Path of Exile 2 vs The Witcher IV

• 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: Single-player Only
• Setting: The Continent (Post-Witcher 3)
• Platforms: PC (Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
• Expected Release: 2026-10-27 (Speculative)
• Unique Feature: Start of a new Witcher saga, built on Unreal Engine 5; focus on a new generation of Witcher; signature mature storytelling with meaningful choices.

• Roach (Horse): The Witcher's trusty steed, essential for traversing the vast open world. Can be called at any time. Will likely feature customizable equipment like saddles and saddlebags that can increase inventory space or provide other minor benefits.
  Equine
• Quest-Specific Companions: During various main and side quests, key characters (like Dandelion, Zoltan, or new allies) will join the protagonist, fighting alongside them and participating in the narrative for the duration of that specific mission or questline. They are not permanent controllable companions.
  Varies (Human, Dwarf, Elf, etc.)

• 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.

• Witcher Gear Schematics: Diagrams hidden across the world in monster lairs, ancient ruins, or as quest rewards. Required to craft powerful, upgradeable Witcher School gear (armor and swords).
• Gwent Cards: A new collection of cards for an evolved version of the Gwent card game. Cards can be won from NPCs, purchased from merchants, or found as loot. Collecting a powerful deck is a major side activity.
• Lore Books & Documents: Collectible books, scrolls, and letters that expand on the world's rich history, bestiary, character backstories, and the political state of the Continent after the Third Nilfgaardian War.
• Places of Power: Ancient magical stones that, when activated, grant the player a temporary buff to a specific Witcher Sign and provide one Ability Point for character development. A recurring and important collectible for progression.
• Monster Trophies: Obtained by defeating powerful, often unique, monsters from Witcher Contracts. These can sometimes be equipped to provide small passive bonuses or simply serve as proof of a successful hunt.
• Hidden Treasure: Marked by clues on maps or notes found on corpses. These lead to guarded chests containing valuable loot, crafting materials, or unique items.

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

• Moral Ambiguity
• Monster Hunting
• Political Intrigue
• Consequences of Choice
• Folklore & Mythology
• War's Aftermath
• Legacy
• Found Family
• A New Generation

• 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.

• Witcher's Steel Sword: Primary Melee (vs. Humans/Non-Monsters)
  A masterfully crafted sword designed for fighting humanoids. Will feature various styles (e.g., from different Witcher schools or regions), stats, and rune slots for customization and upgrades.
• Witcher's Silver Sword: Primary Melee (vs. Monsters)
  A silver-bladed sword essential for harming monsters and supernatural creatures. Like the steel sword, it will be craftable, upgradable, and come in many unique forms with slots for powerful enhancements.
• Witcher Signs: Tactical Magic
  Simple but effective magical signs used in combat and for utility: Aard (telekinesis), Igni (fire), Quen (shield), Yrden (trap/magic field), and Axii (mind influence). The new engine may allow for more dynamic and powerful applications and combinations.
• Crossbow: Ranged Weapon / Utility
  A ranged weapon used for bringing down flying creatures, fighting underwater, or applying special bolt effects like bleeding or poison.
• Alchemical Bombs: Throwable Consumable (Craftable)
  Craftable bombs with various effects, such as Grapeshot (shrapnel), Samum (stunning), Dancing Star (incendiary), and Dimeritium Bomb (suppresses magic).
• Potions & Decoctions: Buff Consumable (Craftable)
  Consumables that provide powerful temporary buffs to the Witcher's abilities, senses, or combat prowess. Decoctions, made from powerful monster mutagens, offer unique, long-lasting effects but have high toxicity.
• Oils: Weapon Buff (Craftable)
  Blade coatings applied to steel or silver swords to deal significantly increased damage against specific classes of enemies (e.g., Necrophage Oil, Cursed Oil, Beast Oil).

• 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.

• Witcher School Gear Sets (e.g., School of the Lynx): Craftable and upgradable sets of themed armor (Chest, Gauntlets, Trousers, Boots) belonging to different Witcher schools. Each set provides protection and passive bonuses that synergize with specific playstyles (e.g., combat, signs, alchemy). The new School of the Lynx is expected to be a primary set.
• Heavy Armor: Armor sets providing high levels of protection and resistance to damage, at the cost of slower stamina regeneration. Suited for combat-focused, tank-like builds.
• Medium Armor: Balanced armor providing moderate protection and stamina regeneration. The most versatile type, often enhancing both combat and Sign intensity.
• Light Armor: Armor providing minimal protection but allowing for rapid stamina regeneration, ideal for Sign-intensive or agile, hit-and-run combat styles.
• Relic & Magical Items: Unique pieces of armor or accessories found as loot or quest rewards, offering powerful and unique perks not found on standard gear.
• Rune Slots: Swords and armor pieces will feature slots for Runestones and Glyphs, which provide smaller passive stat bonuses (e.g., increased attack power, Sign intensity, resistance to specific damage types).

• 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.

• Witcher Gear Sets: Players will be able to craft and wear multiple pieces of Witcher armor, categorized as Chest, Trousers, Gauntlets, and Boots. These sets, belonging to various Witcher Schools (including the new School of the Lynx), will have distinct appearances and can be upgraded through several tiers (e.g., Basic, Enhanced, Superior, Mastercrafted, Grandmaster).
• Common Armor & Clothing: A wide variety of non-Witcher armor and clothing pieces can be found or purchased, offering different visual styles and stats, reflecting the fashion of the various regions of the Continent.
• Armor Dyes: A feature from The Witcher 3's 'Blood and Wine' expansion that is expected to return, allowing players to change the color of their equipped armor pieces for greater personalization.
• Hairstyles & Beards (If custom character): If the protagonist is a custom character, players can expect options for customizing hairstyles and beards at barbershops found throughout the world, a popular feature from The Witcher 3.

Players will develop their Witcher through deep skill trees focusing on Sword Combat (fast and strong attacks, parrying, new techniques), Signs (evolved versions of Aard, Igni, Quen, Yrden, Axii), and Alchemy (potions, decoctions, oils, bombs with a potentially more interactive crafting system). A new central progression system, possibly tied to the School of the Lynx, will offer unique abilities and character development paths. Gear (swords, armor) will be craftable, upgradable, and customizable with runes.

Expected to feature a massive, next-generation open world that is even more dynamic and reactive than The Witcher 3's. The world will likely be comprised of several large regions, potentially including parts of northern kingdoms like Temeria or Redania, as well as new, unexplored territories. A key focus will be on creating dense, living environments, from bustling cities to monster-infested wilderness, with dynamic weather and ecosystems.

• Roach (Horse): Primary Mount / Land Traversal
  The Witcher's trusty steed, essential for traversing the vast open world. Can be called at any time. Will likely feature customizable equipment like saddles and saddlebags that can increase inventory space or provide other minor benefits.
• Boats & Skiffs: Water Traversal
  Small boats, skiffs, or sailboats for navigating rivers, lakes, and coastal waters between landmasses or islands.

• 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 Protagonist (e.g., a School of the Lynx Witcher or Ciri): Protagonist / Witcher
  The main playable character. This will be a new character to the saga, potentially a custom character from the new School of the Lynx, or a returning Ciri, now a full-fledged Witcheress navigating a changed world.
• Ciri (Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon): Major Supporting Character / Potential Protagonist
  The Lady of Space and Time and Geralt's adopted daughter. Depending on the narrative path, she could be the main protagonist or a major NPC and mentor figure, dealing with the legacy of her powers and her role in the world's future.
• Geralt of Rivia (Likely Appearance): Mentor / Supporting Character / Legendary Witcher
  The legendary protagonist of the original saga. While his story is concluded, he is expected to appear in a supporting or mentor role, offering guidance to the new generation. His presence would connect the new saga to the old.
• A New Antagonist: Main Antagonist
  A new, complex villain driving the central conflict. Could be a powerful mage from a clandestine organization, a ruthless monarch with expansionist ambitions, or a supernatural entity unlike any seen before.
• Returning Friends & Allies (e.g., Dandelion, Zoltan Chivay, Triss Merigold, Yennefer of Vengerberg): Supporting Characters / Quest Givers
  Familiar faces from the original trilogy are likely to make appearances, providing side quests, story context, and connecting the new protagonist to the established world and its history.
• New Faction Leaders: Major NPCs / Political Figures
  Leaders of various kingdoms, factions, or organizations (e.g., Nilfgaard, Redania, sorcerer lodges, non-human groups) who will play a role in the political intrigue of the post-war Continent.

• 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.

• Main Story Quests
  A series of interconnected narrative quests forming the central storyline. This will involve investigating the game's primary conflict, making major decisions with far-reaching consequences, interacting with key political figures and factions, and confronting the main antagonist.
• Secondary Questlines
  Multi-part, story-rich side quests that are not essential to the main plot but offer deep narratives, complex characters, and significant rewards. These are a hallmark of the series, often as compelling as the main story (e.g., the Bloody Baron questline in The Witcher 3).
• Witcher Contracts
  Core Witcher gameplay. These missions involve taking a contract from a notice board or NPC to hunt down a specific, often powerful, monster. This requires investigation (examining the scene, talking to witnesses, tracking the beast) and preparation (alchemy, oils) before confronting and slaying the monster for a reward.
• Treasure Hunts (Witcher Gear)
  Quests that involve following a series of clues from maps and notes to locate hidden schematics for powerful, upgradeable Witcher School gear (armor and swords).
• Gwent Tournaments
  An expected side activity where players can participate in Gwent tournaments in major cities, challenging skilled players to win unique cards, money, and renown in the in-game card game.
• Points of Interest (?)
  Exploring the open world to clear out Monster Nests, Bandit Camps, find Hidden Treasure, discover Abandoned Sites that can be repopulated, and activate Places of Power for ability points.
• Companion & Character Quests
  Optional quests related to the personal stories of key supporting characters and allies, allowing the player to deepen their relationships and influence their fates.

The Witcher IV is confirmed to be a single-player, story-driven open-world RPG. A separate, standalone Witcher multiplayer game codenamed 'Project Sirius' is in development by a different studio (The Molasses Flood), but 'Project Polaris' will not feature multiplayer.

CD PROJEKT RED has a reputation for substantial post-launch support. The new saga is planned as a trilogy. It is expected that this first game will receive at least two large, story-driven expansions similar in scale to 'Hearts of Stone' and 'Blood and Wine,' introducing new regions, quests, characters, and monsters. Regular free DLCs with smaller content like armor sets and side quests are also likely.

• 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 this game a direct sequel to The Witcher 3?
  A: It is the start of a new saga set in the same universe after the events of The Witcher 3, but it will not be a direct continuation of Geralt of Rivia's main story. It will feature a new protagonist, though familiar characters may return.
• Q: Who is the main playable character in The Witcher 4?
  A: CD PROJEKT RED has not officially confirmed the protagonist. Speculation points towards either Ciri or a new, potentially customizable Witcher from the new School of the Lynx, which was teased.
• Q: What engine is The Witcher 4 being built on?
  A: The game is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, a shift from CD PROJEKT RED's in-house REDengine used for previous titles. This is expected to bring significant visual and technological advancements.
• Q: When is The Witcher 4 expected to be released?
  A: There is no official release date. Given the scale of development and that the game is the first in a new trilogy, a release date is not expected before 2026 at the earliest. The date listed in this data is purely speculative.
• Q: Will The Witcher 4 have multiplayer?
  A: No, CD PROJEKT RED has confirmed that the next mainline Witcher game ('Project Polaris') will be a single-player, story-driven open-world RPG, following the tradition of the series. A separate Witcher game ('Project Sirius') is being developed with multiplayer elements.
• Q: Will Gwent be in The Witcher 4?
  A: While not officially confirmed, the immense popularity of the Gwent card game in The Witcher 3 makes its return in some form highly likely, possibly with new decks, factions, and updated rules.
• Q: Will my choices from The Witcher 3 carry over?
  A: It's unknown if a save-import feature will be implemented. If the story is set many years later with a new protagonist, the world state might be based on a default 'canon' outcome of The Witcher 3, or players may be able to set their previous choices via a narrative summary at the start of the game, similar to what was done for The Witcher 3.

Being developed on Unreal Engine 5, the game is expected to set a new benchmark for visual fidelity in open-world RPGs. It will utilize UE5's Nanite technology for highly detailed environments and Lumen for dynamic global illumination and reflections, resulting in incredibly realistic lighting, shadows, and world detail.

The score will likely be composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz or composers in a similar style, featuring a blend of epic orchestral arrangements, Slavic folk music, and atmospheric soundscapes to create an immersive audio experience. Sound design will be crucial for monster encounters and environmental storytelling.

Expected to feature a modern, clean UI with customizable elements. Key features will include a 3D world map, a detailed journal for quests and characters, an intuitive inventory and crafting screen, and a streamlined radial menu for selecting signs and items in combat.

Following industry trends and CDPR's recent efforts, the game is expected to have comprehensive accessibility options, including extensive subtitle customization, colorblind modes, remappable controls, audio cues for gameplay, and potentially adjustable difficulty and gameplay modifiers to cater to a wide range of players.

• 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

• SPECULATIVE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for The Witcher IV (Project Polaris), a future AAA open-world RPG built on Unreal Engine 5, targeting a late 2026 release. These are estimations based on technology trends as of mid-2025 and are subject to change upon official announcement.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, which is heavily dependent on TGP (Total Graphics Power) and a robust cooling solution. **A high-end gaming laptop from 2025-2026 will be necessary for an optimal experience.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: Maximum TGP for the laptop's GPU will be critical to achieve stable framerates at higher settings.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: A high-performance cooling system (vapor chamber, multiple heat pipes, liquid metal) will be essential to prevent thermal throttling during demanding gameplay in the dense open world.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A flagship mobile CPU (e.g., future Intel Core i9 HX / AMD Ryzen 9 HX series) will be needed to handle the complex systems, AI, and world streaming of a next-gen Witcher game.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 32GB of fast DDR5/DDR6 RAM in a dual-channel configuration will likely be the recommended standard for a smooth experience.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: A high-resolution (1440p+) and high-refresh-rate (120Hz+) display will require a top-tier mobile GPU and reliance on upscaling technologies to be fully utilized.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX Switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus will be crucial for maximizing performance.
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Game Ready drivers specifically optimized for this title upon release will be essential.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Will feature support for the latest versions of NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS with Frame Generation, which will be essential for achieving target framerates at high resolutions and with ray tracing enabled.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Ray Tracing Quality (Lumen/Shadows/Reflections), Nanite Geometry Detail, Virtual Shadow Map Quality, Global Illumination, and Texture Quality will be the most performance-intensive settings.
• Game Name: The Witcher IV

• Upscaling Tech: Will feature support for the latest versions of NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS with Frame Generation, which will be essential for achieving target framerates at high resolutions and with ray tracing enabled.
• Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Ray Tracing Quality (Lumen/Shadows/Reflections), Nanite Geometry Detail, Virtual Shadow Map Quality, Global Illumination, and Texture Quality will be the most performance-intensive settings.

• 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 Impact: Maximum TGP for the laptop's GPU will be critical to achieve stable framerates at higher settings.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: A high-performance cooling system (vapor chamber, multiple heat pipes, liquid metal) will be essential to prevent thermal throttling during demanding gameplay in the dense open world.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A flagship mobile CPU (e.g., future Intel Core i9 HX / AMD Ryzen 9 HX series) will be needed to handle the complex systems, AI, and world streaming of a next-gen Witcher game.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 32GB of fast DDR5/DDR6 RAM in a dual-channel configuration will likely be the recommended standard for a smooth experience.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: A high-resolution (1440p+) and high-refresh-rate (120Hz+) display will require a top-tier mobile GPU and reliance on upscaling technologies to be fully utilized.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX Switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus will be crucial for maximizing performance.
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Game Ready drivers specifically optimized for this title upon release will be essential.