Exploring the Path of Exile 2: The Rise of the Infernalist
Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Grinding Gear Games’ iconic ARPG, has been making waves in the gaming community with its promise of a fresh start, new mechanics, and an expanded universe. Among the many exciting features and updates, one class has captured the imagination of fans: the Infernalist. This article delves into the Infernalist class, exploring its unique mechanics, playstyle, and what it means for the future of Path of Exile 2.
Who is the Infernalist?
The Infernalist is a brand-new class in Path of Exile 2, designed to capitalize on the game’s dark, gothic aesthetic and its deep customization options. This class is centered around manipulating fire, chaos, and the primal forces of destruction. Unlike traditional mage or spellcaster classes, the Infernalist combines elemental mastery with a unique twist: the ability to summon and control Infernal minions.
Infernal minions are not just ordinary pets; they are powerful, otherworldly beings that can be summoned, upgraded, and even sacrificed to fuel the Infernalist’s own abilities. This duality of dealing direct damage while managing a swarm of minions adds a layer of strategy and depth to the class, making it appealing to both newcomers and veterans of the series.
Core Mechanics of the Infernalist
One of the standout features of the Infernalist is its Infernal system. Players can summon multiple types of Infernal minions, each with unique abilities and strengths. For example:
Ash Fiends: Small, fast minions that deal moderate fire damage and explode upon death.
Ember Golems: Tanky, slow-moving minions that absorb damage and deal area-of-effect fire attacks.
Flame Wraiths: Ethereal minions that deal chaos damage and can pass through enemies.
These minions can be further customized using Infernal upgrades, which are earned through gameplay. Upgrades include enhancing minion damage, increasing their lifespan, or granting them new abilities. The Infernalist can also sacrifice minions to trigger powerful area effects, such as a Cataclysmic explosion that obliterates enemies in a wide radius.
In addition to minion management, the Infernalist wields a variety of spells and abilities that synergize with its minions. For instance, the Infernal Aura ability grants both the player and their minions a damage boost and increased movement speed, creating a devastating combo when paired with a swarm of upgraded Infernal minions.
Playstyle and Strategic Depth
The Infernalist offers a unique playstyle that blends summoner and caster archetypes. Players who enjoy micromanaging minions and optimizing their build will find the Infernalist incredibly rewarding. However, the class also caters to those who prefer a more hands-off approach, as the minions can be set to automatically attack enemies.
The strategic depth of the Infernalist lies in its ability to adapt to different situations. For example:
Clearing: Use a mix of Ash Fiends and Flame Wraiths to quickly clear large groups of enemies.
Single-Target: Focus on summoning Ember Golems and using high-damage spells to melt bosses.
Defensive: Sacrifice minions to create area effects that block enemy movements or provide temporary buffs.
This flexibility makes the Infernalist a versatile choice for any playstyle, whether you prefer fast-paced action or methodical planning.
The Role of the Infernalist in Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2 introduces a new campaign and an overhauled passive skill tree, providing a fresh experience for players. The Infernalist is one of the 19 new ascendancy classes, each designed to offer a unique take on the game’s core mechanics. By focusing on minion mastery and elemental damage, the Infernalist fills a niche that was previously underrepresented in the original Path of Exile.
Moreover, the Infernalist aligns with the game’s dark fantasy theme, offering a sense of raw power and unpredictability. The ability to summon and control Infernal forces ties into the game’s lore, where players are tasked with uncovering the secrets of Wraeclast and confronting ancient evils.
Conclusion
The Infernalist is a game-changer for Path of Exile 2, offering a fresh take on summoner and caster play