Bilawal Bashir 
Grinding Gear Games showed off Path of Exile 2’s groundbreaking local multiplayer at the PlayStation’s State of Play event, and it looks phenomenal.
Path of Exile is a free-to-play isometric ARPG with surprising depth. The game has received numerous updates since its launch almost a decade ago and commands a large community. The game’s free-to-play nature offered a lower barrier to entry, and once in, players were hooked by its unique take on action RPGs. However, the solitary nature of the game can leave something to be desired. While the original Path of Exile had plenty of online multiplayer features, Grinding Gear Games has revealed a surprise new feature for its sequel.
In yet another flash of inspiration from its spiritual sister Diablo, Path of Exile 2 will be adding an unexpected, but welcome feature with local multiplayer.
Path of Exile 2 has couch co-op
Path of Exile 2 confirmed couch co-op in a trailer at the May 2024 PlayStation State of Play broadcast.
The action-packed trailer shows bits of story and gameplay. The druid-like character class starts off the trailer with a friendly ranger following up with their own combat skills. The Path of Exile 2 gameplay trailer then segways to couch co-op, bringing two players on one screen. Path of Exile is primarily a PC game, so multiple players on one system has never been expected. However, with Path of Exile 2 launching on both PC and consoles, Grinding Gear is tailoring more features around the ports.
The trailer only gave a little information about how couch co-op will work on Path of Exile 2. Whether player two could bring their character, how progress will be tracked, and how enemy scaling works are all questions yet to be answered. However, having a local multiplayer option makes Path of Exile 2 compete with Diablo IV.
Path of Exile 2 early access date
Path of Exile 2 will enter early access for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC in late 2024.
Path of Exile 2’s early access kicks off late in 2024 and will bring a combat revamp and new mechanics. The new dodgeball mechanic will add more variety and movement dynamics. The physics-based rendering will lead the visual rework in the sequel. The game also offers a new passive skill tree and 18 new Ascendancy classes, giving new and old players more reasons to grind.
The game will also feature cross-progression so players can easily switch between consoles and PCs. Path of Exile never got a local multiplayer option despite other ARPGs like Torchlight, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr, and Victor Vran all offering the option. Playing the game with friends requires separate machines for each. The developer is bucking that trend by providing a two-player local multiplayer option as a standout new feature.
