Popular streamer Asmongold has stirred up the gaming community with his recent remarks about “Path of Exile 2.” He believes this new release could potentially lure away fans of “Diablo 4,” a concern that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Blizzard. Asmongold’s enthusiasm for “Path of Exile 2” is palpable, particularly around its potential for drawing in new players—an improvement he feels was missing in the first installment.
Launching on December 6 for early access, “Path of Exile 2” will introduce players to a rich world featuring three campaign acts, six varied character classes, and an intricate endgame system. Its competitor, “Diablo 4,” is also gearing up for change as it heads toward its seventh season, incorporating player-requested tweaks across its classes. Despite its shorter history, “Path of Exile 2” is gaining traction as a serious rival, and the buzzing conversation around it reveals that both the community and Blizzard aren’t taking it lightly.
Asmongold’s latest YouTube video highlights some key aspects that might tilt the balance in favor of “Path of Exile 2” when it goes head-to-head with “Diablo 4.” He emphasizes the sequel’s approachability for newcomers, noting how this makes it more appealing than the first “Path of Exile.” The original was known for its complexity, which often discouraged players. However, the sequel’s more polished mechanics and enhanced graphics mark a step forward, offering a fresh and modern gaming experience compared to “Diablo 4.”
Moreover, Asmongold draws attention to the fact that “Path of Exile 2” is entirely free-to-play. This stands in stark contrast to “Diablo 4,” which comes not only with a purchase price but also additional microtransactions—something that’s left a bitter taste among its users. With such advantages, Asmongold argues, “Path of Exile 2” presents a formidable challenge to “Diablo 4’s” player base. He also observed that Blizzard isn’t blind to this threat. A recent Twitter post from Rod Fergusson, Diablo’s General Manager, hints at this very competition. Fergusson’s suggestion that action RPGs should be referred to as “Diablo-like” came hot on the heels of a record-breaking viewership for “Path of Exile 2’s” streaming event.
Fergusson’s tweet didn’t go unchallenged; it elicited a wave of criticism from players who argued that “Path of Exile” embodies the authentic “Diablo-like” spirit more faithfully. Fans questioning “Diablo 4” pointed out its heavy reliance on microtransactions and some unpopular design choices, saying things like, “Make a good Diablo game first, then we’ll talk.” Such comments underscore the brewing frustration among Blizzard’s audience.
While “Diablo 4” has addressed some of its early issues, such as bugs and interface problems, the lingering challenges have made room for “Path of Exile 2” to capture some of the spotlight. Whether or not the sequel will rise to the occasion and shift gamers’ loyalties, as Asmongold suggests, remains to be seen. The gaming community watches eagerly to see how this rivalry unfolds.
