Path of Exile offers a gaming experience unlike any other ARPG. When I started playing, I had no idea how deep the rabbit hole would go.
Why I Started Playing
A friend’s recommendation of Path of Exile 2 sparked my curiosity about the original game. As someone who enjoys action RPGs, I was immediately struck by the incredible depth PoE offers. The game presents you with choices that feel genuinely meaningful, and the more I played, the more I realized this was something special.
The Discovery Process
One decision that significantly enhanced my experience was avoiding build guides. Instead of following predetermined paths, I chose to figure things out myself (with occasional Google searches when absolutely necessary). This approach transformed the game into a genuine discovery process, where each new understanding felt earned rather than handed to me.
The classic analogy of a salt doll trying to measure the ocean’s depth perfectly captures the PoE experience. Just when you think you’ve grasped the systems, you discover another layer of complexity.
The Story and Lore
The lore was surprisingly engaging once I found the right resources. Watching videos from KittenCatNoodles helped me appreciate the story much more deeply. I’ll admit that Act 1 through early Act 3 felt slow in terms of narrative momentum, but the plot truly thickens as you progress.
Defeating High Templar Dominus was one of those memorable moments that made the journey worthwhile. The satisfaction of overcoming such a challenging boss after investing so much time in your character is hard to match.
PoE vs Diablo 3: A System Analogy
While playing, I kept thinking about this comparison:
Diablo 3 feels like a Windows Operating System
Path of Exile feels like a Linux Operating System
Both are excellent in their own right, but PoE gives you an incredible amount of customization options and build possibilities. The learning curve is steeper, but the sense of ownership over your character build is unparalleled.
Favorite Mechanics
My favorite mechanic so far has been the Trials and the Labyrinth. Earning ascendancy points through this challenging content felt incredibly rewarding. The risk-reward balance is perfectly tuned—you’re risking your progress for permanent character upgrades.
I started as a Witch and eventually ascended to Necromancer, which focuses on summoning undead allies. The Necromancer ascendancy offers powerful options for minion-focused builds, and I found myself constantly experimenting with different combinations.
The Journey to Level 90
I managed to hit level 90 before I decided to stop actively trying to level up. This speaks to how engaging the endgame content is—once you reach the level cap, there’s still so much to do.
Also, Izaro’s voice acting is just a chef’s kiss. The character’s delivery adds so much personality to the Labyrinth encounters.
Looking Back
My first experience with PoE was challenging but incredibly rewarding. The game respects your intelligence and rewards curiosity and experimentation.
I’m curious—how did your first experience with PoE feel? Did you use a build guide when you first played, or did you figure things out on your own?
