Path of Exile 2 is already one of the best action RPGs ever made, even in early access

Path of Exile 2 is still in early access, its campaign isn't finished, and Grinding Gear Games says 1.0 arrives by the end of the year — yet it's already being called one of the best action RPGs ever made. The Return of the Ancients update only strengthened that case.

The update didn't add a new story chapter, but it tightened the campaign's pacing and cleaned up some of its most labyrinthine levels. A new league mechanic scatters stone shards across Wraeclast that trigger monster waves and drop valuable loot — a welcome change from the early days when you could play ten hours without finding your first necklace. The endgame map has also been redesigned: instead of a blank grid of nodes with no direction, your starting position is now surrounded by each major endgame activity, making it far easier to understand what you're supposed to be doing without consulting Reddit or YouTube.

PoE 2's pitch is essentially Diablo 2's worldbuilding and loot chase crossed with Elden Ring's demanding combat. One of its many classes specializes in taming monsters — including the giant gorilla that can one-shot you with a stone pillar, which you can eventually turn against other enemies. The sprawling skill tree remains the game's steepest barrier, but the campaign now functions as a genuine journey rather than homework to clear before the endgame begins, unlike Diablo 4.

PoE 2 is currently paid early access before going free-to-play at 1.0. With the full release targeting late 2025, the game is already worth the price of admission — and it's not even done yet.