If you mention top-down action RPG to any gamer you know, they'd probably say Diablo or Path Of Exile. Others might say Baldur's Gate 3 or Divinity: Original Sin 2, but those games are in a different genre despite being top-down RPGs.
However, Diablo and Path of Exile have been pitted against each other for over a decade. Diablo 3 on PC was released in 2012, and Path of Exile was first launched on the same platform in 2013. Some consider them rivals within the same genre, but players who have tried both often suggest they are entirely different games.
Depending on who you ask, there will always be some bias about which game is better, but having multiple options makes gaming awesome.
If you've already finished Diablo 4's Pit 150, just like Elon Musk, and are looking for a new game to play or someone who is a newbie to this genre but can't decide on which game to start, here are 7 massive differences between Diablo 4 and Path Of Exile 2 that you should know.
Storytelling
Diablo 4 instantly tells you that the big bad Lillith is returning, and the whole premise of the game mainly focuses on how to stop her return. You create your character, choose your class, and learn how powerful and intimidating Lillith is. It's now up to you to grow your powers and eventually stop her plans. While more arcs elaborate on what Lillith wants to do throughout Diablo 4, you are informed who your endgame boss will be.
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+ 3Path Of Exile 2 approaches its storytelling differently. The story unfolds slowly before you, giving you enough time to assess your situation as an Exile. The story grips you as it slowly unfolds. However, Path of Exile 2 will have a much shorter storyline than the first game, with Path of Exile having only six acts compared to Path of Exile's 10-act main story.
Combat and Gameplay
Combat in Diablo 4 is fast-paced, and you can decimate hordes of enemies in mere seconds. Time is of the essence in Diablo 4, and most character classes have area-of-effect attacks that can easily deal with massive numbers of enemies.
Path of Exile 2's combat is not as fast as Diablo 4, but it plays entirely differently, mainly due to how the characters, gears, and skills work in the game. You will have much more calculated combat gameplay in Path of Exile 2 in exchange for the much faster combat of Diablo 4. While Path of Exile 2 gives you more opportunities to slowly savor combat, Diablo 4's fast battles are great for those who look for a much arcadey feel on top-down action RPGs.
Character Progression
While both games offer different classes, Diablo 4 focuses more on the importance of having the right gear than Path of Exile 2's intricate skill tree. Getting better gears will consume most of your time in Diablo 4, while finding the right passive skill or support gem will help you progress in Path of Exile 2.
click to enlarge + 3Both games feature crafting and weapon improvements, albeit with different approaches. Path of Exile 2 brings you an expansive character progression right from the start, while Diablo 4 will open up the Paragon board once you reach level 50, using the simple skill tree during the early game.
Skill Builds
Path of Exile 2 has an extensive skill tree where you can customize your build to the very minute detail right from the start. This lets you think of your endgame build as you start the game. In essence, Path of Exile 2's skill tree is so extensive that each skill tree branch will become something considerable in the long run.
Diablo 4's Paragon Board only unlocks after level 50, where you focus on unlocking the legendary nodes. Depending on what you want to achieve in the endgame, you will have to set up your Paragon Board to focus only on these traits, and some nodes may have little to no effect on how you get these legendary nodes.
Endgame Content
Diablo 4's endgame focuses on different Pits and the time needed to clear them. As you progress into much more difficult Pits, the harder it is to clear them given the set time. This type of endgame focuses on the optimal build that allows you to clear enemies as fast as possible, which also ties into Diablo 4's fast-paced combat.
Path of Exile 2 has over 100 endgame maps within the Atlas. Exploring each map of the Atlas takes time, and boss encounters rarely focus on clear time but rather on the actual boss's difficulty. Additional features such as the Atlas Skill Tree and Atlas Towers make Path of Exile 2's endgame slightly more complicated than Diablo 4's Pits.
Loot/Crafting
Each game has a different loot and crafting mechanic that fits into their different gameplays. Diablo 4's tempering and master working systems focus on getting better loot to augment your existing equipment.
click to enlarge + 3Path of Exile 2's crafting lets you craft almost every piece of equipment. You'll use different items, such as Orbs of Transmutation or Orbs of Augmentation, to further your weapon, but the results are usually chosen randomly, making crafting in Path of Exile 2 much more unpredictable.
The Pause Button
One key difference between these games is that Path of Exile 2 can be paused when playing solo, which is perfect for players who just want to take their time and enjoy the game alone. Diablo 4, on the other hand, is an online-only game, and there is no way to pause it, even if you are just playing solo.
Most MMORPGs can't be paused anyway, so having an online world like Diablo 4 would mean the pause button is unnecessary. However, if you want to enjoy a leisurely farm at your own pace, then Path of Exile 2's pause button for solo players is perfect for you.
If you're looking for the next ARPG, Diablo 4 or Path of Exile 2 will work for you, depending on the features you want. Do you want faster gameplay? Then go for Diablo 4. Or would you rather get immersed in a world and enjoy everything at your own pace? Then Path of Exile 2 is the best game for you.
Either way, you'll enjoy both titles, so follow Gfinity Esports to stay updated about the latest gaming news and stories.
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