Mobile gaming is bigger than ever, and fans of the popular action RPG, Path of Exile, have something big to look forward to. Yes, you heard it right—the intense, loot-filled world of Path of Exile is coming to your mobile device (for both Android and iOS)! The original game, launched in 2013 by Grinding Gear Games, has won over gamers with its challenging gameplay and endless ways to customise your character.
So, what can we expect when this big hit moves to the small screen? Will it keep all the things that make the original great while being easy to play on a phone? That’s the big question, and a lot rides on getting it right. If done well, this could bring a whole new crowd of fans into the dark, thrilling world of Path of Exile. Excited? Here’s everything we know so far about Path of Exile Mobile, including gameplay, trailers, and more.
What is Path of Exile Mobile?
Path of Exile Mobile is aiming to be a lot like its original PC version, which many know as Path of Exile 1 or POE1. The makers of the game, Grinding Gear Games, want to give you the same dark, complex world to explore, but on your phone. They’re not cutting corners or making a simpler game; they’re working hard to make the mobile version as detailed and interesting as the PC one.
Some people think mobile games are only for casual play. But POE Mobile wants to change that view. The game’s creators promise that everything, from the way the game looks to how it plays, will be like the PC version. This is a big deal because the original game is known for its deep and intricate gameplay.
The story of Path of Exile Mobile will connect to the PC version. It will take place in the same dark, cursed city called Wraeclast. You’ll play as an exile, someone who has been kicked out and sent to this dangerous place. Just like in the original game, you’ll have to battle monsters and find a way to survive. In short, the mobile version aims to offer the same intense atmosphere and storytelling, just on a different device.
Gameplay
Path of Exile Mobile is set to bring the action-packed world of its PC version to your mobile screen. Like in the original game, the first thing you’ll do is pick a character class. This choice sets the tone for your whole adventure, from the weapons you’ll use to the skills you’ll learn.
In the announcement trailer, the creators showed a quick look at how the game will play on mobile. It seems easy to control, with a joystick for moving your character around and buttons on the right for using special moves and skills. Even with these simpler controls, the game promises to keep the deep and exciting gameplay that made the PC version so popular.
Just like in the original game, fighting is the main focus in POE Mobile. You’ll explore dungeons and caves, taking down enemies to gain experience points and find loot. This loot can be used to create new weapons and gear. The game also uses special gems that let you customize your character’s abilities, like how hard they hit and how fast they move.
The PC version has different game modes called leagues, which add new rules or challenges. We’re likely to see these leagues in the mobile version too, but maybe with some changes to fit the quicker, on-the-go nature of mobile gaming. All in all, Path of Exile Mobile aims to be a fun, easy-to-play version of the classic game that you can take anywhere.
Trailer
In the announcement trailer, the developers took a bold stance against common criticisms of mobile gaming. They directly addressed the annoyances that often plague mobile games, such as incessant ads and unavoidable microtransactions. Making it clear that Path of Exile Mobile will be a free-to-play title, they emphasized their commitment to avoiding any pay-to-win barriers.
The team stated their genuine intent behind creating the mobile version, assuring fans that this isn’t merely an attempt to cash in on the franchise’s name. Managing to offer shorter playtimes while retaining the game’s core mechanics and depth is indeed an impressive achievement for the developers. The trailer also provided a glimpse into the user interface and gameplay, showcasing the game’s dark lore and impressive graphics, which are especially notable for a mobile title.
Leaks So Far
The storyline of this game delves into events that unfolded before PoE 1, positioning the mobile version as a prequel to the PoE series. This fresh narrative is sure to entice many fans to return, if only to experience a new tale.
The game will feature seven distinct classes, consistent with those found in other PoE titles. Players can select from the Duelist, Marauder, Ranger, Scion, Shadow, Templar, and Witch classes. Each character aligns with one of the primary attributes: Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence. Characters with the Strength attribute boast high HP, those with Dexterity have quicker attack speeds, and Intelligence correlates with expansive mana pools.
Central to the game’s complexity is the talent tree, also known as the passive skill tree. Players can unlock thousands of passive skills that enhance their character’s fundamental attributes. While each class starts at a different point on the skill tree, the tree itself remains universal across all classes.
Moreover, the game offers both PvP and PvE modes. In PvP, players can ally with other exiles, and trading is facilitated through a barter system, given the game’s lack of traditional in-game currency.
The only formal announcement from Grinding Gear Games regarding POE Mobile is as follows: “We are currently developing a trial version of Path of Exile for mobile platforms. The Atlas Map system in Path of Exile is ideally suited for engaging, quick-play action. This project, being developed internally at Grinding Gear Games, offers a full Path of Exile experience without any pay-to-win features.”
Release Date, Early Access, and Requirements
Grinding Gear Games revealed plans for Path of Exile 2 at ExileCon 2019. Since both games are being developed by the same studio, the focus is primarily on PoE 2. As a result, a specific release date for the mobile version will likely be announced only after PoE 2 is launched. Also, it is expected to be released simultaneously for both Android and iOS.
As for the mobile requirements, Android users can expect a minimum of 4 GB of RAM and an OS version of 4.1 or higher. For iPhone users, iOS 10.3 and at least 4 GB of RAM might suffice. However, we’ll need to wait for the official updates regarding mobile requirements from the developers. Due to the game’s extensive data, it will also require a significant amount of internal storage. Stay tuned for the latest updates, and in the meantime, you can follow the official Twitter account of the game.
So, are you excited to play POE Mobile? Share your thoughts about the game in the comment section below!