Path of Exile 2 Struggles to Outpace Diablo 4 with a Single Class Launch

Path of Exile 2 is making waves in the gaming world with its six base classes, impressive player engagement, and steady stream of updates, putting it in a position to potentially eclipse Diablo 4. Blizzard might find itself in a tough spot unless Diablo 4 adds a new class, like the Crusader or Paladin, to keep up with Path of Exile 2’s surging popularity. Without new announcements of classes or expansions soon, Diablo 4 could see its buzz taper off as Path of Exile 2 continues to draw in fans.

Released around eighteen months ago, Diablo 4 quickly ignited debates within the action RPG community. But with Path of Exile 2 now available as an early access title for over a month, similar conversations are sparking up again. Given that Path of Exile 2 is still growing, it offers an enticing point of comparison to Diablo 4, partly because both games are deeply rooted in the legacy of Diablo 2. These two games are part of a competition to capture the spirit of an ARPG classic, and Path of Exile 2 might just come out on top.

Diablo 4 initially launched with a familiar cast: the Sorcerer, Druid, Barbarian, Necromancer, and Rogue, each with expansive skill trees. The Spiritborn, added via the Vessel of Hatred expansion, introduced a new dynamic mix from the game’s storied past, but this hasn’t filled the gap left by the absence of a Crusader or Paladin. Path of Exile 2, which is tackling this gap head-on, could potentially edge out Diablo 4 if Blizzard doesn’t act quickly.

Path of Exile 2 steps into the spotlight with its six core classes, each offering two Ascendancies, and plans are already underway to introduce six additional classes, along with their own Ascendancies and weapon styles. Since its standalone release, Path of Exile 2 has soared to the top of Steam, boasting an impressive average of more than 400,000 concurrent players—a testament to its success. Meanwhile, Diablo 4 has struggled to maintain its player count, with the additions of the Vessel of Hatred expansion failing to entice players back. A new class, possibly the Crusader or Paladin, seems desperately needed to rejuvenate interest.

The Crusader and Paladin in the Diablo series are quite similar, with subtle distinctions, yet they represent the same base archetype. Path of Exile 2’s precursor offered the Templar class, building upon these themes, and there’s little doubt it will return as the sequel adds to its roster during its early access phase or at full launch. Path of Exile 2 has the upper hand here, as it’s simply a matter of timing for it to introduce this class, unlike the uncertainty that looms over Diablo 4.

In the realm of speculation, some fans suggest that Diablo 4’s witchcraft-themed Season 7 might herald the return of the Witch Doctor or an entirely new iteration. However, there’s no word yet about new classes on the horizon for Diablo 4, and without any announcement of their next major installment, hoping for a Crusader or Paladin introduction is speculative. Suppose the next expansion arrives around a year post the Vessel of Hatred expansion; it would still be some nine months away.

While Path of Exile 2’s next class sets might be released further into the future, offering Blizzard some breathing room to carve out their new iteration of the Crusader/Paladin archetype, that’s no guarantee they will succeed in doing so first. Path of Exile 2 is riding a strong wave of support from developers and fans alike, which casts a shadow over Blizzard’s potential. Should Path of Exile 2 beat Diablo 4 at launching a Templar-style class, it could dampen excitement for Blizzard’s game; on the flip side, if Diablo 4 launches first, Path of Exile 2 could still overshadow it by following with similar content.

Path of Exile 2 positions itself as the next chapter in the free-to-play ARPG saga by Grinding Gear Games. The journey through Wraeclast promises rich cultures and varied enemies, featuring twelve character classes, 240 Skill Gems, hundreds of equipment types, a six-act campaign, and engaging boss battles. Whether adventuring alone or with others, the game offers cross-play and progression to ensure no progress is lost by couch co-op gaming enthusiasts. As Path of Exile continues to expand, its growth trajectory shows no sign of letting up.