Path of Exile 2 is considered an extremely complex game, especially in the action RPG genre. Although it is supposed to be more beginner-friendly than its predecessor, it can overwhelm new players with its content. At least that’s what a well-known developer and Twitch streamer thinks.
Who is speaking?
- Jason Thor Hall is a software developer who has previously worked for Blizzard and Amazon. He appears on Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms under the name “Pirate Software.” On Twitch, he has set a record twice in one week.
- Although his channel is still relatively new, Hall quickly gained recognition. He explains that his success comes from his understanding of YouTube.
- In his streams, he often provides insights into the backgrounds of games or shares his opinions on current gaming topics. For instance, in 2024, he harshly criticized an EU initiative that aimed to save video games.
This is what Pirate Software says about Path of Exile: Already in October 2024, Hall commented on Path of Exile 1. He said at the time that the game’s massive skill tree would immediately deter any new player (via TikTok):
Once you reach level 2, you get this. It scares new players to death. […] The problem with Path of Exile has long been that the community standard is to play a character to level 70, delete it, and start over once you understand how the game works.
Path of Exile 2 is slightly better in this regard, but even in the second part, there is a huge skill tree for all classes. In a more recent clip on YouTube, Hall explains: “I still think this is daunting for new players.”
For new players, such an extensive skill tree is simply too large. However, players like himself would love exactly that.
“It doesn’t have to be optimal, just fun”
In a later stream, a viewer asks Hall about his build. He replies that the build exists nowhere else but with him right now. He doesn’t play by any guides but selects items that somehow fit.
It’s a trap to let others think they have already solved all problems for you. Hall asks: “Are you even playing at this point? Just play. Don’t worry. It doesn’t have to be optimal. Just fun.”
Hall himself plays and showcases various games on Twitch and other platforms. Recently, especially WoW Classic and here the hardcore mode, where every death is permanent. However, he recently got into quite a drama with that: Streamer flees in WoW Hardcore, leaves group behind and lies coldly: “I couldn’t do anything”
