A Single Path Of Exile 2 Feature Confirmed Its The Diablo 4 Killer

Summary PoE 2 is getting a new feature that deals with cooperative play, making it more of a social gaming experience.

A new controller scheme for easier gameplay when playing on the same screen as another person.

Crossplay and cross-progression support on all major consoles, making PoE 2 a true threat to ARPGs.

A new Path Of Exile 2 trailer has just been revealed via the PlayStation State Of Play on May 30, 2024, and with it comes news of one feature that could put the final nail in the coffin for Blizzard's tentpole ARPG. PoE has been a favorite among the ARPG community for some time, often compared to games like Diablo 4, but has been praised for its fun gameplay, breadth of features, and overall depth.

Originally released all the way back in 2013, the original Path of Exile has seen a series of improvements, updates, and significant patches over the years, further refining the in-game mechanics and impressive skill tree. Developed by Grinding Gear Games, a game studio located in Aukland, New Zealand, the improvements slated for PoE 2 combined with the already fantastic base the developers have created for the franchise make it a true threat to any ARPG hoping to wear the crown as the best in the genre.

Related All Path of Exile Classes, Ranked Worst To Best Path of Exile has several classes to choose from, with many additional ways to further customize each class, but some still stand above the rest.

PoE 2 Will Feature Couch Co-Op

Breaking New Ground With Collaborative Play

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Path of Exile 2 will feature a couch co-op option that will be available on all versions of the game. Couch co-op will require two controllers to play, and people can use separate PoE 2 accounts or play together on a single account with a guest account. A redesigned controller scheme that utilizes dual stick controls will make playing on a controller rather than a keyboard and mouse an easier endeavor. This feature is a marked improvement from the original Path of Exile, which didn't have a couch co-op option available.

“Couch co-op is something we have wanted to do for a long time. Action RPGs are a genre that are way more fun with friends, and it’s even better when you can play in the same room together.” - Jonathan Rogers, Path of Exile 2 Game Director

According to the devs, the couch co-op feature actually started as an experiment. First, they introduced a new HUD to accommodate two people — then added other optimizations that make managing inventory easier while using the same screen. Eventually, this created a very thought-out feature that should make playing with friends and family a much more fun experience.

Path Of Exile 2 Will Debut On Consoles

Cross-Progression & Crossplay Support

In addition to the couch co-op option, PoE 2 will also be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC upon release and will have full crossplay and cross-progression support. The developers have taken time to redesign the control scheme for the widest range of mobility options and a completely overhauled interface. The left stick on the controller will control movement, while the right stick will adjust the character's direction. This will enable a wider range of movement, with the ability to walk backward while casting spells and skills.

Related 10 RPGs With The Best Class & Skill Systems, Ranked For some, an RPG's class or skill system is what makes or breaks a game in this genre, allowing players to be creative when making a character.

Path Of Exile 2 Has What D4 Has & More

Blizzard Better Watch Out

Diablo 3 and Diablo 4 both had couch co-op options, which set it apart from other ARPGs on the market. Combined with fantastic storytelling and compelling narrative, the Diablo franchise has generally been the one to beat in the space. That said, hardcore ARPG fans have come to appreciate the nuanced differences between D4 and PoE, as well as other titles like Last Epoch.

Additional complexity, deeper skill trees, higher levels of customization, and more fleshed-out and engaging end-game activities have attracted fans of previous Diablo titles to these other titles, further diminishing the impact and market share that Blizzard and Diablo have, though it is still the game to beat. D4, while originally praised for its storytelling, narrative, and sharp gameplay upon its debut, was later panned by hardcore players for lack of a compelling endgame.

Related Best Co-Op Games To Play With Your Partner Some multiplayer co-op games are particularly great to play with your better half, and make for an excellent stay-at-home date night activity.

Couch Co-Op Should Exist For More Games

A Nostalgic Feature That May Make A Comeback

As the years have gone by, many games have opted for online-only multiplayer options, as the once mainstay couch co-op option available in many titles of the past era is seemingly fading into the background as time goes on. Besides standouts like It Takes Two, Cuphead, Stardew Valley, and a few others — some of which feature couch co-op as a competitive advantage and main component of underlying gameplay — finding options to play with friends or family in the living room can be a struggle at times.

As most ARPGs are generally inspired, at least in part, by games like Gauntlet — one of the original hack-and-slash dungeon crawlers — it makes sense that slicing through waves of demonic hordes is much more fun with friends. In that game, it was possible to play four different classes, and it was originally enjoyed in the arcade. Hopefully, Path of Exile 2's inclusion of a couch co-op option is just the start of a trend of other games incorporating it into future games.