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What to do first in Path of Exile 2Here are 6 tips to help you at the very beginning of Path of Exile 2
Here are 6 tips to help you at the very beginning of Path of Exile 2
Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Grinding Gear Games
Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Grinding Gear Games
Looking for some tips and tricks for the start of Path of Exile 2?Grinding Gear Games’Path of Exile 2is an ARPG of big proportions, and considering that Early Access has only just begun, the game’s only going to get better in the upcoming months.
With a bevy of options available for customising Path of Exile 2’s various character classes, not to mention a truly gargantuan Passive Skill Tree and some tough-as-nails bosses, it can be tricky setting out on your first steps in the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast. In this guide we’re providing6 handy tips on what to do first in Path of Exile 2to help the starting journey become a little more approachable.
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Experiment with each class
Path of Exile 2 starts with this grim scene of all the classes about to be hung. Undeniably dark, but also unique! |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Grinding Gear Games
As of Path of Exile 2’s Early Access release, there are six playable classes in the game - the Mercenary, the Monk, the Ranger, Sorceress, the Warrior, and the Witch. It’s worth experimenting with all of them, even if you’re just starting separate saves and dabbling with each in and around the town of Clearfall, which serves as the central hub of Act 1. You might only experience a fraction of their abilities, but it still helps to figure out what your tolerance is when it comes to certain squishy classes, considering that Path of Exile 2 is pretty hard as far as ARPGs go. OurAttributes and character sheetguide has details on which classes rely on Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence - the three foundational stats that hold up the game.
If you’re interested in more specific advice, ourbeginner’s class tier listhas a complete ranking of the classes from a newbie’s perspective. In short, those who find themselves frequently dying may want to play as the Witch, who can summon skeletal minions to keep herself alive.
Familiarise yourself with the Passive Skill Tree
Newcomers who haven’t playedPath of Exile1 will probably be in awe of the Passive Skill Tree, which expands magnificently in all directions like a series of constellations. And even if you did play the first game, there are more skills on display here, with dozens of nodes to dip into to spec your character in every way imaginable.
There are a few critical things to note about the Passive Skill Tree - specifically, the rough location of nodes that correspond to the game’s three core Attributes of Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence, as well as the different node types that exist. Oh, and did you know that you can actually select different sets of nodes that correspond to whatever weapon you’re carrying? OurPassive Skill Tree guidecontains all the details on this flexible setup, plus a few other general thoughts on choosing the most effective node route for your character.
Don’t be afraid to respec
For the price of a few coins, the Hooded One gives you the ability to switch up your entire skill tree. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Grinding Gear Games
This tip goes hand-in-hand with the Passive Skill Tree advice above. Even if you find that the nodes you’ve chosen are insufficient, don’t despair - Path of Exile 2 allows you to respec your choices on the Passive Skill Tree as long as you progress far enough into Act 1 to save the Hooded One. (He’s the mysterious figure who meets an unfortunate fate in the game’s opening cinematic.)
Play with the crafting system
You might buy your first pieces of gear at a merchant like this blacksmith, but much better stuff awaits you if you delve into crafting. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Grinding Gear Games
Path of Exile 2’s crafting system is an involved beast, with multiple currencies called Orbs that you’ll steadily use to upgrade your weapons and armour in multiple tiers from Normal, to Magic, to Rare, to finally Unique. You’ll also have to wrap your head around Affixes, which refer to both Prefixes and Suffixes, AKA the different mods attached to a piece of equipment.
It all sounds like a grammar lesson, yes, but ourcrafting guidehas more information to demystify the process. An easy way to figure out what weapons and armour work best for your character are to pay attention to your most important Attributes, and then equip gear that amplifies the stats associated with these Attributes. Items that boost Strength usually have Armour Affixes, for instance, while Dexterity-boosting items have Evasion Affixes and Intelligence-boosting items have Energy Shield Affixes.
Don’t ignore the campaign’s side quests
Take note of all the side quests I’ve yet to complete on the right side of the screen. No wonder I’m underleveled for this boss! |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Grinding Gear Games
Act 1 of Path of Exile 2 is relatively linear, but side quests do start opening up after you’ve reached the town of Clearfall. It’s recommended that you take the time to complete all of these for the handy experience, loot drops, and rewards. Skipping them will ensure that you’re underleveled for encounters with big foes who get increasingly harder and harder, which is what I initially faced when I reached the end of Act 1 and was only level 16. (Don’t be like me!)
Learn boss attack patterns
The Devourer is one of the earliest bosses who’ll really get you used to attack patterns in Path of Exile 2. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Grinding Gear Games
There’s a viral social media post floating around out there that calls Path of Exile 2 the ‘Dark Souls’ of ARPGs. This is obviously a cliché, but when it comes to boss fights, there are some similarities that can be drawn here. Expect to go up against antagonists who exhibit tricky patterns that you’ll need to commit to memory, or prepare to die over and over again.
The first such boss to probably test your mettle in this manner is the Devourer, a huge worm that lurks in the caves outside of Clearfall and is the lead subject of the ‘Treacherous Ground’ quest. The Devourer tunnels in and out of the ground in explosive bursts, lobbing globs of poison at you as it goes. This’ll be a tricky boss encounter if you’re used to mindlessly clicking your way through an encounter, and it’ll force you to become accustomed to the extreme mobility that Path of Exile 2 offers with its dodge mechanics. Bash that space bar to roll out of the way, drink Life and Mana flasks in between your rolls, and get used to this style of combat, as it only gets tougher from here on out.
With these tips, you’re now better prepared for all of the challenges that Path of Exile 2 has to offer. For more on Grinding Gear Games' epic ARPG, keep your eyes on Rock Paper Shotgun in the upcoming weeks as we proceed to look at other aspects of this expansive game. And if you’re a little confused about Path of Exile 2’s unusual pre-order system, take a gander at ourEarly Access/Supporter Packguide.
