Today’s reveal stream for Path of Exile centered on Affliction League, but Grinding Gear Games’ also debuted some extensive new gameplay for Path of Exile 2. It showcased the Mercenary, an Ascendancy that relies on crossbows to take down enemies, and confirmed that WASD movement is supported. That’s a huge deal, especially since the base game is click-to-move only (though the sequel will still have the option).
As for the Mercenary, their play style is more like a top-down shooter. They have different Ammo skills and crossbow types, so using a Burst Shot crossbow and Armor Piercing Ammo is effective at piercing through groups of enemies. Incendiary Ammo is good for single-target damage, and the more projectiles hit, the higher the damage, like a shotgun.
Permafrost Ammo allows for chilling and freezing enemies at range and can be shot with Armor Piercing Ammo to shatter them. There are also attachments, like grenade launchers for launching stun and oil grenades. In addition to Burst Shot, there are Rapid Shot (which can be fired while moving) and Power Shot crossbows. The Mercenary can carry two at a time, switching between them to synergize Ammo Skills.
Path of Exile 2 has a closed beta set for June 2024 on PC, featuring the entire game. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.