Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting free-to-play Action RPGs of its generation. Developed by Grinding Gear Games, this highly anticipated sequel takes everything fans loved about the original Path of Exile and evolves it with modernized mechanics, new systems, and an expansive new campaign. Mac users can also rejoice, as Path of Exile 2 is available on macOS, allowing players to experience its deep mechanics and dark world firsthand.

A Dark and Dangerous World: Welcome Back to Wraeclast

Set in the shadowy and perilous continent of Wraeclast, Path of Exile 2 introduces players to a world filled with ancient secrets, monstrous enemies, and creeping Corruption. In this narrative-driven adventure, players will face a sinister threat that was once thought destroyed. But this evil has returned, corrupting the land and driving its inhabitants to madness. With a new six-act campaign, you'll journey through over 100 distinct environments, encounter 600 terrifying monsters, and face off against 100 unique bosses—each bringing their own set of challenges and gameplay mechanics.

This dark fantasy world is both visually stunning and packed with content, ensuring players will have countless hours of thrilling gameplay to explore.

Twelve Character Classes and 36 Ascendancy Specialisations

Path of Exile 2 builds on its predecessor's flexible character progression system with twelve character classes. These classes are divided into combinations of Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence, giving players plenty of diversity in terms of playstyle. While each class has a unique starting point, you can mix and match skills from different classes to create your dream build.

One of the most exciting aspects of character progression is the Ascendancy Classes. Each base class has three unique Ascendancy specializations, meaning there are 36 Ascendancy Classes to choose from. Whether you want to be a deadly assassin or a powerful elementalist, there's a specialization tailored for your preferred play-style.

The All-New Skill Gem System

A standout feature of Path of Exile 2 is its revamped Skill Gem system. This new system offers a total of 240 Skill Gemsand 200 Support Gems. Players can mix these together to unleash devastating combinations of abilities. Support Gems are now socketed directly into Skill Gems, eliminating some of the complexity from the previous system while keeping all of its depth.

A major improvement is that players can now six-link every skill, meaning you can have multiple powerful abilities fully supported at once, offering unprecedented customization and power.

Dual-Specialisation in the Passive Skill Tree

One of Path of Exile's most iconic features is its Passive Skill Tree, and the sequel has only expanded upon it. With over 1,500 passive skills, you can customise your character to your heart’s content. However, Path of Exile 2 introduces a fresh twist: Dual Specialisation. This allows players to allocate passive skill points into two different branches of the tree, which activate depending on the weapon or skill you’re using at the moment. For example, you can allocate points for both dagger and trap skills, or ice and lightning specialisations, switching between them fluidly during combat. This innovation opens up a wide array of possibilities for players to experiment with.

A Massive Arsenal of Items

Path of Exile 2 boasts over 700 equipment base types, with each offering its own unique version for players to find and equip. Fans of item-hunting will be pleased to learn that new weapon types such as Spears, Crossbows, and Flails are joining the arsenal, along with supplementary items like Focuses and Traps. Even familiar item types, such as Sceptres, have been redesigned to offer more exciting gameplay possibilities.

Face Unique Bosses in Every Area

If battling bosses is your thing, Path of Exile 2 won’t disappoint. Every area of the campaign has its own boss encounter, with over 100 bosses to challenge. Each boss offers unique combat mechanics, ensuring that encounters remain fresh and require strategic planning.

Explore a Brand-New Endgame

While the six-act campaign is brimming with content, the journey doesn’t stop there. Path of Exile 2 also introduces a revamped Endgame, which features more than 100 endgame maps, each with its own modifiers and boss fights. These maps will bring back and reimagine many of the beloved leagues from the original Path of Exile, adding even more depth and variety to the late-game experience. Though details are still scarce, Grinding Gear Games promises exciting surprises in the lead-up to release.

Free-to-Play, Never Pay-to-Win

Path of Exile 2 continues the same fair-to-play approach that has endeared players to the franchise. Like the original, the sequel is completely free-to-play with no pay-to-win mechanics. Cosmetic microtransactions will be available, but they won't affect gameplay. If you’ve already invested in cosmetics from the original game, those purchases will carry over to the sequel, adding extra value to long-time players.

Mature Content Warning

It’s worth noting that Path of Exile 2 is intended for mature audiences. The game contains frequent violence, gore, and some mature content, so it's not recommended for younger players or for playing in sensitive environments like the workplace.

System Requirements for macOS

Mac users can look forward to playing Path of Exile 2 without needing the latest hardware. Here are the minimum and recommended system requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

• OS: macOS 10.13

• Processor: 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7

• Memory: 8 GB RAM

• Graphics: Radeon Pro 450

• Network: Broadband Internet connection

Recommended Requirements:

• OS: macOS 10.13

• Processor: 2.6GHz hex-core Intel Core i7

• Memory: 16 GB RAM

• Graphics: Radeon Pro 555X

• Network: Broadband Internet connection

• Additional Notes: Solid-state storage is recommended for the best experience.

Conclusion: The Future of Action RPGs is Here

Path of Exile 2 is a monumental step forward for the franchise. With its extensive new campaign, exciting dual-specialisation mechanics, and fair-to-play business model, this sequel is set to captivate both veteran fans and newcomers alike. Mac users who love deep, customisable gameplay in a dark, rich world will want to mark this one on their calendar.

Stay tuned as more details are revealed ahead of the official release!