Last Epoch Borrows Some Key QoL Changes From Diablo 4 for Season 2 Update, but Will It Be Enough to Keep Path of Exile 2 at Bay?

The ARPG genre is having what we might call a “midlife crisis” – and it’s getting spicy. While Diablo 4 players continue their exodus in search of greener pastures (or at least more engaging endgame content), two contenders are stepping into the ring with updates that might just make Sanctuary feel like yesterday’s news.

In one corner stands Last Epoch, the plucky underdog that’s been steadily winning hearts throughout 2024 with its blend of classic ARPG mechanics and modern sensibilities. In the other, Path of Exile 2 looms large, ready to shake up the genre when it launches into early access this weekend.

And speaking of shaking things up—EHG’s latest announcement for Last Epoch‘s Season 2 reads like a wishlist of quality-of-life improvements that even the most jaded ARPG veteran couldn’t ignore. But in a genre where “more complex” often equals “more better,” will these streamlined features be enough?

Last Epoch‘s Season 2 Quality-of-Life Revolution

When it comes to keeping players happy, sometimes it’s the little things that matter most. Developer Eleventh Hour Games has clearly been taking notes from both Diablo 4′s successes and stumbles, implementing changes that address some of the community’s biggest pain points.

Last Epoch’s inventory system is getting some much-needed love with a new comparison feature that lets you size up potential upgrades against your off-hand items and second ring slot. If you’ve ever spent minutes squinting at stat differences trying to decide if that new unique is actually an upgrade, this one’s for you. It’s the kind of feature that makes you wonder why it wasn’t there from the start.

Dungeon enthusiasts have something to celebrate too. Instead of watching your stash tabs slowly fill up with keys, you’ll soon have access to dedicated, unlimited storage for them. It’s a simple change that speaks volumes about EHG’s attention to player convenience—and one that might have Diablo 4 players glancing enviously at their overstuffed inventories.

According to the latest developer blog, the Boss Ward system is also getting a significant overhaul. This defensive mechanic, which currently triggers a bit too frequently for comfort, will become more selective in its application. It’ll focus on meaningful encounters like chapter bosses while featuring a faster decay rate, making boss fights feel more dynamic and less like a war of attrition.

Path of Exile 2: The Weekend Warrior Approaches

While Last Epoch plans its future improvements, Path of Exile 2 is about to kick down the door this weekend with what might be the most ambitious ARPG launch since, well, the original Path of Exile. Grinding Gear Games isn’t just offering a fresh coat of paint here—they’re rebuilding the genre’s engine from the ground up.

The early access launch will include six new classes, each sporting two of their three planned Ascendancies. But it’s not just about character variety. The game introduces a completely revamped skill system that fundamentally changes how players build their characters. Support gems now socket directly into skill gems, opening up possibilities that would make even the most experienced theory-crafter’s head spin.

The campaign, estimated to take 25 hours on the first playthrough, promises to be more than just a tutorial for the endgame. GGG is aiming to make the journey just as engaging as the destination.

Combat is getting a massive overhaul too. Gone are the days of standing still to attack. PoE 2 introduces dodge rolls and active blocking, making moment-to-moment gameplay feel more dynamic than ever. With approximately 400 enemy types and 50 bosses at launch, players will have plenty of opportunities to test these new mechanics.

The coolest part? Path of Exile 2 isn’t replacing its older sibling—both games will coexist, each with their own campaigns and endgames. It’s like GGG is saying “Why choose between classic and modern when you can have both?”

And while Last Epoch‘s planned improvements show promise, the question remains: will players stick around until Q1 2025 to see them, or will Path of Exile 2‘s siren song prove too tempting to resist? The ARPG market is about to get very interesting indeed.

What do you think about Last Epoch‘s upcoming changes? Will they be enough to keep you engaged when Path of Exile 2 launches, or are you already planning your weekend warrior schedule? Let us know in the comments below!

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