INTRODUCTION
Welcome! Today, we’ll be exploring and unpacking a fantastic adventure — a game packed full of excitement, strategy, fierce monsters, and mythical worlds. This guide is all about Path of Exile, an online action role-playing game that delivers thrilling battles, epic quests, and a unique character customization system. Whether you’re seeking a fresh gaming challenge or a vibrant virtual community, Path of Exile offers a rich gaming experience. This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to start playing.
WHAT IS PATH OF EXILE?
Developed and published by Grinding Gear Games, Path of Exile is a free-to-play online game that showcases a dark fantasy world teeming with fearsome creatures and challenging quests. Originated from New Zealand in 2013, it has garnered millions of players worldwide. Set in a haunting continent called Wraeclast, it’s a place for exiles, where players take the role of a character exiled from their homeland, thrown into an unforgiving and cruel world. Drawing comparisons with games like Diablo, Path of Exile stands out for its complex skill system and economy, and rich lore.
HOW IT WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
Path of Exile is a game that’s all about strategic planning and tactical execution. Here’s how to get started:
1. First off, choose a character class. There are seven classes to choose from, each with unique attributes and starting points on the game’s Passive Skill Tree.
2. As you get into the game, you’ll quickly realize how crucial skills are. Skills in Path of Exile are itemized via skill gems, to be socketed into your equipment.
3. Your character progression is shaped by the vast Passive Skill Tree and the gems you decide to equip, providing layers of depth and strategic decisions.
4. Lastly, remember this is an online world. You can always join or form a party with other players, enhancing your strategic options, and increasing the fun!
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY (SUPPLIES, GEAR, SETUP)
The game’s free-to-play model is quite generous. You can download the game for free on various platforms including Steam, and from the official Path of Exile website. You just need a stable internet connection and a device, whether a PC, an Xbox One, or a PlayStation 4.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Explore Everywhere: The game’s map has plenty of hidden goodies. Explore every nook and cranny!
2. Customize Your Build: Spend time understanding how you can customize your character’s skill.
3. Save Your Currencies: Hoard your currency items like Orbs until you have a clear understanding of their value.
4. Stash Valuable Items: Always stash valuable items in your Chest for later use.
5. Learn to Trade: Trading with other players can get you valuable items.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
For more guidance and advice, check out the Path of Exile forums and subreddit. Beginner guides and build strategies are readily available on YouTube and sites like PoE Vault. Websites like Poe.trade can help with trading, and Path of Building is a helpful offline build planner.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Gems: These give players their abilities, slotted into gear.
2. Skill Tree: A web of passive abilities and bonuses to customize your character.
3. Orbs: Path of Exile’s version of currency.
4. Farming: Grinding in areas for loot and experience.
5. Exile: This is you, the player character!
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you’re familiar with the basics of Path of Exile, it’s time to step into the world of Wraeclast and start your journey. Create your character and explore the vast offerings of this rich and delightful game. Remember, as with any game, Path of Exile only gets more fun as you get more comfortable. Get out there, and let the adventure unfold!
