Path of Exile
ARPG (ACTION RPG) VIDEO GAME (2013) by GRINDING GEAR GAMES, New Zealand. FREE-TO-PLAY with ethical monetization (only cosmetics + storage). Spiritual successor to DIABLO 2 with the LARGEST + MOST COMPLEX PASSIVE SKILL TREE IN GAMING (~1500 nodes). Trading economy, seasonal LEAGUES (challenge leagues every 3-4 months), endgame ATLAS map system. Players (30M+) create wildly varied builds via skill gems + passive tree combinations. Highly regarded ARPG for build depth + longevity. SEQUEL Path of Exile 2 released early access 2024.
Quick facts
Category
Video Games
Type
Individual
Players
1–6
Duration
~3600 min
Where played
indoor
Country of origin
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Estimated origin
2013 launch; expansions every 3-4 months; PoE 2 early access Dec 2024
Olympic
No
Popularity
major
How it works
Objective
Progress through 10 acts of campaign, then endless mapping in the Atlas; craft powerful builds.
Rules
Basic rules
10-act campaign in dark grim world of Wraeclast
Story mode.
Massive passive skill tree (~1500 nodes) shared by all classes but starting differently
Signature depth.
Skill Gems socketed into gear to grant abilities
Modular skill system.
Trading via player-run marketplace + third-party sites
Complex economy.
Every 3-4 months a new LEAGUE resets economy + adds mechanic
Seasonal restarts.
Endgame Atlas: 200+ maps with modifiers + boss fights
Infinite endgame.
Scoring
Level (1-100) + delve depth + boss kills + league ladder rankings; competitive races (SSF, Hardcore).
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Reach level 100 (extraordinarily rare) | Elite achievement |
| Complete Elder + Shaper + Uber Elder bosses | Endgame progression |
| Delve to depth 1000+ | Endless mine progression |
| SSF (Solo Self-Found) league placement | Solo-only ladder |
| Hardcore permadeath survival | Death = character permanently lost |
Win condition · No formal endpoint; endless progression, seasonal resets, boss milestones.
Equipment
PC (Windows), Mac, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series
Multi-platform
M/KB (primary) or controller
Both supported
PoE trade site + third-party build guides
Community ecosystem essential
Terminology
- Exile
- The player character — banished to Wraeclast.
- Wraeclast
- The dark fallen continent setting.
- Skill Gems
- Socketed items granting active + support abilities.
- Passive Tree
- ~1500-node character progression tree.
- Atlas
- Endgame mapping system with 200+ interconnected maps.
- League
- 3-4 month challenge season with reset economy.
- SSF
- Solo Self-Found — no trading permitted.
- HC
- Hardcore — permadeath mode.
Where it is played
Governing bodies
Grinding Gear Games (developer)
Founded 2006 · Auckland, New Zealand (owned by Tencent since 2018)
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- Chris Wilson (co-founder Grinding Gear Games)
- Kripparrian (streamer, PoE Hardcore SSF legend)
- Zizaran (streamer, community leader)
- Empyrian (top ladder racer)
Frequently asked
Path of Exile vs Diablo 4?+
BOTH are premier ARPGs but with different philosophies. PATH OF EXILE (2013+) is FREE-TO-PLAY, has the most COMPLEX skill tree in gaming, seasonal leagues every 3-4 months, ethical monetization (only cosmetics). Steep learning curve. DIABLO 4 (2023) is $70 base with EXPANSIONS, more polished graphics + accessibility, seasonal system too but shallower. Both are legitimate ARPG choices; PoE for build-depth theorycrafters, D4 for casual + AAA polish.
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Path of Exile— Wikipedia