Path of Exile 2 Is Actively Trying to Avoid Diablo 4’s Insane Damage Numbers but That Might Do More Harm Than Good
The world of action RPGs (ARPGs) thrives on power fantasies. Players chase the thrill of destroying monsters in a single swing or unleashing explosive spells that light up the screen. Diablo 4 has done this perfectly with damage numbers so astronomically high they often seem absurd. But it does more harm than good. And Path of Exile 2 will aim to be different.
PoE 2 is taking a different approach. With a focus on balanced progression and moderate power scaling, Grinding Gear Games (GGG) is deliberately avoiding the astronomical damage numbers that define some of its competitors. And it might be what makes it stand out in the end.
Path of Exile 2‘s Director Tells Us How It’s Different From Diablo 4
Path of Exile 2 director Jonathan Rogers recently made an appearance on the Tavern Talk Podcast hosted by content creators Darth Microtransaction and GhazzyTV. He noted that the game will steer clear of the exponential damage scaling seen in titles like Diablo 4.
Games like Diablo 4 thrive on exaggerated power scaling. Players delight in seeing their builds evolve from modest attacks to devastating blows that can vaporize bosses. However, this scaling often comes at a cost.
As evidenced by the repeated struggles with bugs and exploits that push damage into trillions, there are always balance issues. Rogers explained that the team aims to balance satisfying power progression with avoiding game-breaking mechanics.
Our numbers don’t scale as fast as some (other) games do and they don’t go quite as exponential which means we’re not going to have to be worrying about trillions of damage or anything like that.
At its core, PoE 2 is an ARPG with random loot mechanics, meaning progression often depends on grinding for better gear. Without the thrill of exponential power spikes, some players may find the grind tedious.
In Path of Exile 2 you will fight for survival against an overwhelming evil. Will you cleanse Wraeclast or succumb to the spreading Corruption?
— Path of Exile (@pathofexile) November 21, 2024
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PoE 2’s restrained approach might limit that dopamine rush, leaving players feeling underpowered, especially when doing harder content. The danger is that the game could become more of a grindfest than a rewarding journey.
Rogers and GGG Have a Different Vision For PoE 2
Diablo 4 embraces this absurdity with its damage mechanics and balancing. From glitches enabling trillions of damage to game-breaking builds like the Spiritborn class, Diablo 4 leans into its power fantasy, even if it compromises balance.
PoE 2’s conservative design philosophy could drive people away from this sense of discovery and creativity. Or it could also be a help. Its mobility-driven combat makes it more difficult but gives a sense of achievement that goes beyond mere numbers.
Rogers and the GGG team hope that maintaining balance will encourage players to explore builds and strategies without chasing game-breaking bugs or exploits. We don’t have to wait long to find out though because the game’s early access comes out very soon.
A key advantage for PoE 2 is its eventual free-to-play model, making it more accessible than competitors like Diablo 4, which requires an upfront purchase. The game’s Early Access release, which comes out on December 6, is behind a $30 paywall.
PoE 2 is preparing for its early access launch on December 6, 2024. Will you be trying it out?
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
