Among MMO hack and slash games, Path of Exile series is undoubtedly one of the most attractive. The game’s meticulous environment, fascinating combat, and rich and complex content ensure that you can find MMORPG experience you are looking for.

According to the latest news, the game developer will launch an early access version of Path of Exile 2 on December 6, aiming to elevate many aspects of the game to a new level based on the first game. And both games will be running simultaneously, rather than putting the first game on hold, ensuring you can switch between what you want to experience at any time.

Although the solid performance of the first game has already made POE series well-received, the amazing changes in POE 2 will definitely further stimulate your interest. They will make the game more immersive and ensure it feels fresh and engaging for both new and experienced players.

Based on this, we will introduce to you the 5 most significant changes in the early access version of Path of Exile 2 compared to the first one.

1. Add Local Couch Co-Op Function

Previously, players have been hoping that the game official can add co-op cooperation function to POE series. Now it has finally appeared in the highly anticipated sequel, and it is not a onetime addition, but a long-term presence.

Based on this feature, you will explore the vast game map with friends or family in the same house without having to create another account. And couch co-op also means you don’t need an extra console or copy of the game when you’re trying it out for the first time.

Path of Exile was already a fun game to play with friends in the first game, and even more so when facing the same powerful boss on the same screen in POE 2. Thanks to the addition of couch co-op, Path of Exile 2 can attract more players to join the game, making the series more popular.

2. Integration Of Cross-Play And Cross-Progression

Although the benefits of cross-platform play may not be obvious to you, it is always popular with most people, especially the addition of local co-op mode, which will further bridge the gap between players.

And Path of Exile 2 not only introduces cross-platform play but also adds cross-platform progression, allowing you to use the same game character on different devices. Thanks to this change, you will not have to create a new character because of changing device, resulting in POE 2 Currency in your original account being nowhere to be used; and you can also go on adventures anytime, anywhere without restrictions.

This change is especially useful for players who want to play games on the go. Because being able to switch between various mobile gaming devices is a huge convenience after all. And with the development of technology, device types will become more and more abundant, so cross-platform games are a wonderful development.

3. Gold Will Replacing Shards

According to the current known information, POE 2 will set gold as the core resource and main currency of the game, which differs from the mechanism of the first game. As for the ways to obtain POE 2 Gold, it can be obtained from monsters you defeat or by selling items to suppliers.

In addition, the original Orb of Alteration and Orb of Scouring will be replaced by gold-centric mechanics, although Alchemy and Transmutation shards can still be obtained by disenchanting items.

This change in currency will mostly come as a change in the dynamics between you and vendors compared to the first game, and this change will make exchanging items a more versatile tool when selling high-quality gear. Get more bang for your buck.

In Path of Exile 2 Early Access, gold can also be used to redistribute passive points or gamble for a unique gear with random rarities. This change may make it easier for new players to adapt to the game, as the currency system will be easier to understand and learn than in the past.

4. Enhanced Gem Functionality Changes

In POE 2, the gem system will also face some major reforms. First, the weapon no longer contains gem slots, but provides an additional gem menu with 9 slots for inserting various skill gems. You need to find uncut gems in the game and apply skills of your choice to them, rather than looking for gems that already have skills on them like in the past.

In fact, the changes to the gem mechanics in Path of Exile 2 are designed to help you have more customization of your character and your character’s class. For example, compared with general damage buffs, auxiliary gems will provide more unique mechanisms based on skill and class differences after functional changes.

Ultimately, you’ll find that the changes to the gem system give you more control, allowing for greater customization while also giving each class and weapon more personality than before.

5. Flask System Upgrades

Compared to the first game, normal enemies in POE 2 will no longer drop resources to recharge your flask when defeated. Only killing unique or magical monsters will drop these resources. And you have to activate specific wells in towns to fully recharge the flask, rather than automatically recharging upon entering a town. This will force you to manage related resources more carefully.

Although some people are dissatisfied with these changes, considering that the early access version of Path of Exile 2 is a new game, its difficulty settings are bound to have some adjustments. And this adjustment is likely to revolve around changes like the flask system.

While you might be concerned that different types of flasks will be removed, it can be seen from the related trailer that aside from the changes regarding charging resources, the design of the flasks has been relatively unchanged, and there are even many flasks that will be returned from the original game (except for the removal of Quicksilver flasks).

While it’s currently uncertain how much of an impact these changes will have on POE 2, there’s no doubt that they are interesting developments. They signify the game developers’ goal is to give you a better gaming experience. So let us look forward to its official arrival!