"Path of Exile" is an intriguing online action role-playing game that draws its inspiration from the world of dark fantasy. First developed and published by Grinding Gear Games, an indie company based in New Zealand, the game offers an extensive international league system and full player-vs-player mode, challenging even the most seasoned of RPG veterans. Notably, its main attraction lies in its complex and deep gameplay mechanics, its expansive character customization options, and its free-to-play model that genuinely avoids "pay-to-win" shortcuts. So, if you are a fan of intricate, thought-provoking games that demand strategy and finesse, "Path of Exile" should be the next conquest in your gaming journey.
What's more, there are dozens of equally engaging gaming experiences out there that bear striking similarities to "Path of Exile". You'll find that each one presents their own unique vibrant worlds and gameplay styles, yet shares the same underpinning elements as PoE regarding complexity, character customization, and strategic gameplay. A few popular titles that immediately come to mind include 'Diablo 3', 'Torchlight II', and 'Grim Dawn' - but believe it, the list doesn’t end here. Would you be interested in exploring other similar games that could potentially provide a new gaming experience akin to PoE?
25. Diablo III
Well, if you enjoyed Path of Exile, you'll certainly have a great time at Diablo III. The two games share many key elements that are quintessential to the action RPG genre. Much like PoE, Diablo III also puts a significant focus on a dynamic, interactive environment and a compelling multi-linear storyline. Both games feature robust character customization, allowing you to sculpt your hero as you please, whether that be a dodgy ranged rogue or a beefy frontline warrior. Likewise, in Diablo III, you also get the vast, vast world for exploration, full of intriguing creatures to fight and epic loots to discover.
Also, much like Path of Exile, Diablo III allows you to delve into the captivating lore while you're out questing and slaying fiendish hordes. There's an expansive lore which the game gradually unwraps as you advance, adding another layer of depth apart from the core hack-and-slash gameplay. And when it comes to combat mechanics and controls, you won't have trouble adjusting - both games share similar real-time combat mechanics that are straightforward but satisfying, and equally employ a potent mixture of spells and physical abilities.
Diablo III is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, typically priced around $30 USD.
24. Grim Dawn
If you're a fan of Path of Exile, then it's likely that Grim Dawn will be right up your dystopian, demon-infested street. Much like Path of Ex. Grim Dawn is an ARPG (Action Role-playing Game) that's loaded with content, class customization, and an immersive world full of dark, gritty storylines to discover. Grim Dawn's compelling plot builds on a beautifully crafted world ravaged by catastrophe, setting the stage for intricate gameplay that goes beyond slashing and hacking through swarms of enemies. Brought to you by Crate Entertainment, it carries forward the classic hack-and-slash vibe of Diablo II, injecting it with a fresh sense of challenge and a multitude of skill combinations to explore.
While Path of Exile focuses quite heavily on multiplayer interaction, Grim Dawn caters to those who prefer a solitary experience without compromising on the thrill of battle and rewards. Grim Dawn's dual-class system offers immense strategic possibilities, drawing parallels with POE's complex character development. Both games offer a multitude of unlockable locations, quests, and challenging endgame content, ensuring fans of the genre always have something to sink their teeth into, while also providing the flexibility for casual gamers to take things at their own pace. In Grim Dawn’s apocalyptic setting, resource management receives a heightened focus, complementing its robust crafting system akin to Path of Exile's extensive itemization and currency systems.
Grim Dawn is available on PC (Steam, GOG) and is typically priced around $25 USD.
23. Torchlight II
If you're a fan of Path of Exile, you'll undoubtedly feel right at home with Torchlight II. Both games share similarities in their robust, detailed yet intuitive character customization and skill tree system that encourages experimentation and personalization. Torchlight II also employs a fascinating loot-based system, much like Path of Exile, offering an array of weapons, armor, and other items to give your character the edge in combat. Additionally, the game is fiercely replayable, packed with procedurally generated dungeons, rare monsters, and secret areas that ensure every playthrough is unique.
You'll also notice parallels in the broad, immersive worlds of both games. Torchlight II takes things a step further with an expansive, interconnected game world that is filled with a diverse range of biomes, each being visually stunning and distinct from each other. The game also inherits the dark, engaging storyline that kept you hooked in Path of Exile, coupled with a compelling set of quests and side quests that serve to augment the main narrative. Like Path of Exile, multiplayer gaming is a major part of Torchlight II, making it an excellent choice for both solo adventurers and groups of friends looking for cooperative fun.
Purchase Torchlight II for a thrilling experience. The game is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch platforms, typically priced around $20 USD.
22. Devilian
Just like Path of Exile, Devilian engages players in a dark-fantasy action RPG with an isometric viewpoint, creating an immersive gaming universe. Players navigate the detailed environments, fighting off monsters and fulfilling missions. The game's skill tree is reminiscent of Path of Exile's, allowing for a deep customization that gives you a unique player character. Devilian manages to infuse its familiar ARPG mechanics with a fresh perspective, making room for a unique duality system where you can morph into a devil form to boost your stats and abilities, creating a balance of predictable and imaginative gameplay.
In terms of aesthetics, Path of Exile and Devilian share a similar sense of atmosphere, with both embracing a dark and brooding world teeming with lurking horrors. Like Path of Exile, Devilian offers ensembles that interact dynamically with the surroundings providing a moody, immersing setting. The in-game graphics are detailed and engaging, invoking a sense of grim adventure fused with excitement. Moreover, the community is both competitive and supportive – just how you’d want it to be. The PvP and cooperative modes of play are thoroughly enjoyable, promoting camaraderie and rivalry in equal measure.
Devilian is available on Microsoft Windows platform, typically priced around $0 USD as it operates on a free-to-play model with in-game purchases.
21. Titan Quest
Like Path of Exile, Titan Quest is an isometric action RPG that banks heavily on engrossing gameplay, vast character customization, and an exhilarating loot chase. Both games offer a classless system which allows you to pick and choose from a plethora of different abilities and passive effects, creating your own unique warrior. Titan Quest provides a mythological backdrop set in ancient Greece, Egypt, and Asia, with a myriad of beautifully designed locations, and it's teeming with creatures and deities from those respective mythologies. Fans of the exploratory element in Path of Exile will find Titan Quest equally engaging with various cities, temples, and dungeons to discover.
There's also a strong similarity in both games' approach to combat and strategy. The enemies in Titan Quest, just like in Path of Exile, require tactical prowess and careful planning to overcome. The game offers an impressive variety of weapons, each with its unique stats and effects, not unlike Path of Exile's extensive arsenal. Additionally, Titan Quest's multi-mastery skill system offers flexibility and depth of strategy, allowing you to combine different classes and skills, creating a synergy which any Path of Exile fan would appreciate.
Titan Quest is available on the PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $20 USD.
20. The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing could easily be defined as the lovechild of Path of Exile and the Diablo series, containing plentiful similarities that keeps you hooked and constantly inquisitive. The game has a similar point-and-click, hack-and-slash style action RPG gameplay that you're so familiar with from Path of Exile. It's built around the same core mechanic of slaughtering hordes of enemies, acquiring loot and constantly upgrading your abilities to maximise your in-game power. They both boast a generous skill tree system that allows players to tailor their character build specifically to their style of play. Not to mention, both titles intricately weave together a compelling storyline that pushes you through the dark and highly immersive world that they encompass.
Exploring further, an interesting aspect of Van Helsing is its companion, Katarina, which adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, similar to the minion system in Path of Exile. You can customize her skills and equipment, as well as instruct her to behave in numerous ways according to your gaming preference. Also, the rage and power-up system brings another familiar yet distinct mechanic into the mix, similar to the flasks and socket systems within Path of Exile, offering a refreshing element to combat and strategy. All these similarities wrapped up in a beautifully crafted world, brimming with detailed environments and a unique steampunk/gothic aesthetic, are bound to please any Path of Exile fan.
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing is available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 4, typically priced around $15 USD.
19. Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr and Path of Exile share many exciting similarities that cater to people who value fast-paced, strategic, and immersive RPG experience. Both games offer an enticing looter shooter aspect where defeating foes not only gives you a feeling of accomplishment, but also provides you with a steady stream of cool and powerful gear for you to equip and upgrade. The tactical depth in both these games is apparent as you experiment with varying armaments, each possessing its own unique attributes, or build up your skill tree to suit your preferred style of play. Much like in Path of Exile, you shape your character in Warhammer through a comprehensive leveling system that encourages specialization and helps you develop your character's skillset the way you desire.
Another key similarity between Warhammer and Path of Exile is the vast, lore-rich world to explore. Both universes are known for their grim, complex lore that takes players deep into a multitude of diverse settings. In Warhammer, you'll take on the role of a powerful Inquisitor in the grimdark universe of the far future. Just as in Path of Exile, the game’s narrative is exceptionally rich, and gets frequently updated with new missions to keep you hooked. The games feature isometric perspectives, and their visuals are impressive and highly atmospheric, making them an absolute treat for gamers who appreciate really diving into a game's universe.
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $50 USD.
18. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
If you've enjoyed the immersive world creation, complex character development and the rich, strategic combat of Path of Exile, then Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is right up your alley. Just like PoE, Baldur’s Gate II provides an enormous amount of customization when it comes to character classes, skills, and strategies. It’s based on the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons system providing intricate depth to character builds. Additionally, you would appreciate the narrative aspect of BGII where the plot is drawn with masterful storytelling, making it as much focusing on narrative as on gameplay.
Baldur's Gate II shares Path of Exile's reliance on robust, strategic combat systems, involving careful positioning and ability use, rather than simply button mashing. It’s enriched by its vast assortment of different spells and skills, sparse potion use, and tactical consideration to each skirmish similar to PoE. Furthermore, BGII is praised for its vast exploration component. Just like in PoE, the more you delve into the world of Amn, the more you discover, unraveling intriguing subplots and lore. This means lots of varied and dynamic environments to discover, and countless side quests to undertake, many of which are so deeply woven into the main plot and character development that they feel indispensable, just like in Path of Exile.
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is available on Steam, GoG, Google Play and App Store, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
17. Divinity: Original Sin II
Divinity: Original Sin II, much like Path of Exile, boasts a huge open-world environment that encourages players to explore and chart their own course through the game. Both games offer rich, complex, and compelling narratives that take time to unfold, keeping you hooked and eager for more. They also share a deep, dynamic, and highly customizable class system which opens up countless strategies and playstyles to experiment with. Like in Path of Exile, Divinity: Original Sin II allows you to meticulously craft your character's abilities, offering you a truly personalized gaming experience.
What sets Divinity: Original Sin II apart, and might attract as a fan of Path of Exile, is its focus on deep and strategic turn-based combat sequences that require careful planning and tactical thinking, slightly different from the real-time combat Path of Exile uses. Also, Divinity: Original Sin II takes role-playing seriously. Every decision made in this game has a potential impact on your journey. Not to forget, this game also supports multiplayer mode, letting you team up with friends and leverage each other's unique abilities, making for an experience that is richly interactive and immersive.
Divinity: Original Sin II is available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $45 USD.
16. Diablo II
If you're a fan of Path of Exile, then Diablo II should be right up your alley. Similar to Path of Exile, Diablo II is an action role-playing game that excels at immersive storytelling. Both games have dark fantasy themes and complex skill systems, giving you a lot of room to tailor your characters. They include an abundance of loot, monsters, and dungeons to explore. Diablo II is often regarded as a pillar of this genre and has influenced many games such as Path of Exile. So, if you liked the playstyle and the vibe of POE, you'd genuinely appreciate Diablo II.
Another aspect you might love about Diablo II is its multiple character classes and interactivity of skill systems. Just like in Path of Exile, you can choose from different classes and create builds that align perfectly with your play style. The customization options in Diablo II are vast, enabling you to create distinctive characters. Apart from that, the game has a compelling storyline and gripping cinematics - elements, you are already familiar with if you've immersed yourself in POE’s rich lore.
Diablo II is available on Microsoft Windows and Mac OS platforms, typically priced around $9.99 USD.
15. Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem
Well, if you're a fan of Path of Exile, you're going to love Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem. Wolcen offers a similar dark fantasy setting filled with monsters and magic, which certainly engages fans of the genre. Much like Path of Exile, the game allows you to choose from a wide variety of skill trees that enable you to customize your character's abilities extensively. This system's free form nature will remind you of the endless build possibilities that were presented in Path of Exile. Furthermore, Wolcen's random generation of maps revolves around the same idea of replayability that you've experienced in Path of Exile.
Another similarity that Wolcen shares with Path of Exile includes its loot-driven gameplay. As you battle through the fallen world of Wolcen, you will come across numerous armor pieces, weapons, and artifacts, much like the large amounts of loot you come across in Path of Exile. Also, Wolcen's rich, deep story and voice acting certainly appeal to those who appreciate a captivating narrative like the epic saga featured in Path of Exile. The combat in Wolcen is visceral and weighty, using a more updated engine that still maintains that raw festival of violence Path of Exile is known for.
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem is available on PC via Steam, typically priced around $40 USD.
14. Sacred 2
Having played Path of Exile, I'm sure you'll appreciate the charm of Sacred 2. Both games offer an isometric action RPG gameplay, with a broad emphasis on character class systems and in-depth skill trees that let you customize your character's abilities. Just like Path of Exile, Sacred 2 boasts a complexity of character builds that allows for strategic gameplay, with the option to choose between six diverse character classes, each offering its own unique skill trees and abilities.
Furthermore, both games present a rich storyline and a world filled with secrets. Like Path of Exile's dark Wraeclast, Sacred 2 provides an immense, seamless world spanning over 22 square miles. Filled with foes to vanquish and quests to conquer, these games certainly share the knack for a deeply immersive environment. Both games also excel at enemy variety, adding layers of tactical decision-making into the gameplay. As a bonus point, they both take a step away from the bright, colorful tropes often seen in RPGs, delivering rather grim and gritty visuals that amplify the heavy and threatening feel of their respective worlds.
Sacred 2 is available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.
13. Borderlands 2
While at first glance you might not see much resemblance between Borderlands 2 and Path of Exile, the two games share a major common element, which is their deep and rich character customization and progression system. In both games, you start by picking a character, or class, each with their unique abilities and starting points. As you progress, the games' robust skill trees allow you to tailor your character to your preferred gameplay style. Whether you want a ranger who can heal allies, a witch who can summon minions, or a gunzerker capable of dual-wielding any two weapons in the game, the possibilities for customization are astounding.
Another aspect where Borderlands 2 mirrors Path of Exile is in the shared focus on loot. Both games feature randomly generated loot drops, encouraging players to keep exploring and fighting to find the best items. You'll frequently find yourself analyzing the nuanced pros and cons of new weapons and armor pieces, just as you did in Path of Exile. The rush of finding a rare and powerful weapon after defeating a hard enemy is a joy that fans of both games know well. The variety of weapons, gear, and mods available adds yet another layer of depth to your character customization, inviting you to experiment and find the best combinations to enhance your capabilities.
Borderlands 2 is available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.
12. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Firstly, both The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Path of Exile have strong elements of high fantasy, emphasizing creatures, magic, and unique world building in immersive environments. Their narratives are rich and complex, rooted in tough choices that impact the flow of the story and characters development, allowing for deep role-playing possibilities which means you can shape the narrative to some extent with your decisions. This is a big selling point if you are the kind of player who really enjoys an engaging story. In addition, The Witcher 3 universe, like Path of Exile, is based on dark and gritty themes, rendering an aesthetic that keeps players on edge and intrigued.
When it comes to gameplay, both games feature a robust combat system that's rich in strategy and customisation. While The Witcher 3 is not a top-down isometric dungeon crawler like Path of Exile, combat in The Witcher 3 is heavily based on skill, preparation and tactical decisions, similar to some systems you might have encountered in Path of Exile. You will need to learn and adapt to the fighting style of different monsters, prepare potions, spells and set traps to gain an advantage in battle. Catagorically classed as an RPG, The Witcher 3 also shares a depth of character progression, allowing you to construct your protagonist, Geralt of Rivia based on your personal preference of combat, be it brute strength with his swords, or more strategically using magical signs.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is readily available on PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, and eventually making its way onto the Nintendo Switch. It's typically priced around $40 USD, and includes a hefty amount of gameplay - up to around 200 hours if you're a completionist, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of action role-playing games like yourself. So, if you're missing Path of Exile and want a staggeringly deep fantasy world to dive into headfirst, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt could very well be your next RPG of choice.
11. Pillars of Eternity
Well, if you enjoyed the epic gameplay and deep narrative of Path of Exile, then Pillars of Eternity may be up your alley. Although they differ in the sense that one is an action RPG and the other is a classic-style RPG rooted in storytelling, they share a lot in common. Both games are rich in lore, featuring vast, immersive worlds that you can lose yourself in. They both offer complex skill trees, allowing for a personalized gaming experience where you can shape your character in a myriad of ways. And perhaps most importantly, both have a strong sense of player agency where your decisions matter and can significantly affect the storytelling.
As a player, your tactical skills will definitely be put to test in Pillars of Eternity. Like Path of Exile, the combat in Pillars requires a degree of strategy and forethought rather than button mashing. Depending on the difficulty level you choose, you may find yourself pausing mid-battle to issue commands, much like you would in PoE's more challenging boss fights. Both games also have a similar high risk-high reward gameplay loop where careful preparation and smart play can lead to substantial progress. On top of all that, Pillars carries a strong sense of nostalgia for old-school RPGs, so if you've ever enjoyed games like Baldur's Gate, you're likely to appreciate the gameplay mechanics in Pillars of Eternity.
Pillars of Eternity is available on Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $30 USD.
10. Wasteland 2
Both Wasteland 2 and Path of Exile are renowned for their heavy emphasis on character customization and strategic depth, which should intrigue you if you enjoyed those elements in Path of Exile. In Wasteland 2, much like in Path of Exile, you’re given a lot of freedom to build your characters in unique ways, thanks to a robust skill system and numerous ways to advance and specialize them. Similarly, both games offer a diverse range of tactical options in combat, requiring you to make careful decisions about your positioning, utilization of skills, and management of resources.
These two games also share a commitment to detailed world-building and rich storytelling. Wasteland 2’s post-apocalyptic setting, although different from Path of Exile’s darkly fantastic world, is brought to life with comparable attention to lore and atmosphere. As you navigate through the harsh desert landscapes of Wasteland 2, you'll be confronted with engaging quests and ethical dilemmas that evoke the narrative depth and choice-based gameplay prevalent in Path of Exile. And like in Path of Exile, the choices you make in Wasteland 2 can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the story’s progression and the world around you.
Wasteland 2 is available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One, typically priced around $30 USD.
9. Neverwinter Nights 2
Neverwinter Nights 2 is a game that has many similarities to Path of Exile. Both games are based in a rich and detailed world with a focus on player choices significantly impacting the storyline. Just like Path of Exile, Neverwinter Nights 2 also provides an immersive environment and complex lore that will draw you in. The Dungeons and Dragons-inspired character development system allows you to create and refine your party’s abilities as you see fit, paralleling the freedom and strategic depth you may have encountered in Path of Exile.
The mechanics of combat and exploration in Neverwinter Nights 2 are equally entertaining and challenging as those in Path of Exile. The game offers an engaging, real-time, party-based combat system that places a significant emphasis on tactical decision-making. You'll find this system familiar if you're a fan of engaging and thought-provoking battles in Path of Exile. Furthermore, the rich libraries of spells, skills, and abilities, as well as a wide array of diverse enemies and bosses, ensure your battles are unique and intriguing, much like those you've encountered in Path of Exile.
Neverwinter Nights 2 is available on Windows platforms, typically priced around $20 USD.
8. Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV, much like Path of Exile, is a game that immerses you in a deeply diverse and complex world. With numerous classes to choose from and intricate skill trees to navigate, you have the same level of character customization and development that you cherished in Path of Exile. The game doesn't just stop at offering a world to explore, it provides a rich lore-filled universe that adds depth to your gameplay, similar to the dark, gritty, and engaging storylines in Path of Exile.
Final Fantasy XIV’s combat system has some similarities to that of Path of Exile, offering complex encounters that require tactical execution and coordination. Just like Path of Exile, your choice of class and skills can greatly impact combat outcomes, which gives a sense of significance and depth to your decision making. Alongside this, both Final Fantasy XIV and Path of Exile have an extensive loot system that allows you to continuously equip and enhance your character with new, powerful items, providing a rewarding progression system that keeps you engaged for hours on end.
Final Fantasy XIV is available on PC, PS4, and PS5, typically priced around $39.99 USD.
7. Middle-earth: Shadow of War
One of the main similarities between Middle-earth: Shadow of War and Path of Exile is the extensive character skill tree and customization. In Shadow of War, you are given a multitude of ways to grow and strengthen your character, much like in Path of Exile. Every encounter and action can give you points towards learning new attacks, gaining bonuses, or expanding your command over your orcish army. This promotes your engagement and makes every progress in the game feel unique and significant. The games are also comparable in terms of the massive world-building, both being set in a complex and intricate environment that encourages exploration. They both offer an impressive amount of lore for gamers who love a rich, immersive experience.
Another fascinating similarity is the combat system. While Path of Exile emphasizes on strategic real-time battles, Middle-earth: Shadow of War also follows suit with its fluid and dynamic combat mechanics. You will find the element of strategy significant in both games, where you have to consider your abilities and utilize them effectively to conquer your enemies. Not only that, but Shadow of War also integrates the Nemesis System from its predecessor, which means your interaction with certain characters can lead to a unique storyline development, adding more depth into your gameplay. Both games require you to make strategic decisions and consider actions that will impact your journey in the game world, offering a satisfying and rewarding gaming experience.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War is available on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, typically priced around $25 USD.
6. Warframe
Warframe, just like Path of Exile, offers a deeply satisfying and engaging experience revolving around loot-driven progression. You will find that Warframe shares a lot in common with the gameplay loop of Path of Exile - battling enemies, collecting rewards, and constantly upgrading and fine-tuning your character to tackle ever-increasing challenges. It's the design of the progression system, which encourages trying out new gear and weapons while offering great depth and complexities, where these two games draw a similar path. Also, both games have a spectacularly large skill tree giving you an array of customization options, enabling you to alter and modify your character as per your preferred play style.
An alluring aspect that connects both these titles is their approach to the free-to-play model. Just like Path of Exile, Warframe is incredibly fair and generous with its pacing and progression mechanics, not hampering your experience by putting up paywalls. Regular updates and content additions ensure the games remain exciting and thrilling, as novel strategies need to be conjured to deal with the newly introduced mechanics. Undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive and player-friendly F2P titles out there, Warframe, akin to Path of Exile, delivers an exhilarating experience without compromising the essence of the game or challenging the integrity of the player.
Warframe is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $0 USD as it operates on a free-to-play model with optional in-game purchases.
5. Tom Clancy's The Division
Like Path of Exile, Tom Clancy's The Division is a game where strategy, player progression, and character specialization are key features. It's an online, open-world RPG that compels you to explore, strategize, and team up with others to progress further. Despite the difference in setting – a post-apocalyptic New York City for The Division versus the dark and gritty fantasy world of Path of Exile – both games share a deep and immersive storyline, complemented by intricate lore and environment that draws players in.
The Division may not be an action RPG like Path of Exile, but it is a tactical shooter RPG that emphasizes both player skill and character gearing. The loot system in both games is expansive, allowing for endless potential builds and strategies. Like in Path of Exile, the wealth of customization options in The Division lets you approach challenges in numerous ways, which encourages replayability. The Division's Dark Zone, in particular, bears a resemblance to Path of Exile's cut-throat leagues where players can loot each other, amplifying the intensity and stakes of the gameplay.
Tom Clancy's The Division is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows, typically priced around $30 USD.
4. Destiny 2
Both Destiny 2 and Path of Exile shine brightly when it comes to immersive storytelling, complex skill trees, and diverse character classes. As Path of Exile tickles your imagination with its deep lore and intricate world-building, so too does Destiny 2 draw you into its expansive universe steeped in rich history. Just like Path of Exile, Destiny 2 offers multiple character classes, each with unique abilities that can be enhanced or modified through their respective skill trees. In Destiny 2, for example, you can choose to be a Titan, Warlock or Hunter, each class bringing its unique play style and mechanics, much like the seven classes in Path of Exile.
The shared-world experience in Destiny 2 is where it weaves a similarity with Path of Exile's MMORPG cloth. Both games blend instances of solo play and co-operative multiplayer seamlessly in a persistent open world, giving you the freedom to team up with others on epic quests or go lone wolf when you fancy. There's this satisfying grind for loot that echoes Path of Exile's rewarding mechanic of harvesting gear and resource to enhance your character's prowess. Destiny 2 further spices up the action with gripping PVP modes akin to the fierce arena battles in Path of Exile. Moreover, the end-game content in both games is truly challenging and worth mastering as they summon the best gaming skills out of you while still delivering a great narrative punch.
Destiny 2 is available on Windows PC, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Google Stadia, typically priced around $30 USD.
3. Skyrim
One aspect that both Skyrim and Path of Exile share is the basis of character development and freedom of personalization. In both games, you can customize your character's abilities to a great extent, facilitating a unique style of gameplay that caters to your preferences. Like PoE's highly complex and interconnected passive skill tree, Skyrim also provides a comprehensive skill system, where you can spend experience in order to improve specific skills, divided into categories like magic, combat, and stealth. Plus, there are no restrictions on what skills you can improve, meaning you can create a heavily-armored mage or a sneaky, dagger-wielding warrior if you wish.
Another similarity lies in the free-roaming and extensive exploration that both games offer. Skyrim, like Path of Exile, presents a massive world that you can freely explore at your own pace, and you're encouraged to take on side quests and discover new locations outside of the main storyline. The atmosphere and setting share a dark fantasy aesthetic, with a rich lore that provides background to quests and environments. While PoE has a more linear storyline, both games share a penchant for thoughtful, environmental storytelling, rewarding you with nuggets of narrative the more you explore.
Skyrim is available on platforms such as Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $20 USD.
2. Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III, like Path of Exile, offers an immersive open-world experience packed with thrill and challenges. The game environment is replete with rich lore and storytelling, similar to PoE, where you unravel stories and secrets about the game world as you journey. Also, in both games, the atmosphere is darker and more intriguing, which enriches the overall gaming experience. Just like in PoE, the combat in Dark Souls III, is unforgivable and requires strategic thinking and timing, making every battle a significant milestone.
One of the main similarities is the depth of character customization in both games. In Dark Souls III, you can choose from several classes with unique attributes, design your character’s appearance, and develop your abilities as you replicate more with your individual gameplay style. This is reminiscent of Path of Exiles's Passive Skill Tree, where you can personalize your character's passive stats and skills. Adding to this, Dark Souls III, like PoE, is high on replay value with multiple endings based on your in-game choices, offering hours of endless fun that's different with each playthrough.
Dark Souls III is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It is typically priced around $60 USD.
1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance, like Path of Exile, masterfully blends a rich, open world with a compelling, choice-driven narrative and offers players an engaging and immersive experience. The attention to detail and vast, intertwined mechanics found in both games make them truly captivating. They are both games that require dedication, strategic planning, and a certain degree of resource management. Path of Exile’s complex skill tree is mirrored in Kingdom Come in the form of the diverse, intricate perk system that allows you to truly customize your character's skills and abilities.
Both games also share a dark, grittier theme that is veined through their stories, atmospheres, and the very visuals they employ. Teamwork and cooperative play is emphasized, though Kingdom Come: Deliverance does have a stronger emphasis on single-player experiences. Much like Path of Exile, Kingdom Come: Deliverance also prioritizes player choice, with your actions significantly affecting the story and world around you. The realism and depth of these franchises will keep you entertained for countless hours, and their engaging, dynamic combat systems only render the gaming experience more fulfilling.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It is typically priced around $30 USD.
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