As a newcomer to the looter shooter genre with no prior experience in Path of Exile or Diablo, diving into Path of Exile 2 was a surprising yet rewarding decision. I admit, I had trepidations, but I quickly learned just how entertaining and engaging these games can be. Despite my initial lack of references, it became evident that Path of Exile 2 is a masterfully designed game.
However, as a beginner, navigating the intricate mechanics and systems within the game felt overwhelming at times. The tutorial does provide a basic understanding, but it doesn’t guide you through every aspect of gameplay. Therefore, I aim to share some helpful tips to assist fellow newcomers in getting started on the right foot.
1 Avoid Playing Hardcore Mode
Don’t Be A Hero
Before crafting your character and setting off on your looting adventure, you’ll be presented with a choice: play on the standard difficulty or opt for Hardcore Mode. For seasoned veterans, this choice might add an exciting challenge, yet for beginners, it’s advisable to stick with standard. It’s the best way to familiarize yourself with the myriad of mechanics and systems present in the game.
Given that the game is still in early access and the storyline is incomplete, players will inevitably repeat the existing content, eventually experiencing the harder difficulty. Therefore, start your journey at a comfortable pace and save the challenge for later.
2 Pick a Class That Suits You
Six to Choose From
Choosing your class is one of the most significant decisions you will make. Each class has its unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to different playstyles, whether you prefer melee combat, dealing area damage, or engaging enemies from a distance. It’s crucial to select a class that complements your gameplay preferences.
While all classes have a learning curve, I recommend beginners start with the Mercenary Class. This class offers a familiar top-down shooter experience, making it easy to pick up. Utilizing crossbows and grenades to maintain distance from enemies provides a straightforward yet effective strategy. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with other classes before committing to a specific build.
3 It’s All About Numbers
Effects & Multipliers
For players familiar with looter shooters, it comes as no surprise that Path of Exile 2 places a heavy emphasis on optimizing stats and finding synergies that enhance your gameplay. Whenever you acquire a new weapon or piece of equipment, take the time to review its effects and statistics, as you may find significant upgrades hidden among the spoils of battle.
Pay attention to cooldown timers, status effects, and whether the gear boosts your essential stats. While raw damage is critical, it will only take you so far; having complementary effects is crucial for crafting a powerful loadout.
4 Stick to the Main Quest
Grind When You Need To
While exploring the early stages of Path of Exile 2 can be tempting, it’s wise to focus on your main quest. Although there are expansive areas to discover, going off the main path often yields minimal rewards, especially when defeating basic enemies. If you do get lucky, the chances of obtaining a valuable item drop from these foes are statistically low.
Some areas may appear enticing, but they seldom contain meaningful treasures. Concentrate on progressing your story, and if grinding for passive upgrades becomes necessary, there will be ample opportunities later in the game.
5 Do Available Side Quests for Extra Passives
A Little Extra Work
If you encounter a side quest while progressing through an area, taking the time to complete it is often beneficial. This saves you from needing to re-clear the area later on, and completing side quests usually rewards you with items that provide lasting buffs or additional passives.
While this may require confronting optional bosses and potentially putting yourself in danger, it’s all part of the adventure of becoming a hero.
6 Understand the Gem System
Hidden Gems Everywhere
Familiarizing yourself with the gem system at the start is crucial for success in Path of Exile 2. You’ll find options like Uncut Skill Gems and Uncut Support Gems that can unleash new attacks or enhance existing abilities. Navigating the menu to understand the gems you collect is essential for strategizing your character build effectively.
Prioritize upgrading skills that you frequently use rather than ones that are situational. Gems can typically be obtained as drops from enemies, and through quest completions and chests, so while they are relatively common, it’s important not to squander them.
7 Choose Passives Mindfully
Endless Nodes
The vast skill tree in Path of Exile 2 may seem intimidating, packed with countless nodes to select from. The silver lining, however, is that you can focus on one passive ability at a time and change your decisions later if needed. This flexibility should alleviate some pressure.
Choose passives that align with your current build. For instance, if you are specializing in damage per second (DPS), consider investing in faster projectiles, or for a strength build, allocate points to bolster that attribute. Always strive to envision your ideal build and progress toward it intentionally.
8 Constantly Upgrade Gear
There’s No Place for Sentimentality
Upon starting your adventure in Path of Exile 2, you will receive basic gear, but it is your responsibility to collect loot and upgrade your equipment frequently. While it may be difficult to let go of an early favorite piece of gear, remember that even rare items will soon become outdated in this ever-evolving loot landscape.
Be vigilant about evaluating potential upgrades rather than becoming emotionally attached. Let go of the old gear when you find something that enhances your stats or damage, as practicality outweighs sentiment.
9 Stash Items You Don’t Need
Keep Some Aside
When I suggest setting items aside, I mean utilizing the stash available back at Clearfell. There, you’ll find a chest with ample storage space. If you come across any weapons or items that show potential for future improvements or simply aren’t ready to sell, stashing them can be a smart move.
Saving these items is beneficial, especially if you lack Scrolls of Wisdom to identify them immediately, and can allow you to gather items that might be useful for alternative builds as your journey unfolds.
10 Identify Items Before You Sell
Stock Up on Scrolls of Wisdom
Utilizing Scrolls of Wisdom is essential for evaluating the true worth of items you encounter. These scrolls reveal actual stats and inherent effects, providing vital information as you quest through the game. Since Scrolls of Wisdom are relatively easy to find, feel free to use them liberally.
11 Make Use of The Hooded One
A Spooky Helper
Although you will initially struggle through the game’s starting quests to free the Hooded One, your efforts will unlock helpful functions. Once freed, this character serves as a valuable resource. Not only can the Hooded One identify items for you without consuming Scrolls of Wisdom, but they can also reset your passives, allowing for necessary character adjustments.
This second function can be particularly beneficial if you feel you made suboptimal choices earlier on, allowing for further refinement of your build.
12 Pick Up Anything Gold
Gold Means Good
The allure of Path of Exile 2 lies in its engaging world and deep gameplay systems, but ultimately, it’s the potential for rare loot drops that keeps players enthralled. Finding an item marked with gold text signifies it is exceptionally valuable. Always collect these items regardless of whether they fit into your current setup; their resale value is often worth it.
With adequate upgrades and modifications, these items can be re-purposed or sold for significant returns, enhancing your resources to better support your journey.
13 Instances Change the Map Layout
Everything Resets
Distinct from many other games, Path of Exile 2 dynamically alters map layouts, ensuring players remain engaged. Leaving an area or signing off resets the layout, resulting in reconfigured caves, tombs, and enemy placements. Strongly consider your exploration efforts before departing an area, as a return will require you to re-explore the region afresh, without assists from a map.
Take time to thoroughly explore each location before moving on to your next destination, as you never know what treasures may lie ahead.
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