INTRODUCTION
Greetings, adventurers, collectors, and lovers of multiplayer games! Are you ready to dive into the world of Path of Exile (POE)? Whether you’re an unseasoned rookie or a prodigal player returning after a hiatus, this is a beginner-friendly guide to POE, designed to introduce you to the game and get you up and running. POE is a thrilling, dynamic online action RPG set in the dark, dystopian world of Wraeclast. It’s appealing for its rich lore, intricate gameplay, the high level of customizability, and more importantly, it bears a striking resemblance to the Diablo series – if you crave for a free-to-play alternative, you’re right at home.
WHAT IS PATH OF EXILE?
Path of Exile, developed by Grinding Gear Games, is a free-to-play action RPG with a strong online player base. Launched in 2013, its gameplay and atmosphere are heavily reminiscent of the iconic Diablo series, in fact, it’s widely considered a spiritual successor to Diablo II. The game unfolds in the grim, post-apocalyptic world of Wraeclast, a continent reserved for criminals, societal outcasts, and undesired individuals from the nearby Island of Oriath. As a player, you’ll navigate this treacherous land, battling monsters, fulfilling quests, exploring dungeons and unearthing secrets—all while enhancing your character’s skills and amassing valuable items.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
Getting started in Path of Exile is fairly simple. After creating a free account on the POE website, you’ll download the game client and fire it up. Here’s a step-by-step rundown:
1. Character Creation: You’ll start by selecting a character class. Each class has unique attributes and aligns with one or more core attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. It’s essential to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each class to make a choice that suits your gameplay style.
2. Tutorial Zone: Once your character is set, you wake up on the shores of Wraeclast, stranded and weaponless. The early moments of the game serve as a tutorial, guiding you through combat, questing, and other basics.
3. Quests: As you explore Wraeclast, you’ll encounter Non-Player Characters (NPCs) who will provide you with quests. Completing these quests will reward you with experience points, items, and more.
4. Skill Gems: In POE, there are no predefined skills for characters. You gain skills via Skill Gems that you insert into your equipment.
5. Currency System: Unlike most RPGs, POE has no traditional form of currency (like gold or coins). Instead, it has a barter system where various orbs and scrolls act as currency.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Here’s the beauty of it—all you need to play Path of Exile is a PC, internet connection, and a free account on the POE website. The game is also available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4—so console players aren’t left out. Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements specified by Grinding Gear Games for a smooth gaming experience.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Understand the Passive Skill Tree: The Passive Skill Tree in POE is massive. Spend some time understanding it and plan your progression to maximize your character’s potential.
2. Save Your Currency Items: Don’t hurry to spend your valuable currency items early in the game. They’re scarce, so save them for critical moments.
3. Party Up: Joining a party can help you conquer challenging areas much easier. Don’t hesitate to collaborate with other players.
4. Explore the Map: Don’t rush through. Maps contain secret areas filled with extra monsters and surprises.
5. Don’t Neglect Defense: It’s easy to get caught up in maximizing your attacks, but remember improving your defense is just as important.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Numerous online forums and communities are out there to help beginners, including the official Path of Exile forums, the Path of Exile subreddit (/r/pathofexile), and various POE Discord channels. For comprehensive guides and walkthroughs, you may find ZiggyD Gaming’s YouTube channel useful.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Exiles: Players themselves. You’re an Exile in the world of Wraeclast.
2. Skill Gems: These gems grant you different abilities or modify existing ones when socketed into equipment.
3. NPCs: Non-Player Characters. They offer quests, sell items and more.
4. Grinding: Repeatedly performing tasks to gain experience, currency or items.
5. Melee/Ranged: Terms referring to close-quarters and distance combat, respectively.
6. Leagues: Different game worlds which players can join, each having unique rulesets.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
After familiarizing yourself with the basics of Path of Exile, the next logical step is to progress through the game’s storyline, complete quests and increase your character’s level. Experiment with different classes, team up with other players, and find a playstyle that suits you best. Most importantly, take your time, enjoy the journey, and remember this: the road to becoming a seasoned Exile is not easy, but the satisfaction derived from mastering the game is simply, irreplaceable. Welcome to Wraeclast, Exile!
