During today’s PlayStation State of Play, Grinding Gear Games announced their console plans for Path of Exile 2, the next generation free-to-play Action RPG which will be available in Early Access simultaneously on multiple platforms later this year.
Path of Exile 2 introduces an exciting new feature: couch co-op.
“Couch co-op is something we have wanted to do for a long time. Action RPGs are a genre that are way more fun with friends, and it’s even better when you can play in the same room together” said Jonathan Rogers, the Game Director on the project.
Path of Exile 2 will also feature Cross-play and Cross-progression, bringing the console version into the same realm, with the same support, as the PC version.
Key Announcements
New Couch Co-op Mode – Players no longer need multiple devices to play the game with their friends. A new feature, couch co-op, is available on all supported platforms and requires two controllers to play. Players can play collaboratively on a single account, or log in with two separate Path of Exile accounts on the same PC or console.Redefined Controller Experience – Path of Exile 2 has a ground up redesign of its user experience for controllers. Dual Stick controls, a new binding system allowing you to fully customize your control scheme with 24 bind slots and a redesign of inventory management make the game much easier to pick up and play. In addition, each skill has received specific attention from a new dedicated console team to make sure that it plays well on a controller.
Easier to Play – Path of Exile is a game with a reputation for complexity, but Path of Exile 2 makes it much easier for new players to explore and understand the deep mechanics of the game. As well as simplifying many mechanics, in-game skill tutorial videos explain how skills work and how to use them in combat, a new help system added to item hovers allows players to find out exactly how stats work at the push of a button, and a new system to allow players to see the exact effects that any choice would have on their characters makes understanding the game much easier.
Cross-play, Cross-progression, Simultaneous Launches – Path of Exile 2 is introducing full cross-play and cross-progression on all supported platforms. Play with your friends on other platforms, or move from console to PC without losing any progress. The launch as well as all updates in the future will be shipping simultaneously with PC.
Path of Exile 2 Key Features:
● A Next Generation Action RPG – Path of Exile 2 is a next-generation Action RPG created by Grinding Gear Games. Journey across the deadly continent of Wraeclast, meeting multiple immersive cultures while facing off against evil in many forms.
● Familiar and New Classes – Twelve Character Classes – Path of Exile 2 features twelve character classes, two for every combination of Strength, Dexterity and Intelligence. You can combine skills from many classes together to create your ideal character build. Each of the twelve character classes has its own three Ascendancy specializations, resulting in a total of 36 Ascendancy Classes to pick between.
● Encounter Unique Bosses – In Path of Exile 2, every area of the Campaign contains a boss encounter. There’s over a hundred bosses to fight as you make your way through the Acts and they all have unique mechanics to learn.
● New Skill Gem System – Path of Exile 2 features 240 Skill Gems that grant devastating active skills and 200 Support Gems that modify their behavior. In addition, you can now Dual-Specialise your passive skill tree, allowing your character to switch between two wildly different fighting styles at will.
● In-Depth Equipment System – Path of Exile 2 features hundreds of equipment base types for you to uncover as you explore the land of Wraeclast. These have a wide range of magical modifiers, but can also be found in unique variants imbued with ancient power.
● Endgame – At the conclusion of Path of Exile 2’s six-act campaign, you’ll gain access to its endgame. Each of the more than 100 endgame maps has its own boss fight and modifiers that enable revamped versions of many of Path of Exile’s past leagues.
Path of Exile 2 will be available in Early Access on PC, macOS, Xbox Series X & S and PlayStation 5 by the end of 2024. To learn more about Path of Exile 2, go to pathofexile2.com.
About Grinding Gear Games
Grinding Gear Games was founded in 2006 and is based in West Auckland, New Zealand. Its team members come from various countries and have a diversity of backgrounds ranging from artificial intelligence and software security to industrial design and professional tournament gaming. After the release of its flagship title, Path of Exile, GGG has been committed to ongoing expansion and new content releases for the critically-acclaimed game. In 2018, Tencent acquired a majority interest in Grinding Gear Games.
