Game Director Reveals Path of Exile 2’s Inspirations from Elden Ring to Civilization 5

Path of Exile 2 has drawn inspiration from various corners of the gaming world, as revealed by the game’s director, Jonathan Rogers. From Elden Ring’s intricate boss battles to Civilization V’s strategic map design, these influences shape its gameplay experience.

During a presentation focused on the end game, and elaborated further in a press roundtable discussion, Rogers opened up about these diverse sources of inspiration. The conversation began after viewers witnessed a dramatic encounter with a colossal boss featuring numerous attack patterns and phases. When asked about the game’s broader influences during the roundtable, Rogers shared some intriguing insights.

“Honestly, pinpointing just one game is nearly impossible,” Rogers explained. “We draw inspiration from all over the place, often in unexpected ways. Take the in-game map, for instance. I told our artists to aim for something akin to Civilization V—a choice you wouldn’t typically associate with an ARPG. Our influences are so varied that listing them all is almost impossible.”

He continued, “Naturally, recent action games played a role, given they align with the kind of combat we’re pursuing. Elden Ring springs to mind. Personally, I dive into all genres—I’m not just into ARPGs. Interestingly enough, single-player action games happen to be my favorite. They’re what I genuinely enjoy, and they heavily inform our approach to boss design.”

Rogers went on to express his ambition for PoE 2’s bosses to be top-tier, comparable to those found in standout action games. “We aimed for a depth of mechanics and abilities that demand a significant effort in their creation. In PoE 2, we’ve also incorporated dodge rolling, aligning with trends in action game mechanics. Balancing the action game elements with stats is challenging but essential,” he noted.

Our own preview of PoE 2 highlighted the impressive boss designs, emphasizing the meticulous effort poured into crafting these encounters. Path of Exile 2 is slated for release on December 6, and will be available on both PC and console platforms.