PoE 2 Early Access Beginners Guide - Is it the right game for you, and should you play it?

Jumping into Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) can feel like diving into a whole new world, and with all the systems, loot, and epic bosses, it can be a bit overwhelming! But don't worry, we're here to help you get a solid grip on the basics so you can start your adventure right. Whether you're a newbie or coming from PoE 1, this PoE 2 Early Access Beginners Guide will walk you through the essentials, answer your burning questions, and help you figure out if PoE 2 is your new gaming obsession.

What is PoE 2 All About?

In PoE 2, you're stepping into the heart of an intense, loot-driven action RPG, where the core objective is as thrilling as it gets: slay hordes of monsters and grow stronger with each victory.

The real excitement, however, lies in the journey, as you face off against over 450 unique monsters and 50+ colossal bosses that will challenge your every move.

With each battle, you’ll earn epic loot and level up, unlocking powerful abilities that make your character even more unstoppable.

As you progress, you'll dive deep into PoE 2’s intricate systems: from equipping skill gems that add new powers to your arsenal, to customizing your character through the vast passive skill tree.

There's no shortage of options to enhance your play style. And when it comes to loot, prepare to be amazed!

You'll come across a staggering variety of items, ranging from simple yet effective gear that boosts your strength to wacky, one-of-a-kind treasures that’ll not only power up your character but make them truly unique.

The sheer amount of loot and the potential to discover something new and exciting around every corner is a major part of what makes PoE 2 so addictive and fun.

Here's everything you need to know before playing PoE 2 Early Access, from dates, progression, and campaign, to tiers, late game, and so on.

How Does Progression Work in PoE 2?

As you play, you'll go through Acts 1-3, battling waves of monsters and massive bosses while uncovering the game's rich lore (or skipping it if you prefer speed).

Once you finish the main campaign, you can play through it again on Cruel difficulty, then explore the endgame in the epilogue.

The endgame is an epic journey where you explore an Atlas of biomes, fight revamped bosses, and take on new challenges.

Don’t worry, there’s a lot to look forward to. PoE 2 is packed with content that will keep expanding as new updates roll out.

Plus, there’s a seasonal league system that wipes the economy every few months, letting you start fresh with everyone else. To recover from the wipe and save time, you can Buy PoE 2 Currency. 

It’s an exciting system designed to keep the game challenging and ever-evolving.

Should You Play PoE 2?

Here’s the thing: PoE 2 isn’t for everyone. It’s tough, deep, and complex, with lots of systems to keep track of.

But for those who love a challenge and rewarding knowledge, it’s pure gold. If you enjoy creative builds, wild loot combinations, and a world full of surprises, PoE 2 will hook you fast.

The game's philosophy rewards those who invest time to learn and explore its depths.

Plus, you’ll love the music and atmosphere – it’s a gritty, dark world that’ll pull you right in. And if you’re worried about committing time, don’t be.

You can pick up and drop it whenever you need. Thanks to its pause system and seasonal resets, you can easily jump back into the game after a break.

What’s New and Different in PoE 2?

If you’re wondering about PoE 1, don’t worry—it’s still alive and kicking! But PoE 2 is the next level.

Originally designed as an expansion to PoE 1, it grew into something so different that it became a standalone game.

The main changes in PoE 2? More content, new ascendant classes, better crafting systems, and an overall more polished experience.

While PoE 1 continues to get updates, PoE 2 is where all the new content and changes are happening.

You can play both games, with your cosmetics and stash tabs carrying over to PoE 2. You can even buy the game now for $30 and start your adventure when Early Access hits on December 6th, 2024.

Key Features of PoE 2

• Deep Skill Systems – In PoE 2, the possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to creating your perfect character. Combo different skills and experiment with your PoE 2 Build to unlock powerful synergies, giving you the freedom to craft a playstyle that’s uniquely yours. The depth of the skill systems allows for constant experimentation, ensuring no two players will have the same experience.

• Challenging Combat – Get ready for tactical, skill-based combat that rewards strategy and knowledge. Every fight is an opportunity to sharpen your tactics as you use the right skills at the right time to outsmart even the toughest enemies. The combat challenges in PoE 2 will keep you on your toes, ensuring no battle feels repetitive or too easy.

• Loot, Loot, and More Loot – One of the main draws of PoE 2 is its massive loot system. With tons of gear to experiment with, you’ll never run out of ways to enhance your character. From rare artifacts to powerful weapons, the loot not only powers up your character but adds that extra layer of excitement to every dungeon dive and monster hunt.

• Season-Based Leagues – Every few months, PoE 2 introduces new season-based leagues that reset your progress and offer fresh challenges, content, and rewards. It’s a great way to start from scratch, test new builds, and dive into new mechanics without losing the sense of excitement and discovery.

• Soloable – Whether you prefer to play alone or team up with others, PoE 2 lets you choose how you want to experience the game. Play solo at your own pace, or jump into multiplayer with friends for epic team battles. The choice is yours, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the game in whatever way feels best.

• Cross-Play – PoE 2 breaks the barriers between platforms with its cross-play feature, letting you play with anyone, no matter what platform they're on. Whether you're on PC, Xbox, PS5, or soon even Mac, you can team up and conquer the game together without a hitch.

• Always Online – Keep your progress safe and accessible with cloud saves. Being always online ensures that your character’s journey is securely stored, allowing you to pick up right where you left off, whether you’re playing on the same device or switching between platforms.

Can You Pause and Leave PoE 2?

Absolutely! PoE 2 offers the freedom to pause and leave the game whenever you want without worrying about losing progress.

Whether you need a break or have to step away for a while, the game respects your time and ensures you won’t lose any hard-earned achievements.

Plus, the seasonal resets make it even easier to jump back in after a long hiatus. Every new season brings fresh content and challenges, allowing you to experience the game as if you're starting a brand-new adventure—no matter how long you've been away.

This flexibility ensures that you can enjoy the game at your own pace, without feeling the pressure to constantly keep up.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to dive into PoE 2 and start exploring! From loot hunts to tackling bosses, there's so much to discover, and this guide just scratched the surface. Whether you’re grinding through the campaign or hopping into the endgame, there’s always something new to experience. Ready to jump in? Your adventure awaits!