Path of Exile Open Beta Starts Today

Path of Exile (PoE), the dark fantasy action role-playing game (ARPG), begins the open beta phase (patch 0.10.0) Jan. 23.

Since 2010, Grinding Gear Games has been developing and improving this ARPG for the PC with the help of donations and closed beta access revenue. Path of Exile is 100 percent free to play and Grinding Gear Games does not support a pay2win model. Players with current PoE accounts will lose their exiles and items in a final character wipe. Grinding Gear Games will be wiping all existing characters in order to establish a fresh playing field and all gamers will begin with new level 1 exiles. Gamers with an existing account only need to download the game client at www.pathofexile.com.

For a more detailed look into Path of Exile be sure to check out Gaming Illustrated’s Path of Exile preview!

Grinding Gear Games announced that the open beta will introduce hundreds of changes. Thanks to its growing popularity Grinding Gear Games received over $2.2m for the ARPG’s development, which has contributed to the improved PoE experience.

PoE will now include a third act known as the City of Sarn. This act will add an unforgiving map, eight new tilesets and 18 new monsters with over 90 variations for PoE players. These additions come with the already expansive world of Wraeclast, a gloomy continent filled with deadly creatures and chaos.

PoE gamers, both old and new, will create an exile from one of the six possible character classes. Three major attributes (strength, dexterity, intelligence) and an enormous passive skill system enable players to customize their ideal exile. Although PoE does not support a pay2win model, players can purchase cosmetics from cash shops to further individualize their characters. Grinding Gear Games has said that no microtransactions will offer gameplay advantages.

PoE gameplay appeals to a mature audience. The dark, spooky 3D world of Wraeclast, the passive and active skill combinations, the item system, the barter system, the soundtrack and the non-cartoony graphics all contribute to PoE’s positive reviews. Some players have referred to PoE as the “game made for Diablo 2 veterans,” although the game has many merits of its own to stand upon.

Seasoned and competitive gamers will also appreciate the multiple PoE leagues with ladder rankings. Player versus player (PvP) elements like tournaments, ranking systems, ladders and PvP item rewards will also entice gamers. PoE is likely to grow in popularity with its open beta and it would behoove gamers to begin leveling their exiles today.

Watch Grinding Gear Games’ most recent Path of Exile trailer below!