Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) offers extensive customization options, primarily through gameplay mechanics rather than aesthetic character customization. Here's a breakdown of how players can customize their experience:
Character Customization:
Image via: pathofexile.com
•Class Selection: PoE 2 provides 12 classes to choose from, each with unique starting positions on the passive skill tree. During early access, players can access six classes. Each class has its own set of ascendancies, which are sub-specializations offering different playstyles and bonuses. Classes are gender-locked but can be customized through gameplay mechanics.
See also: https://www.ign.com/wikis/path-of-exile-2/Classes_Guide:_Which_Class_to_Pick_in_PoE_2_Early_Access
•Character Name: The only aesthetic customization available is choosing your character's name. There are no options for changing appearance, skin color, or other physical traits. https://game8.co/games/Path-of-Exile-2/archives/487246
Skill Customization:
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•Skill Gems: Skills in PoE 2 are derived from uncut gems that can be turned into either active skills or support gems. Each active skill can be enhanced with up to six support gems, allowing for extensive customization in how skills function. For instance, you can alter the damage type, area of effect, or add effects like chaining or piercing.
See also: https://www.poe2wiki.net/wiki/Guide:Creating_Your_Own_Path_of_Exile_2_Build
•Skill Tree: The passive skill tree in PoE 2 remains a vast network where players allocate points to enhance their character's abilities. With over 1500 nodes, players can tailor their character's strengths to their playstyle, focusing on attributes like strength, dexterity, or intelligence, or a mix thereof. PoE 2 introduces dual specialization, allowing for two different sets of passive skills tailored to the weapons you use.
See also: https://www.lagofast.com/en/blog/path-of-exile-2-mechanics-guide/
Equipment Customization:
Survival Tips Guide to Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), Resource Management, Image poecurrency.com
•Gear and Crafting: Items can be customized through various crafting methods using currency items. Players can enhance, alter, or add attributes to gear, making even a common item potentially as powerful as a rare one if crafted correctly. Crafting includes upgrading rarity, adding or changing affixes, and increasing item quality.
See also: https://skycoach.gg/blog/path-of-exile-2/articles/poe-2-beginners-guide
•Sockets and Links: Equipment can have sockets where skill gems are placed. The color of the socket (red, green, blue) corresponds to the attribute needed for the gem (strength, dexterity, intelligence). Linking sockets with items like Artificer's Orbs allows for more complex skill setups, as linked sockets mean the associated support gems affect the skill in the linked active gem slot. https://game8.co/games/Path-of-Exile-2/archives/485788
Build Customization:
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•Build Guides: While not part of the game itself, community-created or official build guides can be followed or adapted to create tailored builds. Websites and forums like mobalytics.gg and pathofexile.com offer detailed build guides for each class.
See also: https://mobalytics.gg/poe-2/builds
•Passive Tree Planning: Use community tools or the in-game search feature in the passive tree to plan your character's development. This allows you to foresee how your build will evolve and adjust your path accordingly.
See also: https://www.poe2wiki.net/wiki/Guide:Creating_Your_Own_Path_of_Exile_2_Build
Gameplay Mechanics Customization:
Interactions Guide to Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), League Mechanics and Events, Image via: mobalytics.gg
•League Mechanics: Each new league in PoE 2 introduces unique gameplay mechanics that can influence how you build your character or play the game. Adapting to these mechanics can offer new ways to customize your gameplay experience.
•https://www.poe2wiki.net/wiki/Guide:Creating_Your_Own_Path_of_Exile_2_Build
•Controller Support: If you're playing on a console or prefer using a controller on PC, you can customize your control scheme, including how skills are mapped to buttons, which can significantly affect your playstyle.
See also: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/path-of-exile-2-best-pc-settings-to-use/1100-6528244
Trading and Economy:
Image via: movieauditions.in
•Trading: While trading is more limited in early access, it's expected to expand with the full release. Players can customize their game experience by trading for specific gear that fits their build, using in-game currency or gold for transactions.
See also: https://mobalytics.gg/poe-2/guides/beginner-guide
Future Considerations:
•Character Customization Hints: There have been hints from developers about possible future customization options like alternate gender options for classes as microtransactions, but nothing concrete has been implemented yet.
See also: https://x.com/redraidertech/status/1866950741690110442
This guide provides a comprehensive look at how players can customize their experience in PoE 2, from the ground up through builds and skills to item crafting. Remember, the game is in early access, and further customization options might be introduced as development progresses.
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