Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict and Abyssal League Revealed

Table of Contents

Overview

Path of Exile 2 is set to introduce an exciting new content called The Third Edict. This league promises to bring fresh content and mechanics that will enhance the gameplay experience for both new and returning players. The focus is on a new storyline, character changes, and unique league mechanics that will keep players engaged.

New League Mechanics – Rise of the Abyssals League

The Third Edict introduces the Abyssal, a race that has mastery over forbidden magics and necromancy. Initially thought to be extinct, these beings have been lurking underground and are now making their presence known. Players will first encounter them in Clearfell, where weaker members of the undead legion are attacking townsfolk, prompting players to investigate and halt these assaults.

In addition to the new storyline, players can expect significant changes to the support gem system. For example, one of the new support gems, Garukhan’s Resolve, allows your Critical Strikes to bifurcate, adding a layer of strategy that requires mobility. Another gem, Paquate’s Pact, enhances Warcries at the cost of your own life, showcasing the risk-reward mechanics that are a hallmark of Path of Exile.

The Rise of the Abyssal league introduces a fresh approach to monster encounters. Players will face monsters that can absorb other monsters’ modifiers, transforming them into more dangerous foes with Abyssal Modifiers. For instance, defeating a monster with the Mana Siphoner Modifier may lead to a more powerful version called the Soul Siphoner.

Abyssal Pits play a crucial role in this league. When players defeat surface monsters, they may trigger these pits, leading to intense encounters. If a Rogue Exile is nearby, it can be revived as a Lichborn with unique drops. Additionally, players can find ancient pieces of bone in these Abysses, which can be used to imbue Rare items with Abyssal magic.

Crafting Changes

Players can expect significant updates to the crafting system in Path of Exile 2. New core crafting currencies have been introduced, allowing players to elevate items from Normal Rarity to fully completed Rares with guaranteed high-tier modifiers. Exceptional Items will now drop at Normal Rarity, providing excellent bases for crafting projects.

Moreover, the introduction of new Omens to Ritual content enhances crafting options. The Omen of the Ancients allows players to use an Orb of Chance without destroying the item, generating a random Unique of the same class. Another notable addition is the Omen of Sanctification, which lets players reroll the values of modifiers on Rare Items, potentially exceeding the normal limits.

Loot and Economy Changes

As players explore the new league, they will notice changes to how affixes on Waystones function. The previous model, where prefixes were deemed good and suffixes bad, has been revised. Each affix will now provide both challenges and rewards, allowing for greater customization of map difficulty and rewards. For instance, the “Frostbitten” mod not only enhances enemy cold damage but also increases the overall effect, making every map roll more engaging.

Moreover, the introduction of Summoning Circles in maps allows players to spawn bosses by activating a henge, adding a new layer of excitement to map exploration.

Endgame & Mapping

Players can look forward to the Pulverizer Map Device, which tracks kills and displays a leaderboard for total monsters slain, kills per second, and the largest kill streak. This feature adds a competitive element to mapping, encouraging players to improve their performance with each run.

Endgame content is also receiving a substantial overhaul. Players will have more control over the difficulty and rewards of their Maps. For example, modifiers like “Frostbitten” and “of Venom” will not only increase the challenge but also enhance item rarity and pack size, respectively.

Along with the new league, The Third Edict will introduce twenty-five new endgame maps. These maps will feature new monsters and bosses, enhancing the variety and giving players ample opportunities to experience thrilling boss fights. For instance, Rockpools is a map set in a rocky coastline filled with Sirens, culminating in a battle against a giant Goblin King. Another map, Holten, showcases a gothic reaper-like boss that can manipulate storms and unleash chaos upon players.

The endgame experience will also be enriched with new mechanics on the Atlas. Players can expect to encounter wild Sandstorms in the Desert biome, where activating devices in three surrounding maps will reveal hidden challenges and bosses.

New mechanics will allow players to invest points into specific League Atlas Trees before tackling Pinnacle content. This change aims to improve accessibility and engagement with various endgame challenges, making it easier to enjoy the content without feeling forced to sell items instead of running maps.

Should You Play This League?

With its fresh storyline, innovative mechanics, and significant changes to existing systems, The Third Edict in Path of Exile 2 promises to provide a thrilling experience. Whether you are a veteran of the series or a newcomer, the new league offers something for everyone. The unique mechanics and challenges are designed to keep players engaged and invested in their characters and progression.