Is Path Of Exile 2 Better Than Diablo 4?

Summary

• Diablo 4 excels at storytelling with cinematic splendor, while Path of Exile 2 focuses on ecological storytelling.

• Path of Exile 2 offers challenging and complicated combat, while Diablo 4 has a more streamlined experience.

• Path of Exile 2 has deep character customization and significant loot reductions, setting it apart from Diablo 4.

Of all the loot-laden realms of ARPGs, two titans have risen as kings of the genre. Blizzard's Diablo 4 and Grinding Gear Games' Path of Exile 2. Both will have you fighting through relentless hordes of demons, skeletons and all things grotesque enemies.

But which game is worth your precious time? With both promising hours of build tweaking, loot tracking, and plenty of endgame options, it can be hard to decide which game is better. Let's delve into the different aspects of both to see which ARPG reigns supreme.

9

story

Diablo 4

With best-in-class cinematics and voice acting, Diablo 4 definitely takes the prize. From the destruction of the World Stone to the fall of Malthael, Diablo has years of history to draw upon. With the introduction of Lilith, Diablo 4 offers a story that will leave you questioning whether your fight against the Sanctuary Mother is really the right choice. If you're someone who craves a deep story, Diablo 4's combination of beautiful cinematics and great voice acting will keep you engaged throughout the campaign.

Path of Exile 2 is more about piecing together stories through ecological storytelling and scattered dialogue. While Path of Exile 2 has certainly improved its storytelling compared to its predecessor, it still falls short compared to the cinematic splendor of Diablo 4. If storytelling is your priority, Diablo 4 pulls ahead.

8

The complexity of the fight

Path of Exile 2

For those who appreciate a challenging combat system that requires strategic thinking, Path of Exile 2 offers focused and satisfying gameplay. His combat requires focus and skill, with one wrong move resulting in being crushed by a boss or hit by a minion. Dodge rolling is key, and if you've ever played a game like Souls, you'll know exactly what to expect here.

On the other hand, Diablo 4 offers a much more streamlined combat experience that may not satisfy those looking for a challenge before the end of the game. Level scaling plays a big part in this experience, and it's a feature you'll either love or hate.

7

Character building

Path of Exile 2

If you enjoy customizing character abilities and exploring complicated passive trees, Path of Exile 2 excels with its sometimes overwhelming system. It allows for a high degree of customization, allowing you to create a character that truly reflects any desired playstyle. From a crossbow-wielding monk to a witch with a giant two-handed mace, you have the freedom to build however you want.

Instead, Diablo 4 tightly ties progression to Legendary Aspects and established class identities, which can feel limiting to those who prefer more open styles of character building.

6

The loot system

Path of Exile 2

For players who prefer significant loot collections that require close attention, Path of Exile 2 respects your time with a system that emphasizes quality over quantity. This approach reduces inventory clutter and increases the satisfaction of finding valuable items.

Instead, Diablo 4 tends to flood your screen with frequent explosions of pointless loot, and since enemies are scaled to your level, it's harder to feel the impact of a cool new item.

5

Skill customization

Path of Exile 2

If you're the type of gamer who likes to play with endless options to customize your character, Path of Exile 2 is a dream come true. It has hundreds of skill gems paired with an intuitive login system that allows you to tweak your skills down to the most granular detail. You can mix and match gems to create everything from ricocheting fireballs to carpet bombing grenades. It's a whole playground for builders.

Diablo 4 takes a more streamlined approach, which can be great for newcomers, but feels limiting in comparison. The skill tree doesn't have the same level of experimentation, often sticking to linear upgrades. For players who like to spend hours on upgrades, Path of Exile 2 offers unmatched depth and creativity.

4

Accessibility to new players

Diablo 4

For those looking for a more accessible and less time-consuming gaming experience, Diablo 4 appeals to casual players with its simple mechanics and forgiving gameplay. Its design allows for shorter gaming sessions without significant penalties, making it suitable for those with limited time.

In contrast, Path of Exile 2 is known for its deep and intricate mechanics that may require a more substantial investment of time to fully appreciate. With the campaign alone taking over 45 hours to complete and an even longer endgame, Path Of Exile 2 is definitely more for hardcore gamers.

3

Visual and audio design

Path of Exile 2

If captivating graphics and excellent sound design are on your list. priorities, Path of Exile 2 impresses with its detailed environments and compelling audio design. Ice shards shatter with a satisfying crack, while each boss has its own themed soundtrack. The game's beautiful presentation is also a huge step above Path of Exile and greatly improves the overall experience.

Wraeclast has never looked or sounded this good, let alone most other ARPGs. While Diablo 4 also offers undeniably high-quality visuals, Path of Exile 2 has a slight edge with its more realistic art style and satisfying sound.

2

End game content

Path of Exile 2

For players looking for extensive end-game content that offers long-term commitment, Path of Exile 2 already offers plenty to do even in Early Access. From Breach, Ritual, Delirium and more, its end-game systems are designed to provide continuous content, ensuring there's always something new to progress through. In comparison, Diablo 4 doesn't offer the same depth of endgame content, especially if you've never picked up the Vessel of Hate expansion.

While both games have their strengths, Path of Exile 2 stands out, especially with its sheer amount of content on offer. However, if you're a casual gamer looking for a smoother experience, Diablo 4 might be your go-to choice.

1

Winner

Path of Exile 2

When it comes to crowning a winner, Path of Exile 2 claims the throne with its depth, challenging gameplay, and deep end-game experience. This isn't just an ARPG, it's a complete experience that thrives on constant evolution thanks to regular updates and upcoming League mechanics. Whether you're diving into the labyrinthine passive tree, experimenting with various builds, or chasing down unique loot, Path of Exile 2 rewards your dedication like few games can.

While Diablo 4 shines as a stylish and affordable option, it often feels more like a guided tour than a true journey. Path of Exile 2 is the opposite, with endless amounts of customization and a system where classes are often more of a suggestion than an identity. If you're ready for a long-term commitment to a game that will challenge you for years to come, Wraeclast will welcome you home with (not so) open arms.