With Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2, there are currently two major titles for ARPG fans. If you are still unsure which game suits you better, our comparison will help you make your decision.
Many action RPG fans are currently facing a decision: Diablo 4 or Path of Exile 2? Both games offer tons of content, diverse classes, and various endgame activities. Both have, due to their predecessors, a huge community. Yet, despite many similarities, they target different audiences – especially due to the different difficulty levels.
Which ARPG is suitable for me?
Although both games belong to the genre of action ARPGs, they do not necessarily target the same audience. We summarize when each title is worth your time. After that, we will take a closer look at key aspects that might influence your decision.
Diablo 4 is for you if:
- you are looking for an entry-level ARPG that is easy to understand.
- you only have a few hours a day to engage with a game.
- you want to unwind and just slash a few monsters.
- you feel like having new seasonal content approximately every 3 months..
- …or want to play longer on the eternal realm with a character.
- you are interested in group content and want to team up with others (for example via the group finder).
Path of Exile 2 is for you if:
- you are looking for a challenging ARPG and want to dive deep into the subject.
- you are looking for long-term motivation to continuously develop your character and want to invest a lot of time.
- you are excited to deal with an absurdly large skill tree.
- freedom in skills does not unsettle you, and you are eager to experiment.
- you have a good tolerance for frustration and do not give up quickly.
- you are not intimidated by boss fights that can take longer and involve many different mechanics.
How the bosses in Path of Exile 2 come to life, you can see here:
Finished Game vs. Early Access
What is the status of both ARPGs? At the current time, Diablo 4 has been on the market for over a year. Additionally, in October 2024, Vessel of Hatred the first expansion was released. You can plan 10-20 hours for the campaign alone and an additional 5-10 hours for Vessel of Hatred.
The endgame then offers different challenges in which you can further improve your character. Those who want the absolute best gear have to expect well over 100 hours. Players typically start anew each season and play for several weeks before they stop and return later.
Diablo 4 will enter its seventh season in February 2025 and has already received a lot of content. The plan is to continue supporting the game for years to come. Seasons roughly come every 3 months.
In contrast, Path of Exile 2 is still “fresh,” as the ARPG entered Early Access in December 2024. It currently offers a campaign with three acts. Later, three more will be added. Until then, you will practically play through the first three acts twice to reach the endgame. The developers have already planned initial changes for the endgame.
The full release of Path of Exile 2 is planned to be between six and twelve months after the start of the Early Access phase. This means that a release between May 2025 and December 2025 is likely. You can find out how the Early Access of Path of Exile 2 looks here. With the final launch, seasonal content will probably also come into the game – similar to Diablo 4.
Relaxed Grind or Challenge?
How difficult are the ARPGs? Diablo 4 is ideal for newcomers to the genre as it is easily accessible and easy to understand. However, the game does not only target casuals but especially a specific audience: men of middle or advanced age with jobs, families, and little time, the “gamer dads.”
For many, Diablo 4 is the perfect “after-work game” to grind for a few hours and take down monster hordes. Especially convenient: You can adjust the difficulty level and gradually unlock higher levels.
Path of Exile 2, on the other hand, offers significantly more challenge without a selectable difficulty level. The fights are tougher, last longer, and require more concentration. Some players of Path of Exile 2, who are used to the predecessor, feel as if they are in Dark Souls. The huge passive skill tree and the countless possibilities with the skills require you to engage intensively with your builds.
In short:
- Diablo 4 is suitable for casuals who want to play without much stress.
- Path of Exile 2 offers more depth and is aimed at core gamers looking for a challenge.
The Issue of Long-Term Motivation
Which ARPG occupies me longer? If you are looking for an action RPG that keeps you occupied long-term, you are better served with Path of Exile 2. Although Diablo 4 regularly brings new seasonal content, even this is quickly completed if you invest a lot of time.
In the last seasons of Diablo 4, the leveling pace has significantly increased. This makes it possible to reach the new max level of 60 in just a few days or even hours, diving directly into the endgame. From max level, the grind for Paragon levels begins as you continue to develop your character.
Path of Exile 2, on the other hand, is still in Early Access; you play through the first three acts practically twice to reach the endgame. The second run is significantly harder than the first. But even then, you are far from finished: your character needs to be further developed, both in terms of level and gear and skills. You can face trials in the endgame and contend with the endless “map system”.
The long-term motivation in both games depends on how much you enjoy grinding in games.
In December 2024, Path of Exile 2 entered Early Access, and the community has since drawn a mixed conclusion. Many players love the grind of the ARPG and simply can’t get enough of it – but they are also frustrated by the issues that taint the gaming experience. You can read more about it here: Players are frustrated with Path of Exile 2 but can’t stop playing – Here’s how the ARPG is doing
