When you create a new character in Path of Exile, you are presented with a variety of game modes to choose from. Experienced players will probably be able to quickly decide which mode is best for them. However, if you are new to the game, the options can be a bit confusing. Here is a guide to help you choose the best game mode for you.
In this guide, we will explore the two different ways to play in Path of Exile: standard and seasonal modes (called leagues). We will point out the key differences between the two modes to help new players understand which one is best for them. We will also explain what happens to your character when the season ends.
Game Mode Options Explained
When creating a new character in Path of Exile, you have three different modes to choose from:
- Standard League
- Seasonal/Challenge League
- Hardcore Seasonal/Challenge League
It is important to note that Challenge League does not appear as an option, but as a current league. For example, if Settlers of Kalguur is the latest league at the time of this guide, you will see Standard League, Settlers, and Hardcore Settlers in the options.
Beyond standard league or challenge leagues, there are additional modes to choose from:
- Hardcore
- Ruthless
- Solo Self-Found
When choosing Hardcore, if your character dies, it will revert to standard mode, which is non-hardcore mode. Choosing Ruthless, on the other hand, means that the game will be significantly more difficult, which may slow down your progress. For experienced players, this mode may provide a fresh sense of challenge.
However, this mode may not be suitable for beginners who are just starting to play the game, unless you have enough POE Currency to obtain and upgrade equipment so that you can adapt to the difficulty of the game in this mode. You can also pay attention to Giveaway platform in IGGM discord, which often releases some product giveaway information. You can follow each information release by being active in discord group.
As for Solo Self-Found, you cannot trade or team up with other players in this mode. But it is worth mentioning that this choice can be changed after the character is created, so you are not permanently restricted to the initial choice.
Description Of Challenge League
A seasonal league is a limited-time feature in Path of Exile. They are called ‘Challenge Leagues’ in the game. Only during the league event can you create a new character and experience the special gameplay related to the league. For example, in PoE 3.25 Settlers of Kalguur league, players can build and develop the town of kingsmarch.
If you choose to play standard league, the town building function mentioned above will not be available. Standard mode consists mainly of the core game content and content added in later updates, and does not include any unique features for a particular season.
What To Do After Challenge League Ends?
When a season ends, you cannot create new characters in that season. With Settlers of Kalguur mentioned earlier, this means that ‘Settlers’ option will no longer be available.
However, this does not mean that your characters from that season will be removed. Instead, they will be transferred to a permanent league with your map progress and all your stored items.
When Do Challenge Leagues Usually Start?
If you want to restart the game and seek a fresh experience, challenge leagues are a good choice. So how often do these leagues usually take place? For example, the current challenge leagues started on July 26, 2024, while the previous Necropolis league started on March 29, 2024. A challenge league lasts about four months.
This roughly marks the length of a season cycle, but seasons do not end without warning. As new seasons get closer, you’ll start seeing announcements about them, which gives you time to prepare. It’s important to note that once a season ends, your character won’t be able to transfer over to the next one, but this also gives you a great opportunity to try out a new class or build.
How To Choose Game Mode That Suits You?
If you want to experience the latest content, challenge leagues are a brilliant choice. These leagues are where new content is introduced, so joining challenge leagues is the best way to experience the game. It’s also worth noting that since more players tend to play in this mode, you’ll can interact with other players more.
Challenge leagues are also a brilliant choice for new players. Starting at the beginning of a league ensures that you don’t fall behind other players in your progress. If you start in standard leagues, you may not run into other players as often, and if you do, they may be much stronger than you.
In summary, whether you're a hardcore player or a novice, it's important to understand the characteristics of each mode so that you can have the best experience in the wonderful world of Path of Exile.
