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Game

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Path of Exile

General Info

Path of Exile logo
AwardsBAFTA Games Award for Evolving Game, The Game Award for Best Ongoing Game
GenresAction, RPG
ArtistsChris Wilson, Erik Olofsson
WritersEdwin McRae, Kamil Orman-Janowski
Game NamePath of Exile
ComposersAdrian Moore
LanguagesEnglish
PlaymodesSingle-player, multiplayer
DevelopersGrinding Gear Games
Game EngineIn-house engine
Release Date2013-10-23
Social Mediapathofexile
Game PlatformsPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Publisher NameGrinding Gear Games
Country of OriginNew Zealand
Publishers Websiteshttps://www.pathofexile.com/
Path of Exile is an enthralling online action RPG that takes players on a journey through a dark, corrupted universe. The game features a sprawling world filled with challenging monsters, mystical creatures, and ancient enemies waiting to be conquered. Players assume the role of a powerful hero, destined to protect the world of Wraeclast from the forces of darkness and corruption that threaten its very existence. Armed with powerful weapons, intricate spells, and numerous combat skills, players must explore this treacherous world, battle fierce enemies, and uncover secrets that lay hidden in the shadows. The gameplay in Path of Exile is highly engaging and fast-paced, with a focus on character customization and strategy. Players can choose from seven different character classes, each with their unique skills and abilities. As players progress through the game, they can unlock new skills, craft powerful equipment, and even change their character's appearance to match their playing style. With an enormous variety of content to explore, multiple difficulty levels, and thousands of unique item combinations, Path of Exile offers a truly immersive RPG experience that keeps players coming back for more. Join the fight for Wraeclast and embark on a perilous journey full of danger, mystery, and adventure. Will you have what it takes to save the world from the darkness that lurks within?

Screenshots

'Path of Exile' game screenshots
'Path of Exile' game screenshots
'Path of Exile' game screenshots
'Path of Exile' game screenshots
'Path of Exile' game screenshots
'Path of Exile' game screenshots

Overview

Are you ready to embark on a journey through one of the most intricate and detailed universes ever created? Welcome to the world of Path of Exile. Path of Exile is a free-to-play action role-playing game that takes place in the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast. In this game, players assume the role of an exiled individual who has been sent to this forbidding land to face its many dangers and mysteries. As you explore this sprawling and perilous world, you’ll encounter a wide variety of enemies, environments, and challenges. The game is designed to be played solo or with groups of up to six players, and features a deep and complex skill tree that allows for countless character customization options. From the outset, players can choose from six starting classes, each with its own unique strengths, weaknesses, and gameplay style. As you progress through the game, you’ll acquire new skills, earn experience points, and upgrade your gear and abilities. One of the most notable aspects of Path of Exile is its dark and foreboding atmosphere. The world of Wraeclast is a grim and unforgiving place, filled with danger at every turn. From the musty tombs of ancient civilization to the twisted laboratories of sinister scientists, the game’s environments are as varied as they are intimidating. This atmosphere is further enhanced by the game’s eerie soundtrack, which perfectly complements the game’s themes of mystery, danger, and exploration. Combat in Path of Exile is fast-paced and intense. Players must be constantly on their guard, dodging enemy attacks and unleashing devastating abilities of their own. The game features a wide variety of weapons and abilities, each with its own unique properties and advantages. As players progress through the game, they’ll gain access to even more powerful gear and abilities, allowing them to take on ever more challenging foes. One of the game’s most notable features is its extensive skill tree. This sprawling web of abilities allows players to customize their characters in virtually any way they see fit. With over 1,300 nodes to unlock, this skill tree is one of the most complex and detailed ever seen in a video game. Players can choose to specialize in any number of different areas, from spellcasting to weapon mastery, crafting to survival. The possibilities are virtually endless. In addition to its complex gameplay and vast skill tree, Path of Exile is also known for its dedicated and passionate community. Players from all over the world come together to share tips, strategies, and stories of their adventures in Wraeclast. The game’s developers are also highly involved in the community, regularly releasing new updates, patches, and expansions to keep the game fresh and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of action RPGs or a newcomer to the genre, Path of Exile offers an experience like no other. With its deep, intricate gameplay, vast skill tree, and dark and foreboding atmosphere, this game is sure to provide you with countless hours of enjoyment and challenge. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world of Wraeclast for yourself.

Trailer

Gameplay

Path of Exile is a hack-and-slash action role-playing game developed by Grinding Gear Games and published by Tencent. The game is set in the dark world of Wraeclast, where players take on the role of an exiled character on a quest for survival. With its deep, complex gameplay, enduring community, and never-ending replayability, Path of Exile remains one of the best action RPGs on the market. In Path of Exile, players venture through different acts while fighting against hordes of monstrous enemies. Every act features a main boss, as well as unique areas and monsters. Each area has its own theme, such as the eerie ruins of Act 5, the haunted forests of Act 2, or the industrial wasteland of Act 6. These areas are randomly generated, so each playthrough feels fresh and exciting. Path of Exile offers one of the most sophisticated character customization systems in gaming. Players choose from seven character classes, each with its own starting attributes and abilities. However, character builds are not just about the class you start with. As players progress through the game, they earn skill points that can be spent on a massive skill tree. The skill tree is made up of connected nodes, and each node provides a different advantage, such as increased health, damage, or critical strike chance. But the beauty of Path of Exile's character customization lies in the massive selection of skill gems that are available to every class in the game. Skill gems are the active abilities that players use to fight against enemies. Unlike other RPGs, skills in Path of Exile are not tied to a specific character class. This means a mage-like character class like the Witch can use melee attacks, or a warrior-like class like the Marauder can cast spells. There is practically no limit to the depth of character builds in Path of Exile. Players can combine various types of passive skills, skill gems, and items to create unique and powerful builds. With hundreds of skill gems, most of which can be modified by support gems that add special effects, there is always a new combination worth trying out. Combat in Path of Exile is fluid and fast-paced. Players can use up to six different active abilities at a time, and each skill can be customized with support gems that add new effects or enhance the existing ones. This means that players can create their own unique combos and playstyles. A melee-focused character might rely on skills that increase their mobility, like Leap Slam or Whirling Blades, to close in on enemies quickly. A ranged character might use skills like Frostbolt or Spectral Throw to keep enemies at bay. One of the most significant features of Path of Exile is the currency system. Instead of using gold or other traditional forms of currency, Path of Exile uses an item-based economy. There are over 20 different types of currency items in the game, including orbs that can modify existing items, scrolls that can be used to identify or portal scrolls that can create a one-way portal. This system allows for a more dynamic economic system where players can barter and trade with each other, crafting the perfect set of items based on their own needs. Another interesting feature of Path of Exile is the passive skill tree. The skill tree is essentially a massive grid of interconnected nodes, each of which grants a different passive skill, such as increased attack speed or more life. What makes the skill tree so interesting is that every character, regardless of their class, starts in the same place. From there, players can branch out in any direction they choose, creating truly unique builds. The skill tree can be incredibly intimidating for new players, but it also offers tremendous replayability, as new characters can be built with entirely different skill trees and playstyles. Path of Exile is a game that rewards player investment. Every aspect of the game, from the skill tree to the currency system, is designed to encourage players to dive deep and explore its complexities fully. It's a game that is perfect for players who love to tinker with their characters, experiment with new builds, and challenge themselves with difficult content at the endgame level. Path of Exile is a game that is truly worth the investment of time and effort.

Gameplay video

Plot

Within the dark and foreboding world of Path of Exile, a land ravaged by ancient cataclysms and ruled by powerful entities, players delve deep into the mysteries and secrets of this dark and twisted universe. The game presents a rich and sprawling storyline, driven by compelling characters, intricate lore, and intense action. At the heart of Path of Exile lies the quest to uncover the mysteries of the world's past. Players take on the role of exiles, survivors of a devastating event known as the Cataclysm. As they journey through the shattered lands of Wraeclast, seeking to survive and unravel the mysteries of their dark and troubled past, they discover that the Cataclysm was not the only disaster to befall their land. As they travel deeper into the heart of this world, players encounter a host of characters, all with their own stories and secrets to uncover. From the enigmatic and powerful witch, to the fierce and deadly marauder, to the cunning and ruthless shadow, each character adds depth and complexity to the game's narrative. One of the key elements of the Path of Exile plot is the presence of ancient and powerful entities known as the Vaal. These beings have shaped the course of Wraeclast's history, and their influence can be seen in everything from the ruins of ancient temples to the dark magic that pervades the land. As players explore the world of Path of Exile, they must unravel the mysteries of the Vaal, and discover the true extent of their power. Along the way, they must confront a host of enemies, from the corrupted undead to the fearsome beasts that roam the land. As players work their way through the game's various acts, they encounter a series of major villains, each more dangerous than the last. These villains have their own agendas, and are often associated with different aspects of the game's lore. From the malevolent Dominus, to the twisted Malachai, to the powerful and mysterious Shaper, each villain adds a unique and compelling dynamic to the game's narrative. Ultimately, the plot of Path of Exile culminates in an epic final battle against one of the game's most fearsome foes. This battle pits players against the ultimate manifestation of Wraeclast's darkest secrets and most ancient terrors, and requires all of their skill and cunning to emerge victorious. Overall, the plot of Path of Exile is a rich and complex tapestry, weaving together elements of ancient mythology, dark fantasy, and intense action. With its compelling characters, intricate lore, and epic battles, it offers an unforgettable experience for players seeking a deep and immersive gaming experience.

Development

Development of Path of Exile: From Beta to World-Renowned RPG When Path of Exile (PoE) was first introduced in 2013, it was a game designed to fill a niche in the RPG market. After years of development and tweaking, it has become one of the most popular RPGs worldwide, with millions of active players and a devoted fanbase. So, what made the game such a success? It all started with the vision of its creators, Grinding Gear Games (GGG). The GGG teams began developing PoE in 2006 and took six years before it was released to the public as an open beta. Throughout the development process, the GGG development team worked hard to create an immersive fantasy world that players could explore and conquer. One of the most notable things about the PoE universe is its intense focus on player choice and customization. The game is designed so that players can create their characters based on their own unique playstyle. This means that no two characters are alike, and players can sink countless hours into crafting their perfect avatars with an endless variety of skills and abilities. The level of customization available in PoE has made it one of the standout features, with one of the biggest skill tree systems ever created in an RPG. Players can pick and choose skill nodes, and specialize in certain skill sets. The complexity of the game’s skill system gives it an everlasting interest for players around the world, and it’s only made the game all the more popular over the years. At its core, PoE is an “action-RPG” that offers robust gameplay options, including solo play, group play, hardcore mode, PVP, and more – all of which demand unique skills, strengths, and strategic approaches. With its combination of intense combat mechanics and deep customization options, PoE offers something for every kind of player – from casual gamers to hardcore RPG enthusiasts. Another important aspect of the game's development is its frequent updates. The GGG development team is continually working to release new content, features, and leagues for the game. These updates, often delivered through seasonal updates, introduce new skills, monsters, items, and more to the PoE universe. One of the hallmark features of PoE’s updates is the storyline for each new update. Players can unlock new maps, challenges, and endgame missions, learning more about the game’s rich universe and lore as they progress. Each update usually lasts for about three months, which means there’s always something new to experience in PoE. Frequent updates to the game are one of the reasons why PoE has such a strong fan community. Players always have something to look forward to, and there are always new challenges to be tackled, new strategies to be discovered, and new stories to be explored. It’s the combination of all these elements that have kept the player base loyal to the game for nearly a decade. In conclusion, Path of Exile is a prime example of how a game can evolve and create a reputation without breaking down its core essence. It’s become one of the most successful online RPGs because of its focus on customization, storytelling, and constant updates. Path of Exile is now a world-renowned game, with a dedicated base of players, and its developers seem committed to continue to evolve it roughly a decade after its release. The game has proven that with the right amount of focus and hard work, it’s possible to create a unique and widely-lauded game that is here to stay.

Release

Release Path of Exile has come a long way since its initial release. The game has undergone several iterations and expansions, each one bringing new content, mechanics, and challenges for players to experience. With each new release, Path of Exile has grown in both size and scope, expanding its vast and ever-evolving universe. The latest release, which coincides with the game's fifth anniversary, brings many exciting new features and improvements to Path of Exile. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Atlas of Worlds, a massive end-game progression system that allows players to explore new, challenging maps and bosses. The Atlas features over 100 new maps, each with its own unique layout, monsters, and rewards. Players must defeat each boss in order to progress to the next map, culminating in a final battle against the Shaper, the mastermind behind the Atlas. In addition to the new end-game content, the release also includes major improvements and additions to existing systems and mechanics. Players can now use multiple crafting benches in their hideout, making crafting even more accessible and convenient. The game's passive skill tree has also been reworked, making it easier to navigate and more flexible. New support gems, skills, and items have been added to further expand the game's already extensive arsenal. But perhaps the most exciting new feature of the release is the introduction of the challenge leagues. These leagues offer a fresh start for both new and veteran players, with new mechanics, enemies, and rewards to discover. Players compete to complete challenges and earn rewards, with the top achievers earning exclusive cosmetic items and bragging rights. The release also marks a significant milestone for Path of Exile's development team, Grinding Gear Games. As the game's popularity has grown, so has the team, expanding to over 100 employees and opening a new office in Auckland, New Zealand. The team's dedication to continually improving the game and engaging with the community has been essential to Path of Exile's success, and this latest release is a testament to their commitment to delivering the best possible experience. With its vast and ever-evolving universe, Path of Exile has become a beloved game for fans all over the world. The release of the Atlas of Worlds and the challenge leagues only serve to cement the game's status as one of the best ARPGs on the market. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of Path of Exile and experience all it has to offer.

Reception

The reception of Path of Exile since its release in 2013 has been overwhelmingly positive, with players and critics alike praising its innovative gameplay mechanics, deep customization options, and engaging storyline. One of the game's most impressive features is the skill tree, which allows players to completely customize their characters. Unlike other RPGs, the skill tree in Path of Exile is massive, with hundreds of nodes that players can invest points into, each providing unique bonuses and effects. This makes every character build unique, and the game's replay value is practically infinite. Another standout feature of the game is its emphasis on trade and economy. Rather than relying on an auction house or other standardized trading system, players must rely on bartering and trading with each other directly. This adds an extra layer of depth to the game, and encourages community interaction and cooperation. The game's storyline is also a highlight, with players taking on the role of exiles stranded on the unforgiving continent of Wraeclast. The game's lore is deep and rich, with a complex backstory that slowly unravels as players progress through the game. Each of the game's acts contains unique challenges and revelations, and players can spend hours exploring every nook and cranny of the game's expansive world. Of course, no discussion of the reception of Path of Exile would be complete without mentioning the game's controversial monetization strategy. Unlike other free-to-play games, Path of Exile allows players to purchase items and cosmetics directly from other players, rather than from the game's developers. While some players have criticized this system as being exploitative, others have praised it as a fair and innovative approach to monetization. Despite this minor controversy, the reception of Path of Exile has been overwhelmingly positive, with many players considering it the greatest action RPG of all time. With a dedicated development team that continues to add new content and features, it's clear that Path of Exile has a bright future ahead of it.

Cultural impact

The Path of Exile has been one of the most influential games in the RPG genre for nearly a decade. It is a dark, gritty game that has built a strong community around it over the years. Although it flies under the radar compared to some of the bigger RPG titles in the industry, its immense cultural impact cannot be ignored. This game has proved to be a game-changer for several reasons. The first thing that sets Path of Exile apart is its complexity. The game is not easy to pick up, with a steep learning curve that can take weeks or even months to master. This complexity might seem daunting to some players, but it is a refreshing change of pace from the glut of easy-to-play, low-stakes RPGs that have flooded the market in recent years. The depth and complexity of Path of Exile have a profound cultural impact on the gaming community, as it demonstrates that players are willing to invest their time and effort into complex games that require dedication and perseverance. The second thing that makes Path of Exile unique is its dedication to its community. The developers of this game have always put the player first, taking feedback on board and implementing changes according to what the players want. This level of community involvement has been instrumental in the success of the game and has helped the game generate an incredibly loyal fan base. Furthermore, Path of Exile boasts of one of the most robust customization systems in the industry. From the skill tree to the item creation system, players have an almost infinite number of ways to customize their experience. This level of customization has a cultural impact on the gaming community because it shows that players are not just interested in playing games; they want to have a say in how the game is played and want games that provide them with a deep level of self-expression. The game's storyline is another aspect that has had a cultural impact on the gaming community. The game features a rich, detailed lore that has captured the imaginations of players around the world. The game's storyline is dark, engaging, and complex, with a well-thought-out narrative that immerses the player in the world of Wraeclast. The story features morally ambiguous characters, shifting alliances, and betrayals that keep players engaged throughout the game. Finally, Path of Exile is set in a dark, gritty world that is inspired by folklore and mythology. The game has a unique art style that has had a cultural impact on the gaming industry. This art style is not commonly seen in other games and has influenced the design of other games. The game's world is full of intricate, detailed landscapes, and environments that have inspired other artists and designers. In conclusion, The Path of Exile is a ground-breaking game that has had a profound cultural impact on the gaming industry. It has proven that complex, challenging games can be successful and has shown that player feedback is essential to building a successful game. The level of customization available to players has had a cultural impact on the gaming community because it shows that players want games that allow them to express themselves. The game's storyline, dark, and engaging world, and unique art style have all contributed to its cultural impact, inspiring other designers and artists in the industry. The Path of Exile is a game that has a bright future in the industry, and its cultural impact will continue to shape the genre for years to come.