POE2 Review (Early Impressions)

POE2 Review (Early Impressions)

POE2 is a work in progress. It might take another 1–2 years before it really hits its stride, but there’s already a lot of good here. Unfortunately, many of the old problems from POE1 continue into POE2 — bugs, clunky systems, and issues with build diversity.

A lot of skills and classes feel underpowered, and endgame is seriously lacking. Build diversity needs major improvement. Right now, the game still leans too heavily into the POE1 “zoom-zoom race” mentality, where speed farming dominates everything. That style should be rewarded, but slower, more methodical playstyles also need their own benefits and rewards.

Players shouldn’t be punished for playing differently. Diversity means more viable builds, fewer unnecessary nerfs, and more opportunities for creativity. Endgame shouldn’t just be about dodging one-shots, stacking layers of defense, or forcing everyone into the same meta mechanics. Melee, ranged, and casters should each feel unique, skillful, and capable of handling endgame without being forced into broken setups.

Mapping also feels too grindy and repetitive. Big maps are tiring, and stacking mechanics or chasing specific “towel” (atlas?) grinds just isn’t fun. Endgame needs more variety, balance, and activities based on fun and skill — not just “let’s see how much we can punish the player.”

Don’t get me wrong, I love challenge, skill expression, and action. It’s also fun to sometimes feel overpowered and smash a room. The problem is POE2 currently lacks that balance. Too much relies on speed farming in groups, magic find stacking, and effects so overblown you can’t even see what’s happening — add lag on top of that, and it feels more like work than play.

I know it’s hard for a dev team to change a design philosophy when they’ve worked a certain way for so long. But GGG has shown amazing innovation in the past, and I still have hope. I supported POE1 financially for years, and I’d love to feel that POE2 is worth the same support. Right now, it’s not quite there yet, but with more focus on diversity, fun, and rewarding different playstyles, POE2 could become something truly great.