Path of Exile (2013)
Grinding Gear Games' Auckland Monument: The Deepest and Most Complex Action RPG in Gaming History
Developed in Auckland by New Zealand independent studio Grinding Gear Games (founded by Chris Wilson, Jonathan Rogers, and Erik Olofsson) and released in 2013, Path of Exile is widely revered as the definitive modern pinnacle of action RPG design. Conceived as the spiritual heir to Diablo II, it radically redefined the genre through an astronomical 1,300+ node passive skill tree, an infinitely customizable socketed skill gem system, and a barter-based economy free from conventional gold currency. Marooned on the unforgiving continent of Wraeclast, players navigate unparalleled theorycrafting depth backed by an ethical, purely cosmetic free-to-play model.
Universal Passive Tree and Socketed Gems
All classes share a single gargantuan web of passive nodes, merely starting at different nooks. Active skills exist as colored gems socketed into equipment, linked with support gems to multiply projectiles, trigger chain reactions, or convert elemental properties.
Currency Orbs and Endgame Mapping
Lacking flat gold currency, PoE’s economy is anchored by functional crafting consumables such as Chaos Orbs and Divine Orbs. The post-campaign Atlas of Worlds mapping system offers endless algorithmic depth and monumental boss encounters.