Path of Exile 2 Draws Inspiration from Elden Ring and Civilization 5, Says Game Director

During a recent revelation about Path of Exile 2’s development, game director Jonathan Rogers shared some intriguing insights into the various influences that have shaped the game. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, the game features elements reminiscent of Elden Ring and the broader action genre, particularly in its boss fights. Interestingly, Civilization V even serves as a muse for the game’s end-game map design.

In a recent presentation focused on the end game, these influences were brought to light, especially following a boss fight demonstration. Here, players face a formidable construct equipped with over a dozen unique attacks spread across multiple phases. When pressed further during a roundtable with the press, Rogers delved deeper into these inspirations.

“We find it really challenging to pinpoint just one game as our sole influence,” Rogers explained, emphasizing the diverse sources of creativity. “The in-game map, for instance, was directly inspired by Civilization V. It’s not something you’d typically associate with an ARPG, but our creative team draws inspiration from all over. If I were to list everything, it’d be quite the diverse mix.”

Rogers went on, “Of course, recent action games like Elden Ring have naturally influenced our combat approach. Personally, I play a wide range of genres, not just ARPGs. Surprisingly, it’s the single-player action games that I’m most passionate about. When it comes to designing bosses, that’s where my enthusiasm shines through.”

He continued, “We aim for PoE 2’s bosses to stand out in the realm of action games. They boast intricate mechanics, numerous abilities, and crafting these encounters requires significant effort. With PoE 2, we’ve incorporated dodge rolling, which adds a layer of complexity. Balancing action elements with the strategic depth of a stat-based game is no easy feat, but it’s essential.”

In our own preview of Path of Exile 2, we’ve praised the game’s innovative boss design, which you can explore further in our detailed article. Path of Exile 2 is scheduled for release on December 6 for both PC and console, promising an exciting experience for gamers worldwide.