About

Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) is the long-awaited sequel to the beloved Path of Exile (PoE), one of the most intricate and rewarding online action RPGs in the world. Developed by Grinding Gear Games, PoE 2 expands on the foundations laid by its predecessor while introducing a fresh narrative, revamped gameplay mechanics, and new character classes. As a beginner, diving into Poe 2 trade can feel overwhelming due to its vast complexity, but this guide will help you navigate the game and equip you with the knowledge you need to get started on the right foot.

1. Understanding the Basics of Path of Exile 2

Story and Setting

PoE 2 takes place 20 years after the events of Path of Exile. The game is set in the same dark, gritty world of Wraeclast, but with significant shifts in the storyline, mechanics, and lore. The game introduces an entirely new act structure and story progression, offering a deeper and more mature narrative. Players will journey through different environments, each with its own set of challenges and enemies.

The game continues to focus on its core strengths-complex skill systems, diverse character builds, and a high level of player agency. Unlike many other RPGs, PoE 2 offers more flexibility in how you build your character, with hundreds of unique skills, passive tree nodes, and items available to customize your experience.

New and Returning Features

While PoE 2 retains many of the features players loved in the first game-such as the skill gem system, the passive skill tree, and the highly challenging content-it also brings plenty of fresh elements. Notably, PoE 2 introduces a brand-new skill system, improved graphics, and a more accessible interface for beginners, making it easier for new players to grasp.

1. Choosing Your First Class

Character Classes

In PoE 2, there are seven new character classes to choose from, each offering different playstyles. These classes are:

The Marauder: Focused on brute strength, this class excels in melee combat, tanking, and physical damage.

The Ranger: A highly mobile class focused on ranged attacks, agility, and dealing damage from afar.

The Witch: Specializing in elemental magic, summoning, and spellcasting, the Witch is all about manipulating the forces of nature.

The Duelist: A hybrid of the Marauder and Ranger, the Duelist can be built for both melee and ranged combat, excelling in dexterity and skill-based play.

The Templar: A class focused on spellcasting and physical combat, the Templar blends both offense and defense, making them a versatile choice for beginners.

The Shadow: A stealthy, agile class that focuses on traps, poisons, and quick attacks, the Shadow is perfect for players who enjoy using deception and high mobility.

The Scion: A hybrid class that starts with access to a variety of attributes and allows for greater customization. The Scion offers a more flexible and customizable playstyle but can be difficult for beginners.

Choosing a Class for Beginners

While all classes are viable, some may be easier for beginners to manage than others. If you're new to Path of Exile, the Templar and Witch classes are solid options. The Templar offers a nice balance between offense and defense, making it easier to survive in the early stages. The Witch, while squishy, offers a lot of room for powerful spells and can be very rewarding once you unlock the right abilities. Ranger and Duelist are also good choices for players who prefer dexterity-based, fast-paced gameplay, although they may require more skill in positioning and kiting.

1. Understanding the Passive Skill Tree

One of Path of Exile's hallmark features is its extensive Passive Skill Tree. It's essentially a sprawling web of passive bonuses that enhance your character's abilities. As you level up, you'll gain points to allocate in this tree, allowing you to customize your character's stats and playstyle.

Tips for Beginners

Start with a Guide: The passive tree can be daunting for new players. While experimenting with different builds is fun, it can be wise to follow a guide, especially early on, to ensure you're not wasting points on useless stats.

Focus on One Stat at a Time: Early on, you'll want to buy POE 2 Currency prioritize key stats like life, energy shield, and resistances. Avoid getting distracted by too many offensive upgrades until you have a solid defense.

Experiment as You Go: PoE's complexity allows for experimentation, but don't be afraid to change your tree later in the game if you feel your character isn't as strong as it could be. There's always room to respec (reallocate) your points, though it costs a bit of in-game currency.