Path of Exile 2 Beginner's Guide: Essential First Steps
Path of Exile 2 is an action role-playing game (ARPG) that continues the legacy of the critically acclaimed Path of Exile, offering a deeper, more immersive experience for both new and veteran players alike. Set in the same dark fantasy universe, Path of Exile 2 promises new gameplay features, updated graphics, and a revamped story while retaining the core mechanics that made the original game a beloved title in the ARPG genre.
For beginners, Path of Exile 2 can be a bit overwhelming due to its complex systems, massive skill tree, and the sheer depth of customization. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential things to do as a beginner in Path of Exile 2, helping you get started on your journey through Wraeclast and beyond. By the end of this guide, you'll be ready to face the challenges the game has to offer with a clearer understanding of what to prioritize.
1. Start with the Right Class and Build
Understanding the Classes in Path of Exile 2
One of the first decisions you'll need to make when diving into Path of Exile 2 is choosing your character's class. Each class has a distinct playstyle and offers a unique set of abilities. In Path of Exile 2, the basic structure of classes will be similar to the original game, though some changes may be introduced. Here's a brief breakdown of what each class traditionally offers:
Marauder: A powerhouse that specializes in strength-based abilities. Marauders tend to be tanky and excel at close-quarters combat, using heavy weapons and defensive skills.
Ranger: A dexterity-focused class that relies on ranged attacks, agility, and speed. Rangers often specialize in bow attacks and traps, and they typically have high evasion and mobility.
Witch: A class that focuses on intelligence, dealing massive elemental damage or summoning minions. Witches are known for their devastating spells, such as fireballs, lightning strikes, and frost-based attacks.
Duelist: A hybrid class that blends both strength and dexterity. Duelists are versatile and can be tailored to fit either a melee or ranged combat style.
Templar: A combination of strength and intelligence, the Templar excels in both defensive and offensive magic, often using a combination of powerful spells and physical attacks.
Scion: A balanced class that provides flexibility, with access to multiple attributes and the ability to customize the build. The Scion is considered a "jack-of-all-trades" with no particular focus.
Choosing the Right Class
When starting out in Path of Exile 2, think about what kind of playstyle appeals to you. Do you prefer ranged combat with a bow, the power of devastating spells, or a tanky, resilient character that can take the hits? The class you choose will significantly affect your experience throughout the game.
Focus on a Single Build
While the game allows for deep customization, especially through its expansive skill tree and itemization, focusing on a single build in your first playthrough is essential. Path of Exile has an overwhelming number of options, and trying to experiment with multiple builds can leave you underpowered. Choose a build guide, whether it's for a spellcaster, a physical damage dealer, or a hybrid, and stick to it. This will help you avoid making mistakes that can waste your resources and hinder your progress.
2. Get Acquainted with the Basic Mechanics
Master the Movement and Combat
One of the first things you'll need to get used to in Path of Exile 2 is the basic movement and combat systems. As an action RPG, much of your time will be spent navigating the world, killing enemies, and collecting loot. Here's a quick rundown of some important mechanics:
Movement: Use your mouse or keyboard to move your character around. The game provides the ability to run, dodge, or roll depending on your character's abilities.
Attacking: You'll primarily attack using left-click for basic attacks and right-click for skills or spells. However, as you progress, you'll unlock more complex abilities that require strategic placement of attacks.
Hotkeys and Abilities: Learn how to assign your skills to hotkeys. As you level up, you'll unlock additional active skills that you'll want to use regularly. Don't forget that many skills can be linked with other skills or support gems, adding even more depth to your combat strategy.
Mana and Energy Shield: Most characters rely on Mana to cast spells, and Energy Shield serves as a secondary form of defense. These two resources are crucial to managing your character's survivability, so always keep an eye on their status.
Understand the Importance of Stash and Inventory
The game's inventory management system can be overwhelming at first due to its expansive layout, but it's important to understand its structure:
Inventory: As you progress, you'll be picking up tons of gear, gems, and other items. Make sure to regularly check your inventory and stash to organize your items.
Stash: This is where you store your extra items and equipment that you don't need immediately. It's important to utilize your stash efficiently, especially since the game doesn't allow for much room in your character's inventory.
Learn About the Passive Skill Tree
The Passive Skill Tree is a defining feature of Path of Exile 2. This massive web of passive bonuses affects your character's attributes, stats, and overall performance. While this tree may look intimidating, don't be scared to start exploring it. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Focus on Core Attributes First: Early in the game, prioritize increasing your core attributes, such as strength, dexterity, or intelligence, depending on your class. These will help with your overall damage, survivability, and skill usage.
Follow a Build Guide: For beginners, following a build guide that is tailored to your class and playstyle can save you from making costly mistakes. These guides will recommend which nodes to take early on, making it easier to build a powerful character.
3. Early Game: Progressing Through the Campaign
Completing the Acts
In Path of Exile 2, the campaign is split into different acts that will introduce you to new zones, enemies, and story elements. The campaign serves as both a tutorial and a way to get you accustomed to the game's systems. Here's what you should focus on during the early stages:
Learn the Lore: As you progress through the story, make sure to pay attention to the world-building and quests. This not only provides a deeper understanding of Wraeclast but also rewards you with important information on what to expect next.
Fight Smart, Not Hard: During the early campaign, you'll encounter waves of enemies that are relatively easy to defeat. Use this time to test out your skills and learn the mechanics. Remember, Path of Exile 2 is about tactical combat. Don't just rush in mindlessly. Learn how to kite, dodge, and use your skills effectively.
Level Up and Choose Skill Gems: Skill gems are an essential part of your character progression. Every time you level up, be sure to choose new skill gems that complement your character's build. Remember, you can combine active and support gems to create powerful synergies.
The Importance of Currency
POE 2 Currency is not just about gold—it's about crafting materials, such as Orbs, Chaos Orbs, and Exalted Orbs. These currencies help you upgrade your items and can be traded with other players for better gear or resources. In the early game, focus on gathering and understanding how the currency system works. These currencies will be essential as you progress through the game.
4. Exploring the Atlas and Endgame
While the story campaign is vital, the true depth of Path of Exile 2 lies in its endgame systems. Once you finish the main campaign, you'll unlock the Atlas of Worlds, which is the ultimate sandbox for high-level content.
The Atlas of Worlds: This is where most of the game's complex mechanics come into play, with multiple endgame activities such as mapping, challenging bosses, and crafting your own path. You'll need to learn how to handle various map modifiers and afflictions as you push deeper into the game's endgame content.
Mastering Boss Fights: Many of the bosses you face in Path of Exile 2 are extremely difficult, with high health pools, unique mechanics, and devastating attacks. Preparation is key here—make sure your gear is up to date, your flasks are optimized, and your skills are efficient.
5. Joining the Community and Trading
One of the most rewarding aspects of Path of Exile 2 is its online community. Players can cheap Poe 2 trade, join guilds, and cooperate in various ways. Joining a guild or interacting with the community can provide you with helpful resources and give you a sense of camaraderie as you face the game's challenges together.
Trading: Use the game's trading platform to buy and sell items. As you progress through the game, you'll gather items that can be sold to other players for valuable currency.
Community Resources: The Path of Exile community is vast and incredibly knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to look up guides, join forums, or watch videos to learn from more experienced players.
Conclusion
Starting out in Path of Exile 2 can be daunting, but with patience and a good understanding of the game's mechanics, you'll soon find yourself immersed in its complex systems and dark world. Focus on picking a class that suits your preferred playstyle, take time to learn the game's mechanics, and don't be afraid to experiment as you progress through the campaign. Whether you're just beginning or looking to explore the deep endgame content, Path of Exile 2 offers endless possibilities for growth and exploration.
Good luck, Exile!