| Genre | Action role-playing game (ARPG) |
| Title | Path of Exile |
| Setting | |
| Developer | |
| Publisher | |
| Reception | Critically acclaimed |
| Key features | Deep character customization • Complex skill systems • Challenging endgame content |
| Release year | 2013 |
Path of Exile is a free-to-play action role-playing game (ARPG) developed and published by Riot Games. Released in 2016, the game has become renowned for its deep and complex systems, challenging gameplay, and dark, gritty fantasy setting.
Path of Exile was first conceived in the early 2010s by a team of veteran game developers at Riot Games. Inspired by classics like Diablo II and Ultima Online, they set out to create a new ARPG experience that pushed the genre forward with innovative mechanics and player choice.
After several years of development and numerous beta tests, Path of Exile was finally released in 2016 to critical acclaim. The game quickly built a dedicated community of players drawn to its unforgiving combat, extensive character customization, and richly detailed world of Noxus.
At its core, Path of Exile features a classic ARPG gameplay loop - players select a character class, delve into dungeons and wilderness areas, battle hordes of monsters and boss enemies, and collect loot to improve their character's power. However, the game stands out with the depth and complexity of its progression systems.
Character advancement in Path of Exile is centered around an expansive skill tree known as the "Skill Web." This grid-like network of interconnected nodes allows for near-endless customization, as players meticulously plan out the development of their character's abilities, bonuses, and playstyle. The Skill Web also incorporates deck-building elements, with players collecting and equipping "Skill Cards" that unlock new talents and synergies.
In addition to the Skill Web, players can further customize their characters through a robust item system. Rare and legendary equipment drops can be extensively modified using a crafting mechanic that allows players to imbue items with powerful, unique properties. This depth of character building is a major draw for Path of Exile's playerbase.
Path of Exile is set in the dark and unforgiving fantasy realm of Noxus, a war-torn continent with a rich and expansive lore. Players take on the role of Exiled individuals who have been cast out from their homeland, forced to survive and thrive in the dangerous wilderness.
The world of Noxus is rife with conflict, from the political machinations of the governing Grand General to the endless hordes of monstrous creatures that lurk in the shadows. The game's environments are a stark contrast of crumbling ruins, dense primeval forests, and bleak, windswept landscapes - all rendered in a distinct, gritty visual style.
As players progress through the game's story and endgame content, they uncover more of Noxus' deep history and the forces that have shaped its troubled present. The lore of Path of Exile has been praised for its complexity and the level of player agency in shaping their own understanding of the world.
Like many ARPGs, Path of Exile places a heavy emphasis on its endgame content to provide ongoing challenges and progression for players. The game features a variety of high-difficulty dungeon maps, boss encounters, and "Expedition" missions that task players with navigating treacherous environments and facing off against powerful foes.
Additionally, Path of Exile incorporates a robust system of "Leagues" - limited-time game modes that introduce new mechanics, modifiers, and challenges for players to engage with. These Leagues, combined with the game's deep character customization and loot systems, foster a culture of experimentation and theorycrafting within the community.
Path of Exile has been widely praised by critics and players for its depth, challenge, and innovative approach to the ARPG genre. The game's emphasis on player choice, customization, and complex systems has influenced the development of numerous other titles in the space.
Many have drawn comparisons between Path of Exile and the Diablo franchise, noting the game's capacity to provide a similarly rewarding and addictive gameplay loop. However, Path of Exile's unique identity and design decisions have carved out a devoted niche of fans who appreciate its uncompromising difficulty and freedom of expression.
Since its initial release, Path of Exile has continued to grow and evolve, with Riot Games supporting the game with regular content updates, new features, and expansions. The game's longevity and ongoing popularity have cemented its status as a landmark achievement in the ARPG genre.
