Exclusive: Path of Exile 2 Introduces Innovative Boss Fights Inspired by Elden Ring's Groundbreaking Mechanic

Highlights

Path of Exile 2 is a sequel with new gameplay additions, including a dodge roll, that can be used strategically in combat situations.

The game appears to be influenced by the poise mechanics in Elden Ring, but it has been altered to create a unique experience tailored to its own style of action-RPG.

Combat revolves around crowd control mechanics such as freezing and stunning, which are crucial for overcoming the various bosses. Each boss has distinct weaknesses and strategies to outsmart them.

Following the recent showcases at ExileCon, where it was revealed that Path of Exile 2 is a separate game from its predecessor, the action RPG has provided more information about its plans for new features and designs. Over the past decade, the gaming industry has seen significant innovative strides, resulting in games like Elden Ring and God of War: Ragnarok that have raised player expectations. In Path of Exile 2, players can expect to face over a hundred boss fights, putting their combat skills to the test. However, there have been inquiries about the game's crowd control mechanics and whether it will draw inspiration from Elden Ring's poise.

Path of Exile 2 is a standalone sequel, and its demo showcased several new gameplay additions for players to explore. One notable addition is the dodge roll, which can be used strategically in tight situations, allowing players to quickly maneuver away from imminent dangers. To overcome the challenging boss fights in the game, players will need to utilize various mechanics, including crowd control elements like freeze and stun. These elements could prove crucial in determining the outcome of battles in Wraeclast, making the difference between victory and defeat.

Elden Ring's Poise May Inspire Path of Exile 2's Combat Mechanics

Path of Exile 2 clearly draws inspiration from Elden Ring, particularly when it comes to the poise mechanics. In Elden Ring, poise measures how many hits a character can take before being staggered in battle. There are three levels of staggering, with the worst one immobilizing both players and enemies for several seconds, leaving them open to critical damage. Elden Ring's massive success has influenced other RPG titles, including Path of Exile 2, which introduces its own unique twists to the poise system to maintain originality.

Grinding Gear Games, the developers of Path of Exile 2, have taken a slightly different approach compared to the first game. Instead of relying on chance, the sequel adopts a similar concept to Elden Ring's poise mechanics, which represents stamina. Path of Exile 2's crowd control meter is smaller in size compared to Elden Ring's, and it offers more than just staggering the opposition.

The Freeze effect can bring an enemy's combat actions to a complete stop, preventing them from using any skills, attacks, or movement. However, it's important to note that not all bosses in Path of Exile 2 can be frozen due to the Cannot Be Fully Slowed mod. Luckily, there are alternative strategies that players can use to overcome these powerful adversaries.

For example, antagonists like The Sharper who cannot be affected by freezing can still be impacted by the stun mechanism. One key difference between Path of Exile 2 and Elden Ring in this aspect is the rechargeability of their meters. In Elden Ring, after breaking an opponent's poise and causing them to stagger, the meter replenishes fully, allowing players to gradually wear it down again. However, in Path of Exile 2, the limits of meters gradually increase, necessitating a higher refill each time the freeze or stun effect is utilized on the battlefield.

Path of Exile 2 is currently being developed and, much like Diablo 4, it distinguishes itself by implementing individual crowd control mechanics. This adds a level of complexity beyond a simple staggering effect. Similar to Elden Ring's poise mechanics, which received high praise, this unique approach in Path of Exile 2 could have positive implications for Grinding Gear Games. Additionally, efficient crowd control is a vital element in multiplayer RPGs, and the diverse ways in which it is implemented in Path of Exile 2 can potentially give the game's system a distinct personality compared to its contemporaries.