Diablo 4 vs Path of Exile 2

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With Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2 there are currently two big titles for ARPG fans. If you are still unsure which game suits you better, our comparison will help you decide.

Many fans of action RPGs are currently faced with a decision: Diablo 4 or Path of Exile 2? Both games offer tons of content, diverse classes and various endgame activities. Both have a huge community, based solely on their predecessors. But despite many similarities, they appeal to different target groups – especially because of the different levels of difficulty.

Which ARPG is right for me?

Although both games belong to the action ARPG genre, they are not necessarily aimed at the same target group. We’ll summarize for you when which title is worth it for you. We’ll then take a closer look at important aspects that could influence your decision.

Diablo 4 is suitable for you if:

  • you are looking for an ARPG to get started that is easy to understand.
  • you only have a few hours a day to play a game.
  • you want to switch off and just chop up a few monsters.
  • you’re up for new seasonal content about every 3 months.
  • …or want to play longer with a player character on the eternal realm.
  • you are interested in group content and want to join forces with people (e.g. via the group finder).

    • Path of Exile 2 is suitable for you if:

  • you want a challenging ARPG and want to delve deep into the subject matter.
  • you are looking for long-term motivation to continue to develop your character and want to invest a lot of time.
  • you want to deal with an absurdly large skill tree.
  • You don’t feel insecure about the freedom of skills and you want to try things out.
  • you have a good tolerance for frustration and don’t give up easily.
  • Don’t be put off by boss fights, which can sometimes take longer and involve many different mechanics.

    • You can see how the bosses in Path of Exile 2 are created here:

    Path of Exile 2: The new trailer tells you how the bosses of the action RPG are created

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    Finished game vs. Early Access

    What is the status of the two ARPGs? At this point, Diablo 4 has been on the market for over a year. In addition, the first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, was released in October 2024. You can plan 10-20 hours for the campaign alone and 5-10 more for Vessel of Hatred.

    The endgame then offers different challenges in which you can further improve your character. If you want the absolute best gear, you have to expect well over 100 hours. Players usually start over every season and then play for a few weeks before stopping and returning later.

    Diablo 4 starts its seventh season in February 2025 and has already received a lot of content. The plan is to continue supporting the game for years to come. Seasons come roughly every 3 months.

    In contrast, Path of Exile 2 is still “fresh” because the ARPG went into early access in December 2024. It currently offers a three-act campaign. Three more will be added later. Until then, you’ll basically play through the first three acts twice to get to the endgame. The developers have already planned the first changes for the endgame.

    The full release of Path of Exile 2 is planned between six and twelve months after the start of the early access phase. This means that a release between May 2025 and December 2025 is likely. You can find out what Early Access for Path of Exile 2 looks like here. With the final launch, seasonal content will probably also find its way into the game – similar to Diablo 4.

    Relaxed grind or challenge?

    How difficult are the ARPGs? Diablo 4 is ideal for newcomers to the genre as it is accessible and easy to understand. But the game is not only aimed at casuals, but particularly at a specific target group: middle-aged or advanced men with jobs, families and little time, the “gamer dads.”

    For many, Diablo 4 is the perfect after-work game to spend a few hours grinding and killing hordes of monsters. Particularly practical: You can adjust the difficulty level and gradually unlock higher levels.

    Path of Exile 2, on the other hand, offers significantly more challenge without a selectable difficulty level. The fights are harder, last longer and require more concentration. Some Path of Exile 2 players who are used to its predecessor feel like they are in Dark Souls. The huge passive skill tree and the countless skill options require that you work intensively with your builds.

    Short:

  • Diablo 4 is suitable for casuals who want to play without much stress.
  • Path of Exile 2 offers more depth and is aimed at core gamers looking for a challenge.

    • The thing about long-term motivation

    Which ARPG keeps me busy longer? If you’re looking for an action RPG that will keep you occupied for the long haul, you’re better off with Path of Exile 2. Although Diablo 4 regularly brings new seasonal content, even this can be completed quickly if you invest a lot of time.

    In the last seasons of Diablo 4, the leveling pace was increased significantly. This makes it possible to reach the new max level of 60 in a few days or even hours and dive straight into the endgame. From the max level onwards, the grind of Paragon levels begins as you continue to build your character.

    Path of Exile 2, on the other hand, is currently still in Early Access, so you essentially play through the first three acts twice to get to the endgame. The second round is significantly harder than the first. But even then you are far from reaching your goal: your character needs to be further developed, both in terms of level as well as gear and skills. You can face the trials in the endgame and make your way through the endless “map system”.

    Long-term motivation in both games depends on how much you enjoy grinding in games.

    Path of Exile 2 entered early access in December 2024, and the community has had a mixed review since then. Many players love the grind of the ARPG and simply can’t get enough of it – but are also annoyed by the problems that spoil the gaming experience. You can find out more about this here: Players are annoyed by Path of Exile 2, but just can’t stop playing – that’s how it is with the ARPG

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