The plethora of features coming to Path of Exile 2 keeps growing every day, and recently, we learned about a couch co-op mode coming to this sequel. I know many of you might not see this as a big deal, but it is. Think about it: How many couch co-op games have we had in recent years? It Takes Two? And it was a success, but besides that? They’ve been lacking. And now, Path of Exile 2 brings this huge news to use, and I feel this genre benefits from this mode greatly.
If you missed the recent State of Play, allow me to give you a rundown of the best feature of Path of Exile 2: couch co-op. Regardless of the platform, all you must do is plug in another controller and start playing with your friend, wife, husband, kids, you name them. While many of us don’t mind the lonely grind, having someone with us will make things more fun and engaging. Furthermore, the fact that it seems this mode is arriving at launch makes it a boon for all players.
Couch co-op is something we have wanted to do for a long time. Action RPGs are a genre that are way more fun with friends, and it’s even better when you can play in the same room together.
Jonathan Rogers, Path of Exiles 2 Director
I have to admit that I agree with the game’s director. While I can think of many genres that benefit from this game mode, I think ARPGs benefit even more. In such grindy games that also require strategic thinking, having a partner next to you in person makes things much better. If you’re facing a boss, and the person across the screen doesn’t answer, or your message doesn’t go through, you have trouble. But with couch co-op mode, you can congratulate your friend for doing a good job or smack the controller away from their hands (we don’t condone violence). And if you ask me, out of everything Path of Exile 2 has revealed, this is the feature I’m most excited about.
Speaking of reveals, we also got new information regarding this sequel. According to the latest console trailer, we are also getting all these:
- Couch Co-Op Mode
- Refined Controller Experience
- Players can now use dual sticks and get 24 bind slots to use as they see fit.
- A More Accessible Gameplay
- The game will still have its intricate mechanics but will simplify many systems.
- Cross-Play and Cross-Progression
- Every update will launch on all platforms simultaneously and your data will carry over across all of them.
So far, it seems Grinding Gear Games is going for the full next-gen experience. Visuals aside, which look terrific, these gameplay additions are amazing. Furthermore, the new classes, unique bosses, and revamped gem and equipment systems sound great. Now, all we can do is wait for the inevitable early access release. If all goes to plan, Path of Exiles 2 will launch on early access in late 2024.
