Summary
Path of Exile 2seeks to be an overall improved and more polished version of the original game launched over ten years ago, dramatically updating graphics and gameplay along the way. Nearly every aspect of the original is touched upon in some way, with a big example being howPath of Exile 2’s skills and their linked support Gems work. Another massive change comes in the form ofPath of Exile 2’s classes, which are nearly double the original’s in terms of numbers, and they offer plenty of variety with each class having its own specialization and accompanying Ascendancy classes to further spec into. With a continued focus on live-service elements, Ascendancy classes are precisely whatPath of Exile 2can work with to create exciting seasonal offerings.
Diablo 4’s live-service approachhasn’t been doing well so far, with the game suffering from a lack of meaningful endgame grinds and poor itemization, meaningPath of Exile 2has a chance to steal its thunder and double down on it. Not only doesPath of Exile 2have a strong basis for seasonal content in the original title, with the approach being tied to Leagues - releases where new activities, bosses, and items are introduced, but its staggering number of classes can come in handy for extra hype.
Path of Exile 2’s Leagues Could Take Ascendancy Classes To The Next Level
The Argument for New Path of Exile 2 Ascendancy Classes
It’s not uncommon forPath of ExileLeaguesto add many new things that keep players engaged, from powerful new Skill Gems to endgame grinds that feature hidden or very difficult bosses. However, what the game hasn’t really experimented with so far is the concept of “seasonal classes,” meaning that a new Ascendancy class is added for each character. This may seem like an exceptional challenge, and from a developmental standpoint it is, but these temporary classes could have nodes and Notable passives that work alongside the themes of a given League or seasonal release.
These new Ascendancy classes could hypothetically provide players with passive boons for their characters when tackling all content, but give increased bonuses in seasonal activities and when finding League-exclusive loot. Then, these Ascendancy classes could have Notable nodes that experiment on the initial concepts of each ofPath of Exile 2’s classes, essentially allowing Grinding Gear Games to experiment with abandoned ideas, archetypes, and potential changes to the formula. The temporary classes would only be available for a given League, which would make for a powerful marketing tool when revealing new releases to players.
The Pros and Cons of Seasonal Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2
Why Temporary Path of Exile 2 Classes Can Be a Blessing and a Curse
WithPath of Exile 2featuring 12 classesand three Ascendancies for each, a fourth Ascendancy class can be a lot to manage, and it may end up giving players too many options for their own sake. In an already complex game where new seasonal content will already increase the offering by a significant margin, extra classes may not only feel too much, but they may also end up fostering FOMO (the fear of missing out) due to their limited availability. This is something live-service games have to be wary about, especially in the current era.
However, new Ascendancy classes tied to Leagues may end up spicingPath of Exile 2’s gameplayvery often, especially if the current three or four-month schedule for each release is kept the same. Many new options in each League can be an enticing prospect for veterans and newcomers alike, making for an interesting addition to the existing formula. Another option could be releasing temporary Ascendancy classes with yearly expansions rather than Leagues, providing players with some respite if they want to experience new games without the fear of missing out on live-service elements. Either way, this is a unique concept thatPath of Exile 2could pull off, but it remains speculation for the time being.
Path of Exile II
WHERE TO PLAY
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation free-to-play Action RPG created by Grinding Gear Games. Journey across the deadly continent of Wraeclast, meeting multiple immersive cultures while facing off against evil in many forms. Path of Exile 2 features twelve character classes, 240 Skill Gems, hundreds of equipment base types, a six-act campaign, more than a hundred unique boss fights, a deep endgame system and so much more. Play with your friends without losing any progress with couch co-op, cross-play and cross-progression.
