Path of Exile 2 vs Monster Hunter Wilds

• Perspective: Isometric (Top-Down)
• Multiplayer: 6-Player Online Co-op, 2-Player Couch Co-op
• Setting: Wraeclast (20 years after PoE1)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Early Access Release: 2024-12-06
• Unique Feature: A complete overhaul of the original's core systems, featuring a new Skill Gem system, a dedicated dodge roll, and a dual-specialization passive tree.

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: 4-Player Online Co-op
• Setting: The Forbidden Lands (New World)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Unique Feature: A fully seamless open world with dynamic, transforming environments and a versatile new mount, the Seikret, for enhanced traversal and utility.

• Palico: A customizable cat-like companion that actively assists the hunter in combat. It can deal damage, draw monster aggression, use supportive gadgets to heal or place traps, and gather extra materials after a hunt.
  Felyne
• Seikret: The player's new, versatile mount. The Seikret is used for fast traversal, gliding, and climbing specific surfaces. It also allows the hunter to use their slinger, sharpen their weapon, access their item pouch, and carry a secondary weapon while riding.
  Bird Wyvern (Mount)

• Unique Items: Dropped by monsters throughout the game. Each of the 700 new equipment base types has its own unique item variant, leading to thousands of powerful and build-enabling items to find.
• Gold: A new currency type that drops from monsters. Gold is used for various NPC vendor interactions and for respeccing passive skill points, providing an alternative to Orbs of Regret.

• Endemic Life: Small creatures scattered throughout the environment. Capturing them allows players to place them as pets in their personal room or use them as temporary buffs/tools during a hunt.
• Ancient Relics: Hidden relics and murals from an ancient civilization that provide lore about the history of the Forbidden Lands and its inhabitants.

• Dark Fantasy
• Eldritch Horror
• Deep Character Customization
• Loot Hunting
• Complex Economy
• Action RPG
• Survival
• Post-Apocalyptic

• Hunting
• Exploration
• Open World
• Dynamic Ecosystem
• Survival
• Crafting
• Action RPG
• Cooperative Gameplay
• Monster Ecology

• New Weapon Types: Spears, Crossbows, Flails
  Path of Exile 2 introduces several new weapon archetypes alongside returning favorites, each with their own dedicated skills and passive tree nodes.
• Returning Weapon Types: Swords, Axes, Maces, Bows, Wands, etc.
  All weapon types from the original game return, but with updated animations, sounds, and interactions within the new combat system.

• Great Sword: Heavy Blade
  A massive sword that delivers slow but devastating charged attacks. Rewards careful timing and positioning.
• Long Sword: Technical Blade
  A fluid, combo-heavy weapon focused on filling a 'Spirit Gauge' to unleash powerful 'Spirit Blade' attacks and counters.
• Sword & Shield: Balanced Weapon
  A fast and versatile weapon that allows for quick attacks, blocking, and using items while unsheathed.
• Dual Blades: Rapid Attack Weapon
  Focuses on relentless, fast-paced attacks, allowing the hunter to enter a 'Demon Mode' for increased damage and mobility at the cost of stamina.
• Hammer: Blunt Weapon
  A heavy weapon designed to deal massive impact damage to a monster's head, capable of stunning them.
• Hunting Horn: Support Weapon
  A blunt weapon that can play melodies to provide powerful buffs to the entire hunting party.
• Lance: Defensive Weapon
  Features a massive shield for unparalleled defensive capabilities, allowing the hunter to block and counter even the most powerful attacks.
• Gunlance: Explosive Weapon
  A lance fitted with a cannon, blending defensive pokes with explosive shelling attacks.
• Switch Axe: Transforming Weapon
  A weapon that can switch between a long-reaching Axe mode and a fast-hitting Sword mode, which can unleash an elemental discharge.
• Charge Blade: Technical Transforming Weapon
  A complex weapon that combines a sword and shield, which can be charged with energy and then combined into a massive axe for powerful elemental discharges.
• Insect Glaive: Aerial Weapon
  Allows the hunter to vault into the air for agile aerial attacks. Accompanied by a 'Kinsect' that can harvest extracts from monsters to provide buffs.
• Light Bowgun: Ranged Weapon (Mobile)
  A ranged weapon focused on mobility and firing various types of status-inflicting ammunition rapidly.
• Heavy Bowgun: Ranged Weapon (Power)
  A heavy, powerful ranged weapon that can be loaded with devastating ammunition like Wyvernheart (minigun) or Wyvernsnipe (piercing shot).
• Bow: Ranged Weapon (Technical)
  A mobile ranged weapon that rewards stamina management and allows for various coatings to be applied to arrows for different effects.

• Equipment Base Types: The game features 700 new equipment base types. Armor continues to provide a foundation of defenses (Armour, Evasion, Energy Shield) and serves as the housing for sockets, though the linking mechanic has been moved to the gems themselves.

• Forged Armor Sets: The core armor system. Players craft full armor sets (helm, mail, braces, coil, greaves) from monster parts. Each piece provides defense and specific skills. Equipping multiple pieces from the same set can unlock powerful 'Set Bonus' skills.
• Decorations: Jewels that can be slotted into weapons and armor to add or enhance specific skills, allowing for deep customization of character builds.

• Cosmetic Microtransactions: Path of Exile 2 shares its cosmetic microtransaction system with the first game. Any armor sets, weapon effects, pets, and other cosmetics purchased in either game will be available to use in both.

• Layered Armor: A cosmetic system that allows players to wear the appearance of any armor set they have crafted over their statistically relevant gear. This allows for full fashion customization without sacrificing skills or defense. Cosmetic DLC packs offer more options.

The core progression of hunting monsters to craft stronger gear returns. A new 'Wounding' system allows players to create temporary weak spots on monsters by repeatedly attacking a specific part. The new 'Focus Mode' helps in targeting these wounds for massive damage. All 14 signature weapon types return, each with new moves and abilities. A 'Dual Weapon' system allows players to carry a secondary weapon on their Seikret mount.

Monster Hunter Wilds features fully seamless open-world maps that are approximately twice the size of those in previous titles. Known regions include the Windward Plains (savanna/desert), the Scarlet Forest (dense jungle), the Oilwell Basin (vertical caves/swamps/volcanoes), and the Iceshard Cliffs. These zones have dynamic weather and seasons that alter terrain and monster ecology.

• Warrior (Str): Playable Class
  A new melee specialist who excels with maces and clubs.
• Sorceress (Int): Playable Class
  A new spellcaster who can seamlessly blend different elements like fire, cold, and lightning.
• Monk (Str/Dex): Playable Class
  A martial artist who uses a quarterstaff and his fists to deliver swift, mobile attacks.
• Huntress (Dex): Playable Class
  A spear-wielding warrior who excels at hit-and-run tactics, throwing her spear and recalling it.
• Mercenary (Dex/Int): Playable Class
  A crossbow specialist who brings shooter-style mechanics to the game, using different types of bolts for various effects.
• Returning Archetypes: Playable Classes
  The six original classes (Marauder, Ranger, Witch, Duelist, Templar, Shadow) return with new models and animations, alongside six entirely new classes for a total of 12.

• The Hunter: Playable Protagonist
  A member of the Avis Unit of the Research Commission, a skilled and fully customizable hunter sent to explore the Forbidden Lands.
• Alma: Handler
  The hunter's assigned handler from the Hunter's Guild. She is responsible for managing quests, documenting findings in her journal, and providing support.
• Palico: Companion
  The hunter's loyal Felyne companion. The Palico assists in combat with its own small weapons, provides healing and buffs, and gathers materials.
• Nata: Mysterious Child
  A young boy encountered in the Forbidden Lands who joins the expedition. He seems to have a unique connection to the world and its phenomena.
• Gemma: Smithy
  A member of the Avis Unit and the commission's smithy. She is responsible for crafting and upgrading all of the hunter's weapons and armor.

• The Main Campaign
  A brand new, six-act storyline that takes players across Wraeclast to stop a new wave of Corruption. The campaign is designed to be a more curated, single-player-like experience compared to the first game.
• The Atlas of Worlds
  The shared endgame between both Path of Exile games. After completing the campaign, players unlock the Atlas and can run thousands of procedurally generated map areas to challenge pinnacle bosses and acquire the most powerful loot.

• Assigned Quests
  The main story quests that guide the player through the narrative, introduce new regions and monsters, and unravel the central mystery of the Forbidden Lands.
• Optional Quests
  Side quests that can be repeated at any time. These are the primary way to farm specific monsters for parts to craft weapons and armor.
• Investigations
  Special quests with randomized conditions, such as a shorter time limit, fewer player faints allowed, or enhanced monster aggression. They offer better rewards, including rare materials and decorations, compared to optional quests.
• Event Quests
  Limited-time quests, often part of seasonal festivals or collaborations (like the Street Fighter 6 event). These quests provide unique rewards like cosmetic layered armor or special equipment.

Capcom has announced a robust roadmap of free Title Updates. Title Update 1 (April 2025) added the Mizutsune, a new social hub, and Arch-Tempered monsters. Title Update 2 (Summer 2025) is confirmed to add the Lagiacrus and Seregios. Seasonal events like the 'Festival of Accord: Blossomdance' also provide limited-time quests and cosmetic gear.

• Q: Is Path of Exile 2 an expansion?
  A: No. Originally announced as an expansion, it is now a completely separate, standalone game with its own campaign, classes, and game mechanics. It will exist alongside the original Path of Exile.
• Q: Is Path of Exile 2 free to play?
  A: The game launched into a paid Early Access on December 6, 2024. The full 1.0 release of the game will be completely free-to-play, just like the original.
• Q: Do my purchases from Path of Exile 1 carry over?
  A: Yes. All cosmetic microtransactions and convenience items (like stash tabs) purchased in either game are shared and can be used in both Path of Exile 1 and Path of Exile 2.
• Q: Can I play with my friends from Path of Exile 1?
  A: No. Because Path of Exile 2 is a separate game with different characters and balance, you cannot party up with players who are playing Path of Exile 1. However, PoE2 has full cross-play between its own PC and console versions.

• Q: Is Monster Hunter Wilds a fully open world?
  A: Yes, unlike previous titles which had segmented zones, Monster Hunter Wilds features large, fully seamless maps with no loading screens between areas.
• Q: How is the world more dynamic?
  A: The maps feature changing weather and seasons. This dramatically alters the landscape, monster behavior, and available resources. For example, a dry riverbed can become a raging river in the monsoon season.
• Q: Do all 14 weapon types return?
  A: Yes, Capcom has confirmed that all 14 signature weapon types from Monster Hunter: World and Rise are present in Monster Hunter Wilds, each with new moves and features.
• Q: Does Monster Hunter Wilds have cross-play?
  A: Yes, the game supports full cross-platform multiplayer between PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

• OFFICIAL EARLY ACCESS PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS from the game's Steam page. These specifications may change as development continues towards the full 1.0 release.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop performance will vary based on the specific model's cooling and power delivery (TGP). Path of Exile 2's new engine and complex combat encounters can be demanding.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is critical for laptop GPU performance. A higher TGP allows the GPU to perform closer to its desktop equivalent.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: The game's intense combat can be graphically demanding. A robust cooling system is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A strong mobile CPU with high single-core performance is important, as the game's core logic can be CPU-bound, especially with complex builds and numerous calculations.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB in a dual-channel configuration is the recommended minimum. The game can utilize more, and faster RAM can improve performance.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display. The game's fast-paced combat benefits from a responsive, high-refresh-rate panel.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: A MUX switch or Advanced Optimus is beneficial for reducing latency, which is crucial for the timing of the new dodge roll mechanic.
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keeping GPU drivers updated is crucial for performance and stability, especially for new content patches.
• Game Name: Path of Exile 2

• OFFICIAL AND EXTRAPOLATED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for Monster Hunter Wilds. This information is based on official PC specifications from Capcom, adapted to the requested JSON structure. As a demanding open-world title on the RE Engine, the requirements are notable, especially for higher resolutions. Laptop and future-generation GPU listings are extrapolated based on performance benchmarks and technical analyses.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop versions of the listed desktop GPUs require comparable performance, which is highly dependent on the laptop's TGP (Total Graphics Power) and thermal design. For a CPU and GPU intensive game like Monster Hunter Wilds, a high-TGP GPU and a robust cooling system are essential for a stable framerate in dense environments and during chaotic hunts.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: A high TGP is crucial. A low-power variant of a recommended GPU will likely struggle to maintain target framerates, especially when many monsters and particle effects are on screen.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: The RE Engine can heavily tax both the CPU and GPU in open-world settings. A high-performance cooling system is necessary to prevent thermal throttling during long hunts and in populated hub areas.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: The game features a complex, living ecosystem, making a strong laptop CPU with good power delivery vital for maintaining stable minimum framerates and reducing stutter.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended to minimize latency and ensure the GPU's full performance is utilized, which is critical for the game's fast-paced, precise combat.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: The game supports a full suite of upscaling technologies, including NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS. Frame Generation is also supported and mentioned in the official requirements as a way to reach 60 FPS on recommended hardware. The game also supports Microsoft DirectStorage for faster asset loading on compatible systems.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Performance will be most affected by settings like Volumetric Fog, Shadow Quality, and overall model detail. The game's dynamic weather and dense ecosystems will also be demanding, particularly on the CPU in certain scenarios.
• Game Name: Monster Hunter Wilds

• Upscaling Tech: The game supports a full suite of upscaling technologies, including NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS. Frame Generation is also supported and mentioned in the official requirements as a way to reach 60 FPS on recommended hardware. The game also supports Microsoft DirectStorage for faster asset loading on compatible systems.
• Key Settings Impact: Performance will be most affected by settings like Volumetric Fog, Shadow Quality, and overall model detail. The game's dynamic weather and dense ecosystems will also be demanding, particularly on the CPU in certain scenarios.

• G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is critical for laptop GPU performance. A higher TGP allows the GPU to perform closer to its desktop equivalent.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: The game's intense combat can be graphically demanding. A robust cooling system is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A strong mobile CPU with high single-core performance is important, as the game's core logic can be CPU-bound, especially with complex builds and numerous calculations.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB in a dual-channel configuration is the recommended minimum. The game can utilize more, and faster RAM can improve performance.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display. The game's fast-paced combat benefits from a responsive, high-refresh-rate panel.
• M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: A MUX switch or Advanced Optimus is beneficial for reducing latency, which is crucial for the timing of the new dodge roll mechanic.
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keeping GPU drivers updated is crucial for performance and stability, especially for new content patches.

• G P U T G P: A high TGP is crucial. A low-power variant of a recommended GPU will likely struggle to maintain target framerates, especially when many monsters and particle effects are on screen.
• Cooling Thermals: The RE Engine can heavily tax both the CPU and GPU in open-world settings. A high-performance cooling system is necessary to prevent thermal throttling during long hunts and in populated hub areas.
• C P U Power Limits: The game features a complex, living ecosystem, making a strong laptop CPU with good power delivery vital for maintaining stable minimum framerates and reducing stutter.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended to minimize latency and ensure the GPU's full performance is utilized, which is critical for the game's fast-paced, precise combat.