Path of Exile

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2202 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,641 out of 2202
  2. Mixed: 258 out of 2202
  3. Negative: 303 out of 2202

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  1. Janny_A
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    The best ARPG game so far, unseen depth and diversity and constant updates, some completely reinventing the game and at the very least the vast majority of the builds in it. 10/10
  2. Lambo442
    Dec 3, 2013
    10
    Three weeks has passed since I started playing POE and I'm still asking myself 'is this really free?' This is a slick, in depth title with hugely customizable characters that offer an endless amount of play styles. It really is everything you could ever want out of game of this genre, especially seeing as it's online and has a pretty good community of hardcore gamers. There are also a shedThree weeks has passed since I started playing POE and I'm still asking myself 'is this really free?' This is a slick, in depth title with hugely customizable characters that offer an endless amount of play styles. It really is everything you could ever want out of game of this genre, especially seeing as it's online and has a pretty good community of hardcore gamers. There are also a shed load of competitions and events which mean that playing online always easy and rewarding. I haven't played Diablo 3 yet but it's going to have a tough job beating this.… Expand
  3. dryerlaw
    Jun 14, 2018
    10
    Latecomer here.

    There is so much content in this game, it's staggering. Literally thousands of skills permutations to try out with the gems system. And so many world events to maximize replayability. Diablo 3 RoS felt unfinished compared to this.
  4. Mittsies
    Jan 14, 2014
    10
    Diablo is my all-time favorite PC game, and I've logged thousands of hours into Diablo 2. In my opinion, Path of Exile is the best Dungeon Crawler ever created because it is took everything I loved about Diablo 2 and improved on the formula, took everything I disliked and removed it, and left me with nothing but near-flawless gameplay. The developers are absolutely top-notch, they could beDiablo is my all-time favorite PC game, and I've logged thousands of hours into Diablo 2. In my opinion, Path of Exile is the best Dungeon Crawler ever created because it is took everything I loved about Diablo 2 and improved on the formula, took everything I disliked and removed it, and left me with nothing but near-flawless gameplay. The developers are absolutely top-notch, they could be huge one day if they continue like this.

    Incredible game. Worth every penny -- oh wait. IT'S FREE.    … Expand
  5. WarX
    Oct 28, 2013
    10
    F2P done wright, no pay 2 win, it have something from all great arpg's, but reminds me a lot of Diablo 2,
    will recommend it to all that loves rpg's. So happy gaming...
  6. Lluminari
    Jan 16, 2014
    10
    For the longest time I've been awaiting an RPG adventure like this. Having to read the reviews on Diablo III and hear the many disappointments Blizzard incorporated into their franchise, Path Of Exile breathes new life into the genre.

    You get to choose your character and the level of difficulty. The customization stop there, though. The class you pick already has a predetermined male or    For the longest time I've been awaiting an RPG adventure like this. Having to read the reviews on Diablo III and hear the many disappointments Blizzard incorporated into their franchise, Path Of Exile breathes new life into the genre.

    You get to choose your character and the level of difficulty. The customization stop there, though. The class you pick already has a predetermined male or female role. If you can't get over that and enjoy the game, you'll be missing out on an adventure.

    You don't have to go it alone. Once you get the basics down, which takes no time at all, you can either take the game on alone or quick join a party. Or, if you're stuck, create your own. You'll notice that your party will like to run through the level pretty quickly. So try not to fall behind.

    The story is nothing new and nothing surprising. This is another downfall of PoE. My guess is if the story were worse, players wouldn't care. Truly, the game can stand alone lacking a story.

    The environments are lush and detailed. The darker areas feel foreboding with a sense of danger at every turn. The music and environmental effects are rich. Headphone users will not be disappointed. Usually games I play, I turn off the music and play my own, but the score here is really well done.

    The replay is nice. You can keep playing the game again with tougher foes, though expect to die a lot if you don't party up at this point.

    Grinding Gear games also made this game FREE. People have the option to buy custom skins, but they can't buy anything that gives them a leg up over other players, making the PvP arena fair game.

    This is truly one of the best titles of 2013 and I look forward to see what Grinding Gear Games comes out with next.    … Expand
  7. Evarin
    Oct 28, 2013
    10
    Though the game has its flaws and shortcomings, it gets a 10 from me for one distinct reason: IT IS 100% FREE! There is no pay-to-win, no content is gated behind a paywall. You cannot make your character stronger by paying money. How amazing is that in a FTP game?

    As to the game itself, if you're a fan of Diablo and the like, this game is right in your wheelhouse. PoE has its own spin    Though the game has its flaws and shortcomings, it gets a 10 from me for one distinct reason: IT IS 100% FREE! There is no pay-to-win, no content is gated behind a paywall. You cannot make your character stronger by paying money. How amazing is that in a FTP game?

    As to the game itself, if you're a fan of Diablo and the like, this game is right in your wheelhouse. PoE has its own spin on powers and abilities, but in the end they feel quite similar once you become familiar with the mechanics. Character management is closer to D2 than D3, as there is less hand holding and more thought that must go into making your character. Mistakes CAN be corrected, but you cannot simply recreate your character on the fly. That is a PLUS in my book, mind you.

    As to the rest, Graphically, it is between D2 and D3, though the art style is far darker and grittier than D3's cartoon coloring. The music is slightly above average. I haven't heard anything that annoyed me, but nothing stands out as amazing beyond the first mini-boss theme. Controls feel fine, just like any other game of its sort.

    My parting thoughts? Look at most of the negative reviews. They say after playing dozens and dozens of hours they think the game is bad....does that make sense to you?    … Expand
  8. Azill
    Nov 13, 2013
    10
    If you loved Diablo 2, download this immediately. So much depth and countless hours of game play. The only problem i can see is the desyncing problems, which will most certainly be fixed in the future. The people giving this game a score of 5 or lower are casual scum and think the game needs to hand hold them through.
  9. Akumos
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    Path of Exile is the definitive ARPG of our time. It's the only game since D2 to give me a similar feel and response to gameplay. The combat is exactly what you'd expect and top notch, ignoring the de-sync which isn't a part of it. The loot is on par with D2, if not better, and will easily become better over time as they're adding new loot every two weeks or so on top of bigger patches.Path of Exile is the definitive ARPG of our time. It's the only game since D2 to give me a similar feel and response to gameplay. The combat is exactly what you'd expect and top notch, ignoring the de-sync which isn't a part of it. The loot is on par with D2, if not better, and will easily become better over time as they're adding new loot every two weeks or so on top of bigger patches. The monsters are diverse and full of challenge for almost every build at some point, and in the endgame you have to think about all of your defenses being properly balanced. By far the best part of the game though is the constant change of ladders and events. There are race seasons constantly going in and out, which are temporary leagues ranging from an hour to a week or even a month, where you race to the top of the experience ladder for points.

    On top of that you have temporary 4-month leagues that come with new loot, monsters, mods and challenges. This is great for people who enjoyed the ladder resets of D2, as this essentially fills that role and adds more to the game on top of it. For instance, in these new leagues, they've added a new shrine mechanic to one and tougher monsters with unique mods to the other, changing the game completely. This level of attention to their game is what sets it apart from other ARPGs it's going to be constantly changing towards the better, and may very well be the next D2, something we play for 10+ years.    … Expand
  10. Woopya
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    Chris Wilson and Grinding Gear Games has done everything right. I cannot think of a game in the last 5+ years that I have enjoyed more then this 1. Having played the beta for almost 2 years now, the best compliment that I can give it's developers is that I trust them, which is something I do not say bout game developers...ever. They patch content regularly to keep things fresh andChris Wilson and Grinding Gear Games has done everything right. I cannot think of a game in the last 5+ years that I have enjoyed more then this 1. Having played the beta for almost 2 years now, the best compliment that I can give it's developers is that I trust them, which is something I do not say bout game developers...ever. They patch content regularly to keep things fresh and create leagues to keep competition fresh as well. I cannot recommend this game enough. I use the term "game" loosely because in reality I think what they did here was create a world, and let a bunch of game players loose in it. The character development is refreshingly complex and simple at the same time. Please people, if you have zero dollars to spare try this game out. That's right it is free and it is NOT pay to win. The only thing you can buy are cosmetics. But if you are like me, then you'll want to spend a little money just as a thank you to GGG for doing such an amazing job.… Expand
  11. chevmech
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    It goes D2, Fate/Torchlight, Titan Quest, PoE. Best clone to date. Suck it Bliz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  12. Hamz
    Oct 26, 2013
    10
    This game has held me in thrall far longer than any other ARPG out there. The many exciting build possibilities are enabled by the massive skill tree, the wide selection of different kinds of skill gems and the uniques that provide very interesting abilities. I have been playing this since closed beta and I haven't gotten bored with it so they're doing a lot right.

    The new areas and    This game has held me in thrall far longer than any other ARPG out there. The many exciting build possibilities are enabled by the massive skill tree, the wide selection of different kinds of skill gems and the uniques that provide very interesting abilities. I have been playing this since closed beta and I haven't gotten bored with it so they're doing a lot right.

    The new areas and monsters provide a stiffer challenge and the ending boss fight certainly didn't disappoint. Many will be caught with their pants down (as I and my friends were) at the unexpected abilities of the end boss. However it was a fun fight and we had lots of laughs about it afterwards.

    The graphics convey a gritty grim feeling but make no mistake this is a gorgeous looking game that looks better than its triple AAA competitors.

    The devs promise constant updates and constant balance and bug fixes.... and all this for absolutely free. This is not a P2W game... don't take my word for it and try it.    … Expand
  13. Dexyt
    Nov 3, 2013
    10
    A spiritual successor to Diablo II, a creative masterpiece, and probably the game with the best character customization ever made. While the graphics are a bit dated, and the servers are currently suffering from the sheer amount of players, it's hard to fault a game of this quality that is free to play (do not worry, it's not pay to win).
  14. Gensou
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    One of the best ARPGs I have ever played. Complex passive tree, deep combat, many variations, polished graphics, amazing developers. It's everything you could possibly ever want from this sort of game and it's ALL F2P.
  15. keefbaker
    Dec 8, 2013
    10
    So basically you get a game with the depth that Diablo 3 should have had with the fun levels of torchlight? And I don't have to pay for it? Well Played, path of exile, well played! As it's free I find it impossible to not give this a 10
  16. ChaosOnFire
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    This game is amazing, I haven't spent this much time playing a game since WoW launched. The depth of the skilltree and ability to create any type of character you want is amazing. Highly recommend this game, and hey it's free to boot
  17. ohtwo
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    The graphics very nice for an aRPG and the overall presentation is A+. I've been gaming for over 30 years, and not many games actually pull me in and make me want to play them for more than a few hours. However the fresh take on ARPGs, coupled with the original ideas, complex skill/spell tree, and difficulty of the game made me keep coming back for more. You can basically forget D3 everThe graphics very nice for an aRPG and the overall presentation is A+. I've been gaming for over 30 years, and not many games actually pull me in and make me want to play them for more than a few hours. However the fresh take on ARPGs, coupled with the original ideas, complex skill/spell tree, and difficulty of the game made me keep coming back for more. You can basically forget D3 ever existed and consider PoE as the true successor to Diablo 2. The maps are very large, and sometimes it can take quite a long time to find the path through a dungeon. The bosses are not a cake walk, and will take a few tries and some thinking and planning to kill.

    Overall, 10/10 because this game has really impressed me in a day in age that games usually don't because they are so shallow. I feel bad giving it a 10/10 because most people just do it because they are fanboys or the game is overhyped, but PoE really is a true gem.    … Expand
  18. ArtemusDE
    Jun 10, 2023
    10
    If you compare this game to Diablo 4 it is clear who takes the throne of action RPGs in 2023.
  19. Jamtots
    Oct 24, 2013
    10
    It's what Diablo 3 should have been and has been given to us completely free of charge.

    The game already has 3 complete Acts with Act 4 on the way. They plan to patch in new content every 4 months and release a new expansion every year all FREE.

    It's truly the closest thing to a D2 sequel. See for yourself.
  20. need666
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    Absolutely phenomenal game! This is what I have been craving since Diablo 2. I was severely disappointed by Diablo 3. It was dumbed down to the point of an Activision title. Path of Exile feeds the nostalgia feeling I have been chasing for years.

    The game is in constant production by an active game developer. While small, they have created a game far superior to their massive opponent,    Absolutely phenomenal game! This is what I have been craving since Diablo 2. I was severely disappointed by Diablo 3. It was dumbed down to the point of an Activision title. Path of Exile feeds the nostalgia feeling I have been chasing for years.

    The game is in constant production by an active game developer. While small, they have created a game far superior to their massive opponent, Blizzard. They began production with 10 people, in comparison to the thousands Blizzard had. I have been blown away by how deep this game is.

    The skill tree is reminiscent of the Final Fantasy sphere grid. You have skill gems which are altered by support gems, as well as trigger gems. Instead of the ever deflating value of gold found in similar games, Path of Exile uses a barter system with incredible randomization, creating a complex and evolving economy.

    Characters are not limited to their said class. You can expand into passives of other characters, making builds seemingly unlimited. The dark and gritty atmosphere is beautifully reminiscent of Diablo 2. I won't give any spoilers, if you were a Diablo 2 addict, this game is for you.

    While it is free to play, it is not pay to win. You have the option of buying cosmetic items to make your character look cool. If you're a pack rat, you can also buy more stash tabs.

    Don't listen to the reviews upset about end game. While there are great end battles, the developer plans to release new content to expand on the story line every six or so months. However, to keep you busy in the meantime, you find maps you can randomize and play with your friends.

    The only thing Path of Exile is lacking from my point of view, is the cinematic videos scene in the Diablo series. While I enjoyed those, you can't expect such production to come from an indie game developer.

    I hope you give the game a try. If you enjoy the game, consider purchasing some cosmetic items to support future content for this great game!    … Expand
  21. LordHawks
    Nov 16, 2015
    10
    If you're a fan of ARPGs like me then you'll really enjoy this game. The game mechanics, leveling system, passive tree, and gem system is a huge breath of fresh air. The only thing I'm still getting used to is the currency system, but that comes with time, and a couple of YouTube videos, I guess. I'm glad the story has a gap (film term) because I really feel like I've been exiled and IIf you're a fan of ARPGs like me then you'll really enjoy this game. The game mechanics, leveling system, passive tree, and gem system is a huge breath of fresh air. The only thing I'm still getting used to is the currency system, but that comes with time, and a couple of YouTube videos, I guess. I'm glad the story has a gap (film term) because I really feel like I've been exiled and I have no idea what's going on. The story is not predictable for me. Graphics and music are awesome - diggin' the grittiness. Also, I think this is the only free to play I've actually enjoyed. I feel bad this is free because it's really good.… Expand
  22. DreadLordAvatar
    Jun 19, 2023
    10
    Best ARPG of all time, for real. I've been playing ARPGs since early 90s. PoE is the true successor to Diablo 2. GGG has truly created a remarkable game over the past decade. Since 2018, the quality of leagues started to decline due to power creep and mechanic-simplicity, and PC system requirements increased to run the higher demanding graphics as well. The game is also completely filledBest ARPG of all time, for real. I've been playing ARPGs since early 90s. PoE is the true successor to Diablo 2. GGG has truly created a remarkable game over the past decade. Since 2018, the quality of leagues started to decline due to power creep and mechanic-simplicity, and PC system requirements increased to run the higher demanding graphics as well. The game is also completely filled to the brim with bloat from every league mechanic over the years, which is both good and bad. The good is that in standard, players have endless content to play. The bad, too much content to play and complete each league if you want to achieve the challenges. I would deduct 2 points due to the time commitment required to play PoE however, this seems unfair especially for players who can nolife. Nonetheless, PoE is a spectacular game with incredible depth and longevity. (and yes D4 is complete garbage in comparison). Can't wait for PoE2.… Expand
  23. Diksta
    Oct 26, 2013
    10
    Path of Exile is probably the best game I have ever played. After the disappointment of Diablo 3 I went back to PoE and was immediately hooked by the league races, the seasons and the balance. I want to play a game where my choices matter and I have to make decisions that have little effects but add up over time.

    In a nutshell what I like most about playing Path of Exile is that every    Path of Exile is probably the best game I have ever played. After the disappointment of Diablo 3 I went back to PoE and was immediately hooked by the league races, the seasons and the balance. I want to play a game where my choices matter and I have to make decisions that have little effects but add up over time.

    In a nutshell what I like most about playing Path of Exile is that every node I click on the passive tree is semi-permanent and is a balancing act where I am fighting to keep my stats up, get the keystones I need and not forgetting my defence and my health. This is what I found missing from Diablo 3.    … Expand
  24. Benjamin99
    Oct 4, 2013
    10
    Greatest ARPG ever created and its finally being released the 23 of October. If you like playing an ARPG with endless character customization. Endless build diversity endless skill diversity and a passive skill tree that makes me have a nerdgasme then this is for you. This is truly a game made by gamers for gamers
  25. Orionsbelt
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    Amazing graphics, amazing customization, amazing old school diablo. Diablo 3 is a pay to win game. Path of Exile is a game where you can grind to win, and your investment has real gratification in the game.
  26. plescure
    Nov 17, 2013
    10
    Excellent game. initially seemed a little basic and boring, but scratch beneath the surface and there is wonderful depth to the game. Repeating content is not an issue because for me its all about the builds. have taken 3 character to level 60+ now and i still have at least 5 or 6 other builds that i want to try

    And the best thing is: Ive spent 200+ hours on this game so far and not had    Excellent game. initially seemed a little basic and boring, but scratch beneath the surface and there is wonderful depth to the game. Repeating content is not an issue because for me its all about the builds. have taken 3 character to level 60+ now and i still have at least 5 or 6 other builds that i want to try

    And the best thing is: Ive spent 200+ hours on this game so far and not had to pay a penny    … Expand
  27. guruMarkB
    Oct 28, 2013
    10
    PoE is the arpg that Blizzard should have made but failed badly with D3. We get the gritty killing and looting that we all expect from an arpg, with great animation, sound effects, background music, etc., PoE has it all. The 7 character classes combined with a passive skill tree with over 1400 nodes ensures an almost infinite number of builds are possible. PoE does take awhile to getPoE is the arpg that Blizzard should have made but failed badly with D3. We get the gritty killing and looting that we all expect from an arpg, with great animation, sound effects, background music, etc., PoE has it all. The 7 character classes combined with a passive skill tree with over 1400 nodes ensures an almost infinite number of builds are possible. PoE does take awhile to get comfortable with the pace of client input to server response timing but once you do it quickly becomes intuitive and easy. The concept of using spell gems that socket into gear with links that allow additional support gems to enhance the base gems function makes for wonderful combinations of physical and elemental attacks. This arpg actually has a story to tell (unlike D3 or TL2) that further enhances your total immersion into the world of Wraeclast that you have been exiled to for your crimes. GGG is stating a goal of new minor updates every 2 weeks, major new content every 4 months, and a new act every 9 to 12 months, so long term arpg playing is there in spades. If you got burned out of D3 or hate the cartoony look of TL2 then you owe yourself a favor and should take a serious look at this free to play arpg. Highly recommended for new and old arpg fans alike. Two thumbs up.

    ps. This game can not be judged in only a few weeks of play. The real fun is knowing that this arpg is going to take time to master and the journey you take from newbie to mastering PoE is a major part of the fun. So don't dismiss this arpg jewel after only a few hours of playing. Remember, raw diamonds are unimpressive looking too until they are polished.    … Expand
  28. masterblaster74
    Jan 5, 2015
    10
    I'm a long time rpg and hacknslash gamer, and PoE is one of the best - it's what D3 shoulda and coulda been if ActiBlizz had done things right.

    The game is free, and only need to spend money on 'fluff' if you choose to do so. The most impressive thing about the game is the skill tree. It's an information design work of art, imho. There are tons of skills to choose from, arranged in a    I'm a long time rpg and hacknslash gamer, and PoE is one of the best - it's what D3 shoulda and coulda been if ActiBlizz had done things right.

    The game is free, and only need to spend money on 'fluff' if you choose to do so.

    The most impressive thing about the game is the skill tree. It's an information design work of art, imho. There are tons of skills to choose from, arranged in a interconnected, weblike series of links. Because of this and a lack of class specific weapon and armor restrictions, you can customize your character anyway you like. You can have a heavily armored-bow wielding ranger, or a robe wearing warrior wielding a huge axe, and a minion-zombie army. It's all up to you.

    Give this game a try, it's free to download!!    … Expand
  29. peterphnguyen
    Jan 25, 2014
    10
    For a free game, the developers deserve as much credit as they can from fans of arpg's as this game is not only beautiful to look at, but is addicting as well as fun to keep you coming back. Remember it is free!
  30. Lord174
    Jan 13, 2014
    10
    Hi, since Diablo 2, I never found a game where I can have that deep instinctual desire to play and a feeling of well-being in a hack and slash world of dark fantasy (just because the game is so perfectly giving you that thrill). I'm not an emotional person by nature, but by discovering Path of Exile, I lost a lot of nostalgia related to my childhood. After playing hundreds of online games,Hi, since Diablo 2, I never found a game where I can have that deep instinctual desire to play and a feeling of well-being in a hack and slash world of dark fantasy (just because the game is so perfectly giving you that thrill). I'm not an emotional person by nature, but by discovering Path of Exile, I lost a lot of nostalgia related to my childhood. After playing hundreds of online games, I give Path of Exile, for the moment, a score of 10/10.
    Thank you very much founders of the game.

    I'm lvl 37. But also I know how to recognise talent !
    Few people complains about that it is hard to find good items in the League ("Ladder"). For the "hard to farm items part" I don't know for you but in Diablo 2 I had to do Mephisto runs for maybe more than 5 months to compete in pvp with good gears (in the patch 1.10+). So it depends of the player to have a negative or positive point of view (it depends how much you are used to work in a game maybe). If you want easy items anyway don't go "Ladder".

    It is very easy to enjoy the content while the atmosphere is so perfect, the hack and slash very good, the party system very good and the game is free too. THE SKILL TREE IS AWESOME!

    Give it a try, you won't regret it unless you are a troll.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PC Game of 2013
18
#18 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
14
#14 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. RPGamer
    May 9, 2014
    100
    Grinding Gear Games has created something special here, and given it gratis to the world.
    Read full review
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 11, 2014
    88
    Hack & slash games are addictive because they follow a simple formula: kill, kill and kill some more. Path of Exile is no different in this regard. During your quest in the perilous continent of Wraeclast you need to slay thousands and thousands of monsters but it never gets boring because there are a plenty of fresh ideas like the very vast skill system and barter-based economy that differentiate it from other similar games. But it's not a perfect game. The story is weak and the difficulty level is too low in the beginning. [Dec 2013]
  3. PC Gamer
    Jan 13, 2014
    84
    An exceptionally generous free-to-play action-rPG. What it lacks in punch it makes up for in depth and value for money.
    Read full review
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