As someone deeply invested in ARPGs through Grim Dawn, Diablo 2, 3, and 4, I’ve been following the evolution of both Last Epoch and Path of Exile 2. While I haven’t experience the thousands of hours into either game yet, these IP’s are a great addition to the genre. There are nothing but positive aspects to having a thriving ecosystem in the ARPG world.
In this series, no game will win. That doesn’t mean that no game is better than another in certain aspects. The genre developed so much; it makes little sense to compare them like smartphones in a side-by-side aspect. We will, however, point clear winner or favourite mechanics.
My main complain with recent Diablo games (3 & 4)
My biggest issue with Diablo 3 and 4 is they feel easy, uncomplex, handholding. And cranking up the difficulty to the hardest possible did nothing but slow down progress. Despite enjoying the combat, I was disappointed by the game’s simplistic skill tree and limited build variety compared to its predecessor. By removing inefficient builds and loot, the Diablo series was essentially streamlined.
Let’s start and compare a bit:
Different Philosophies
Eleventh Hour Games’ Last Epoch offers a blend of Diablo’s ease of use and Path of Exile’s complexity. Character building is engaging but not overwhelming thanks to innovative features like customizable skill trees and the Forge.
Grinding Gear Games’ many years of experience developing PoE 1 paved the way for Path of Exile 2. PoE 2 maintains that feeling of depth while catering to a larger player base. Significant alterations include a dodge-roll system replacing the crafting bench, resulting in a more action-oriented experience. Distancing itself from Path of Exile 1 enough so that they maintain separate design philosophies and assuming to, even to an extend different audience.
Overall, PoE2 seems to cater to a less hardcore audience, but not one that needs handholding.
Writing aside the major aspects of design philosophy and game complexity, we can boil it down to:
- Diablo – Easy Mode
- Last Epoch – Normal
- Path of Exile 2 – Hard
- Path of Exile – Hardcore
Combat and Movement
Last Epoch gameplay centers on a balanced combat system that rewards varied skill usage. The measured pace permits tactical decision-making. The combat feels great, a polished experience that honestly makes it feel like a good Diablo game. On the plus side, the amount of combo and variety of skills that one can use, makes the game feel and play great.
PoE 2 on the other hand, feels like a top-down souls-like in terms of combat and main gameplay loop. Boss fights remind of souls-like boss fights, with the ease of making a mistake and seeing the screen of death. The dodge roll mechanic combined with the WASD movement separates a lot from the common ARPG trope, bringing a fresh perspective that I as somewhere in between dad-gamer and hardcore gamer enjoy.
PoE 2 changed its combat system, notably removing traditional movement skills in favor of a universal dodge-roll mechanic. This change, along with weapon-swapping mechanics and flask refills requiring town visits, suggests a more deliberate combat pace compared to PoE 1.
Accessibility vs Complexity
A key differentiator between these games is their approach to player onboarding. Last Epoch embraces a more straightforward progression system where players can experiment with builds without severe penalties. The game’s crafting system is deterministic, allowing players to work toward specific goals rather than rely purely on RNG.
PoE 2, despite promises of improved accessibility, seems to maintain its predecessor’s philosophy of complex systems and high skill ceiling. The announced 50-hour campaign (even if shorter for veterans) and the continuation of currency-based crafting suggest it’s still targeting hardcore ARPG enthusiasts.
Strengths and Trade-offs
Overall, Last Poch excels in some aspects: crafting, build variety and experimentation and, of course, game accessibility.
The game’s approach to skill customization is something not necessarily unique, but somehow they made it their own. Does it make sense?
PoE 2 impresses challenging and nicely scripted boss fights, and of course superior graphics. It has a polish that screams AAA game.
The Endgame Question
Both games currently face endgame challenges. Last Epoch’s endgame can become repetitive for players seeking long-term engagement. Not to mention the fact that many players complained when 1.0 launched, because it still felt early access.
Path of Exile 2, shows similar limitations. Players report reaching endgame around 75 hours in but finding the systems unrefined and progression staggering.
In the ARPG world there is no such thing as perfect game. Oh wait nevermind, Grim Dawn exists.
