Will Path of Exile 2 be More Accessible to New Players?

Summary

Path of Exile 2 aims to address the complexities and steep learning curve of its predecessor by providing better in-game guidance and clearer progression paths for new players, while maintaining the deep systems that veterans love. Unlike the original, which often left newcomers feeling lost, PoE2 introduces helpful features like skill previews, improved tutorials, and a streamlined experience without compromising the game's depth. With these changes, PoE2 hopes to attract a fresh audience and retain long-time players, offering a more welcoming and engaging experience for everyone, from beginners to veterans.

Takeaways

• 😀 *Path of Exile* (PoE) has a high barrier to entry, which often leads to new players dropping off early due to its complexity and lack of in-game guidance.
• 😀 Many players return to *PoE* months or years later after initially dropping off, but it's unclear how many stick with the game long-term.
• 😀 The game's systems are deep and require players to rely on external resources like wikis or tutorials to fully understand them.
• 😀 New players struggle with decision paralysis because *PoE* offers a vast range of skills and passive nodes with little in-game direction.
• 😀 *PoE* does not provide clear guidance on when certain skills become available, making it frustrating for new players who want to recreate builds they’ve seen.
• 😀 *PoE2* improves upon this by offering in-game visibility of skill progression, allowing players to see which skills they can unlock later.
• 😀 The new uncut gem system in *PoE2* allows players to view upcoming skills in the same interface where they choose their next skill, creating excitement and progression.
• 😀 *PoE2* introduces better early game tutorials that teach players the basics, like dodging and using flasks, without overwhelming them.
• 😀 The game will recommend support gems to new players, making it easier to understand which gems enhance their skills without sacrificing depth for veterans.
• 😀 *PoE2* removes the complex link between skills and gear, which streamlines gameplay for new players by eliminating the need to find specific socket colors or links.
• 😀 *PoE2* is focusing on improving accessibility for newcomers while still maintaining the depth that veteran players appreciate, making it more inviting without losing complexity.

Q & A

What is the main issue that new players face in *Path of Exile*?

New players often struggle with the game's complexity and lack of in-game guidance. This results in many dropping off early, as they have to rely on external resources like wikis or online tutorials to understand the game's deep systems.

How does *Path of Exile 2* aim to address the issues from the first game?

*Path of Exile 2* introduces several changes, including an improved uncut gem system, in-game guidance for new players, and more accessible skill recommendations, all designed to streamline the experience without sacrificing the depth the game is known for.

What is the significance of the new uncut gem system in PoE2?

The uncut gem system allows players to see future skill options as they progress, offering a clearer path to their desired playstyle. For example, players can see when they will unlock skills like summoning skeletons, which was previously hidden in *Path of Exile*.

How does PoE2 provide guidance to new players without being overbearing?

PoE2 provides early-game tutorials, like how to dodge roll and use flasks, and suggests helpful support gems for skills. This guidance helps players understand the game's systems without handholding, letting them learn at their own pace.

Why was the gear-socketing system changed in PoE2?

The gear-socketing system, which required players to manage linked sockets and colors, was removed to simplify the game for new players. While this change may be disappointing to some veterans, it makes the game more accessible without sacrificing build diversity.

What kind of testing did Grinding Gear Games do for PoE2?

Grinding Gear Games conducted extensive new user testing to ensure that PoE2 provides an accessible experience for newcomers. They monitored how new players interacted with the game, identifying pain points and implementing improvements based on their feedback.

What are the potential benefits of PoE2's improved tutorials for new players?

The improved tutorials will help new players understand key mechanics like health management and flask use, which are crucial for survival. These tutorials aim to reduce confusion and increase player retention by offering clear, useful guidance early in the game.

How does PoE2 maintain its complexity for veteran players?

PoE2 retains the depth and complexity of *Path of Exile* by allowing veterans to still make meaningful decisions, such as choosing any gem or customizing their builds without being restricted by simplified systems. The changes mostly benefit new players, but veterans can still enjoy the game's complexity.

How does PoE2 compare to the original in terms of accessibility for new players?

PoE2 is much more accessible to new players compared to the original game. With clearer guidance, an improved skill progression system, and more in-game information, it reduces the frustration new players often face in *Path of Exile*.

What are the expected outcomes of PoE2's changes for the player community?

The changes in PoE2 are expected to attract a broader audience, including players who were previously intimidated by the complexity of *Path of Exile*. The game aims to retain its loyal veteran community while welcoming new players who can jump in with less fear of being overwhelmed.