– Path of Exile 2 is free to play until June 1, with a 50% discount ($14.99 vs. $29.99) for continued access.
– It is harder, more complex, and more theorycraft-focused than Diablo IV, which is more accessible and streamlined.
– The game features a dark, grim world with deep build customization via passive abilities and skill gems.
– Player reception is mixed: praised for atmosphere and depth, criticized for high difficulty, slow progression, and unrewarding loot.
– The choice between Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2 ultimately depends on personal preference for accessibility vs. complexity.
Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2: A Weekend Battle for ARPG Supremacy
For some time now, Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2 have been locked in a close race for the title of today’s most popular action RPG. Compared to Diablo IV, Path of Exile 2 is less cinematic, but harder, more complex and far more focused on theorycrafting. Anyone who has not yet had the chance to try Grinding Gear Games’ ARPG can now do so over the weekend. Until June 1, Path of Exile 2 is completely free to play, including on the Steam Deck. On top of that, the game is getting its first-ever discount, according to SteamDB – and not just 20%, but a full 50% right away. After around a year and a half, it was about time. Those who want to continue playing after the free trial can currently get PoE 2 for $14.99 instead of $29.99.
What Path of Exile 2 Offers
In Path of Exile 2, players return to the dark world of Wraeclast, where corruption, monsters and ancient powers set the tone. They choose a class, fight their way through grim areas from an isometric perspective, collect loot, improve equipment and shape their character through passive abilities, skill gems and countless build combinations – essentially a classic action RPG, but more complex, harder and less streamlined than Diablo IV. A look at the Steam reviews shows that many players like exactly that. Others prefer to stick with Blizzard’s more accessible ARPG, which is more polished and forgiving in its mechanics.
Comparing Reviews and Difficulity
The more than 200,000 Steam reviews are only 73% positive, although the situation is similar for Diablo IV. There is praise for the dark atmosphere and enormous gameplay depth, but also criticism of the very high difficulty level, slow progression and loot that often does not feel rewarding. With Diablo IV, it is almost the opposite: Blizzard’s RPG is considered more accessible, but is often criticized for having less endgame depth and too much focus on live service. Whether Diablo IV or Path of Exile 2 is the better game ultimately comes down to personal taste, with no clear winner emerging from the community.
Pricing and Deal Details
- Free play until June 1 on all platforms, including Steam Deck.
- 50% discount on the full game via SteamDB, dropping price from $29.99 to $14.99.
- No guarantee on price stability, as retailers may change prices without notice.
- First major discount after about 18 months following launch.
