Poe 2’s Disappointing Free Weekend: Why Other ARPGs Win
This past weekend was finally the first chance to try Path of Exile 2 for free, the new Diablo-style action RPG from the team at Grinding Gear Games. A weekend that also introduced the game’s Third Edict, but it also left quite a few players disappointed. Let’s find out more about it!
Find out more about Path of Exile 2’s first free weekend and the Third Edict!
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) is the sequel to the isometric action RPG from Grinding Gear Games. The New Zealand-based development team that brought us the first chapter in 2013, offering an action RPG experience deeply inspired by the Diablo series. It received huge success, also thanks to its F2P approach.
Launching the sequel in December 2024 in Early Access, giving access to the game’s hardcore fans or through the purchase of a Supporter Pack. It received good initial success thanks to new additions and a gameplay that’s partly different from the first. With the first free weekend held just this 29 August 2025 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Gameplay and First Impressions: Potential with Obstacles
Along with the free weekend, Path of Exile 2 also introduced the new zones of the Ngamakanui Archipelago from the Third Edict. Adding a good 16 new game areas and 12 new Bosses to face. Accompanied by the ability to sprint for a smoother experience—in theory.
But it certainly didn’t help the first impressions. With movement that’s still not very responsive compared to the competition. But also Tank builds tried by players that didn’t feel up to snuff, given the number of deaths they suffered. Not helped by the game’s optimization issues, with stuttering that can cost you your life at the worst possible moments.
I have a feeling a lot of people who tried Path of Exile 2 won’t be purchasing it. For me the movement is very clunky, and even with a high end computer the game stutters badly during combat sometimes. Thanks for the free trials this weekend @pathofexile hopefully your devs get… pic.twitter.com/8TNX2oydcR
— Tame Token (@tametoken) August 30, 2025
Main Criticism: The Build Progression Nightmare
First impressions weren’t great for newcomers, but were still manageable for those coming from PoE 1. But the biggest criticism from many is about the progression of your in-game build. With cases like Support Gems that bring some significant debuffs, often requiring a second Gem to balance things out.
And an RNG that doesn’t reward players without the grind, and game maps that are large but empty. But certainly, the main criticism, even from longtime players, is the lack of potential for experimentation. A core aspect of the ARPG experience, but one that in PoE 2 doesn’t leave much room, with experimental builds often being ineffective. This leads many to stick to a pre-planned and more mainstream build.
I really tried to like poe2 (again) but I just can’t. It’s simply not fun. It’s not fluid comparatively and it feels clunky. Sprint sounded good but is a hack not a solution. Lots of builds are under powered. It’s sad to watch YT’rs apologize because the build did not perform and…
— 片乇山片 (@KewkD) August 30, 2025
Compared to Other ARPGs: Why the Alternatives Are Better
PoE 2, therefore, presents itself as an extremely hardcore experience. For those who prefer the grind and the challenge, but also an interesting story. And when compared to other ARPG titles, at least for now, it offers an often inferior experience. For comparison, we have:
- Diablo IV: The famous new chapter in the Blizzard series is one of the most valid options. Offering much smoother progression and great build experimentation. It’s especially ideal for a more relaxed and mainstream experience, also given the lack of a real endgame.
- Last Epoch: The experience from Eleventh Hour Games that debuted in early 2024. With a more user-friendly experience thanks to vast build creation, inexpensive crafting and respecs, and fluid, polished game movement. The story isn’t amazing, but it doesn’t take too long to complete.
- Grim Dawn: The experience from Crate Entertainment, almost 9 years after its launch. It continues to be supported with new content and expansions. And with strong customization through the Dual Class system, a roguelike Dungeon experience, and much more. Plus, it has Mod support.
To which we could also add Gods, Death & Reapers from the WOLCEN Studio team as a PvPvE Action RPG experience. An Extraction experience in the underworld where mythology is real and the gods are dead. A second chance for the studio to redeem itself after the failure of Lords of Mayhem.
In Conclusion: Hope for Improvements, but Skepticism Remains
The free weekend of PoE 2 certainly made room for a huge amount of feedback from fans. With the game undeniably showing great potential to be one of the best ARPG experiences ever.
But the problem of an experience that’s too hardcore leaves little room for more casual players. Especially with a paid Early Access and heavy game monetization at its launch as a F2P. This makes buy-to-play experiences like Last Epoch, Grim Dawn, and Diablo IV more appealing.
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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Nice ragebait. PoE2 free weekend saw praises from the whole ARPG community and showed a decisive step toward making the best ARPG experience in history. Only a fool would call a 350.000 players top (which makes any arpg blush) count as a "disappointment" by hand picking a couple of tweets. Game feels great, build variety is starting to come out. And it's just 0.3 beta. Every friend that tried it with me bought a key on the first day.