Path of Exile
News, coverage and analysis tracking Path of Exile across the outlets.
Latest coverage
MMO Business Roundup: EA’s latest layoffs, Overwatch’s pricy cosmetics, and GAAS nuance
This business roundup covers recent events in the MMO industry, including layoffs at Electronic Arts affecting recruitment, customer support, trust and safety, and IT teams. Former Path of Exile developer Chris Wilson shared nuanced views on live service games, acknowledging drawbacks like problematic monetization and player demands. Additionally, Overwatch's high-priced Nyan Cafe cosmetic skins have drawn community backlash.
Path of Exile 2's incredible new build guide feature just got even easier to use
Grinding Gear Games has enhanced the in-game build guide feature for Path of Exile 2 with a new subscription system, allowing players to automatically update imported builds. This update aims to simplify the process for new and existing players, especially those on consoles who previously faced difficulties with manual file management. The developers are working to resolve initial deployment issues on consoles.
Diablo 4 finally adds a mode it should have had on day one, but all I can think about is skinny Roadhog
Diablo 4's Season of Death Awakening (Season 14) introduces significant endgame updates including proper leaderboards and the long-awaited Solo Self-Found mode. The season also features new 'Ruptures' mechanic, a free Warlock class trial, and an Overwatch collaboration, though the latter has drawn mixed reactions. The expansion, Lord of Hatred, has been praised for improving the game's structure and story.
Path of Exile used to think 'live service was entirely upside, in all cases', but 10 years of experience and games like Baldur's Gate 3 have shown him another way
Chris Wilson, co-creator of Path of Exile, has re-evaluated his stance on live service games, acknowledging their drawbacks after a decade of experience and observing titles like Baldur's Gate 3. While he initially saw live service as purely beneficial, he now recognizes the complexities of community feedback and the pressures of constant updates, noting that finished, single-player games offer a different, valuable experience.
Path of Exile co-creator "would have scoffed at something like Baldur's Gate 3" 10 years ago, but now he knows why live service isn't necessarily "the future"
Chris Wilson, co-founder of Grinding Gear Games, has re-evaluated his stance on live-service games, admitting he would have dismissed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 a decade ago. While Path of Exile exemplifies a player-friendly live-service model, Wilson now acknowledges the drawbacks of the monetization strategy and the pressures it creates, contrasting it with the appeal of complete, finished games.
What to do with the Depleted Mana Rune in Path of Exile 2
The Depleted Mana Rune is a rare endgame secret in Path of Exile 2 that can be transformed into the Infused Mana Rune by defeating the Uhtred boss and having a build with 10,000 Mana. This Infused Mana Rune can then be traded to Farrow for the Runeseeker's Call Runic Fork, a powerful Ezomyte Wand, and unlocks the spell The Stars Answer.
Steam Week in Review: spammy, AI-generated capsule art is a pox, and it makes browsing Steam less fun
The proliferation of AI-generated capsule art on Steam is diminishing the browsing experience, making it harder to discover genuine indie gems. This trend creates a disconnect between appealing art and actual game quality, potentially leading to wasted time and a less enjoyable user experience for curious players.
Path of Exile 2 beefs up its endgame with Patch 0.5.3
Grinding Gear Games has released Patch 0.5.3 for Path of Exile 2, introducing significant improvements to the game's endgame. The update includes new introductory questlines, better rewards for bosses and Breaches, and adjustments to Delirium, aiming to make the online ARPG more rewarding and improve overall gameplay flow.
Classic ARPG fans, rejoice - Titan Quest 2's fourth chapter is here, and it's the biggest yet
Grimlore Games has released Chapter 4, the largest update yet for their early access Action RPG, Titan Quest 2. This update introduces a new region, expanded quests, dungeons, and enemies, alongside a raised level cap and new passive abilities. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements such as multiplayer text chat and a loot filter, with the game currently available at a 30% discount on Steam.
Path of Exile's most unique league is back with a chaotic, class-fusing twist
Grinding Gear Games is launching a new Path of Exile event called 'Return of the Ancestors' on June 25th, combining the squad-building mechanics of Trial of the Ancestors with the alternate Phrecian ascendancy classes from Legacy of Phrecia. This event serves as a bridge to the Path of Exile 3.29 reveal in mid-July and requires players to create a fresh character.
Path of Exile 2 director says players exploiting system to become in-game millionaires 'ruined Christmas for me' and joked that he's 'lost all sympathy' for everyone who took advantage of it
Path of Exile 2 co-director Mark Roberts expressed frustration over a game-breaking exploit involving the new 'temple' system that allowed players to become in-game millionaires, forcing the development team to interrupt their holiday break for emergency patches. Roberts stated that the exploit "ruined Christmas" and that he has "lost all sympathy" for those who exploited the system, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing an early access game economy.
Nobody needs to grind for 100 hours to see how Path of Exile 2 has redefined the action RPG loot hunt
Path of Exile 2 is redefining the action RPG loot hunt with an ambitious design that blends Diablo 2's worldbuilding and Elden Ring's challenging combat. Despite being in early access, the game offers a compelling campaign and an endgame loot grind that feels less like a chore. Developer Grinding Gear Games has improved pacing and item acquisition, making the experience more accessible for both new and returning players.
Unsatisfied with Path of Exile 2's hugely successful new endgame, GGG raises the risk and reward even further
Grinding Gear Games has released Path of Exile 2 patch 0.5.3, focusing on enhancing its highly praised endgame content. Game Director Jonathan Rogers detailed changes to mechanics like Delirium, Simulacrums, Grand Expeditions, Temple, Breach, and Abyss to further increase risk and reward for players. The update also includes bug fixes and improvements for client stability.
Path of Exile 2 players have earned 8 trillion gold and cheesed a spin-to-win move in Return of the Ancients
Grinding Gear Games has shared statistics from the early access period of Path of Exile 2's Return of the Ancients update, highlighting player activity. Players have accumulated over 8 trillion gold, and the Arbiter of Divinity has been defeated more than 1.2 million times. The studio is also continuing to refine the game with endgame changes and adjustments to character builds.
When is the full Path of Exile 2 release date?
Grinding Gear Games is targeting a 2026 release for the full launch of Path of Exile 2, likely between November 9 and December 31, following ExileCon. While the campaign will be completed with Acts 5 and 6, not all four absent character classes may be ready for the 1.0 launch. The developers are prioritizing a complete campaign and endgame experience.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 is a breath of fresh air after the horrors of Diablo 4
Minecraft Dungeons 2 offers a refreshing take on the action RPG genre, providing a more relaxed and accessible dungeon-crawling experience compared to titles like Diablo 4. The game features up to four-player co-op, an interconnected world with hidden collectibles, and new enemy types like the Twisted Warden. Despite minor issues with character tracking, the sequel introduces quality-of-life improvements such as a mini-inventory system and a more responsive combat experience, aiming for a September 29, 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X.
Steam Week in Review: More than 300 games released on Steam last week, and 120 of them had AI disclosures
Last week saw over 300 games released on Steam, with 120 of them featuring AI disclosures. Several games, including visual novels and FMV titles, heavily utilize AI-generated art, music, and narrative, with some priced at $100 or more. This trend raises concerns about the quality and legitimacy of AI-driven game development and pricing strategies on the platform.
Path of Exile 2 director says Temple farming ruined his Christmas and "destroyed" him, and he loves "obliterating" it: "I don't care if it's a mid-season nerf"
Path of Exile 2 co-game director Mark Roberts expressed his strong negative feelings about the Vaal Temple farming exploit, stating it ruined his Christmas and left him traumatized. He is gleeful about recent nerfs to the exploit, even if they are mid-season, and has lost sympathy for players who continue to use it. Despite his strong stance, he clarified he doesn't want to make the game bad but acknowledges the lasting impact of the exploit.
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A single crab has achieved the third highest player kill count in Path of Exile 2. This unusual statistic highlights unique player behaviors and achievements within the game.
Path of Exile 2 reverses a build-breaking class nerf, as a new patch makes its hardest mechanics easier
Path of Exile 2 patch 0.5.2 introduces several changes to endgame mechanics, including improved rewards from Remnants and easier Delirium and Ritual encounters. Grinding Gear Games also reverted accidental build-breaking nerfs to the Gemling Legionnaire's Advanced Thaumaturgy ascendancy passive. The update also features adjustments to Azmerian Wisps, new Atlas passive tree keystones, and nerfs to dangerous creatures like It That Hates.
