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The world of action RPGs (ARPGs) thrives on power fantasies. Players chase the thrill of destroying monsters in a single swing or unleashing explosive spells that light up the screen.Diablo 4has done this perfectly with damage numbers so astronomically high they often seem absurd. But it does more harm than good. And Path of Exile 2 will aim to be different.
PoE 2 is taking a different approach. With a focus on balanced progression and moderate power scaling, Grinding Gear Games (GGG) is deliberately avoiding the astronomical damage numbers that define some of its competitors. And it might be what makes it stand out in the end.
Path of Exile 2‘s Director Tells Us How It’s Different From Diablo 4
Path of Exile 2director Jonathan Rogers recently made an appearance on theTavern Talk Podcasthosted by content creators Darth Microtransaction and GhazzyTV. He noted that the game will steer clear of the exponential damage scaling seen in titles likeDiablo 4.
Games likeDiablo 4thrive on exaggerated power scaling. Players delight in seeing their builds evolve from modest attacks to devastating blows that can vaporize bosses. However, this scaling often comes at a cost.
Path of Exile 2 is ‘freaking huge’ with new features and will run side-by-side with PoE
As evidenced by the repeatedstruggles with bugs and exploitsthat push damage into trillions, there are always balance issues. Rogers explained that the team aims to balance satisfying power progression with avoiding game-breaking mechanics.
Our numbers don’t scale as fast as some (other) games do and they don’t go quite as exponential which means we’re not going to have to be worrying about trillions of damage or anything like that.
At its core, PoE 2 is an ARPG with random loot mechanics, meaning progression often depends on grinding for better gear. Without the thrill of exponential power spikes, some players may find the grind tedious.
In Path of Exile 2 you will fight for survival against an overwhelming evil. Will you cleanse Wraeclast or succumb to the spreading Corruption?Join Early Access on December 6th on PC and Consoles!pic.twitter.com/5cSjdWu33g
PoE 2’s restrained approach might limit that dopamine rush, leaving players feeling underpowered, especially when doing harder content. The danger is that the game could become more of a grindfest than a rewarding journey.
Rogers and GGG Have a Different Vision For PoE 2
Diablo 4embraces this absurdity with its damage mechanics and balancing. From glitches enabling trillions of damage to game-breaking builds like the Spiritborn class,Diablo 4leans into its power fantasy, even if it compromises balance.
PoE 2’s conservative designphilosophy could drive people away from this sense of discovery and creativity. Or it could also be a help. Its mobility-driven combat makes it more difficult but gives a sense of achievement that goes beyond mere numbers.
Path of Exile Had to Push a Hotfix to Fix 1 Unexpected Issue the Devs Didn’t Think Of
Rogers and theGGGteam hope that maintaining balance will encourage players to explore builds and strategies without chasing game-breaking bugs or exploits. We don’t have to wait long to find out though because the game’s early access comes out very soon.
A key advantage for PoE 2 is its eventual free-to-play model, making it more accessible than competitors likeDiablo 4, which requires an upfront purchase. The game’s Early Access release, which comes out on December 6, is behind a $30 paywall.
PoE 2 is preparing for its early access launch on July 23, 2025. Will you be trying it out?
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
