Path of Exile 2 Early Access: Major Gameplay Changes and Release Expectations

The Next Era of Action RPG: Path of Exile 2 Emerges

As the Early Access for Path of Exile 2 (POE2) approaches, the community is buzzing with anticipation. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has shifted from a mere expansion to a standalone sequel, promising a complete overhaul of the mechanics we’ve known for a decade. This article summarizes the core pillars of the POE2 experience that every Exile needs to understand before jumping into Wraeclast once again.

A Revolution in Combat: WASD Movement and Dodge Roll

The most significant shift in Path of Exile 2 is the introduction of WASD movement. While traditional click-to-move is still available, the game is now balanced around active positioning.

• The Dodge Roll: Every character now has access to a dodge roll with no cooldown. This isn’t just for mobility; it’s a core defensive layer required to survive boss mechanics.
• Reactive Combat: Unlike the “one-button screen-clear” meta of POE1, POE2 emphasizes skill combinations and tactical timing.

The New Skill Gem System

The “Socket Pressure” of the past is gone. In POE2, skill gems themselves contain the sockets. This means:

1. You no longer need to find a 6-linked body armor to reach your full potential.
2. Every active skill can potentially be a 6-link, allowing for unprecedented build diversity.
3. Support gems now directly modify the behavior of skills in more visually and mechanically distinct ways.

What to Expect in Early Access

The Early Access version is expected to feature a significant portion of the campaign and the initial endgame map system. GGG has emphasized that player feedback during this period will be crucial for balancing the massive passive tree and the 12 starting classes.