while until this one's officially launched.

Let's watch today's Final Fantasy XIV/Diablo 4/Path of Exile triple-header


Today should be a fun one with three bigger streaming events scheduled in the gaming world. I'll be watching all three and want to invite you to join me in an exciting Friday triple-header stream session!

First, the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest kicks off at 1 p.m. ET with a 1.5 hour Keynote presented by FF14 Director and Producer Naoki Yoshida. You can watch along on their Twitch or YouTube once the Fan Fest starts.

Next up we have a Diablo 4 Campfire Chat at 2 p.m. ET. Don't worry, you're not crazy. We just had one of these Campfire Chats on July 21. The Campfire Chat will be streamed on the official Diablo Twitch and YouTube channels once live.

Finally, to round out the day, ExileCon begins at 6 p.m. ET with a Keynote presented by Grinding Gear Games Producer and Developer Chris Wilson. ExileCon will be available live on the Path of Exile Twitch and YouTube channels when they begin cheap POE divine orbs .