Path of Exile 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the incredibly successful Path of Exile (PoE), the action RPG developed by Grinding Gear Games. The first Path of Exile set a high bar for the POE 2 Currency genre with its deep mechanics, complex skill trees, and rich world-building. With Path of Exile 2, players are expecting even more intricate systems, exciting new content, and expanded gameplay features.
One of the most anticipated additions to Path of Exile 2 is the new Tame Beast mechanic. This new gameplay feature has captured the attention of many players due to its potential to significantly alter the way players engage with the game’s combat systems, world exploration, and even story progression. In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of Tame Beast, explaining how it works, what it adds to the game, and how players can make the most out of this mechanic.
What is Tame Beast?
The Tame Beast mechanic in Path of Exile 2 introduces a new way for players to interact with the creatures that populate the game world. As the name suggests, it allows players to tame wild beasts, which can then be used as pets or allies in combat. This new feature builds upon the established world of Wraeclast, where powerful and often dangerous creatures roam freely, and gives players the ability to capture, tame, and utilize them in battle.
In essence, Tame Beast is a mechanic that transforms creatures from mere obstacles into valuable allies. These tamed beasts can assist players in combat, providing both offensive and defensive support. Depending on the type of creature and the player's skillset, these beasts can vary significantly in their abilities and utility. From simple combat partners to complex synergies with the player’s build, the Tame Beast mechanic offers a wide range of possibilities.
The Lore Behind Tame Beast
Before diving into the gameplay mechanics, it’s important to understand the lore that surrounds the Tame Beast feature. As with much of Path of Exile’s narrative, the creatures of Wraeclast are not simply animals—they are part of a larger, often supernatural ecosystem. The game world is teeming with dangerous beasts that have evolved to survive the hostile environment, some of which have connections to the divine, while others are manifestations of chaos or primal forces.
The Tame Beast mechanic plays into this world-building by allowing players to forge a bond with these creatures. However, this bond is not one of simple domestication; rather, it represents a more symbiotic relationship between the player and the beast. The taming process is not an easy one—players must prove their strength and understanding of the creature they wish to tame. This could involve a range of challenges, including combat trials, puzzles, or specific actions that resonate with the beast’s nature.
As players tame beasts, they uncover a deeper understanding of Wraeclast’s ecosystem and the role these creatures play in the world’s balance. This lore-driven aspect adds depth to the mechanic, making it more than just a combat feature but also a way for players to explore the world and its stories.
How Does Tame Beast Work?
Catching and Taming Beasts
To tame a beast in Path of Exile 2, players will first need to locate and capture a wild creature. This process involves finding specific creatures that are tamable. Not all creatures in the game will be able to be tamed—only certain beasts, usually tied to the lore or ecosystems of particular areas, can be captured.
Once a player encounters a tameable beast, they will have to engage in a specific combat challenge to tame it. The taming process might involve defeating the beast in combat, using specific abilities, or meeting certain conditions. For example, a player might have to fight the beast while avoiding specific types of attacks or environmental hazards, simulating the creature’s natural strengths and weaknesses. Alternatively, some beasts may require special bait, traps, or environmental conditions to be tamed.
After successfully capturing and taming a beast, it will become a loyal companion that can fight alongside the player. This process could be part of a larger questline or a stand-alone mechanic, offering a mix of strategy and exploration for the player.
Beast Abilities and Combat Roles
Once tamed, the beast will have unique abilities and combat roles that can complement or enhance the player’s build. Each beast type has a specific set of skills that are tied to its nature. For example, a fire-based beast may offer fiery attacks that deal damage over time, while a lightning beast might provide debuffs to enemies or boost the player’s speed and damage output.
The combat abilities of these tamed beasts are diverse and can have significant impacts on the player's playstyle. Here are a few examples of how tamed beasts might influence combat:
Tank Beasts: Some creatures might serve as a frontline tank, taking damage and distracting enemies while the player deals damage from the backline.
DPS Beasts: Other beasts will specialize in high burst damage, offering additional offensive support in combat. These creatures might be suited for players who want to increase their overall damage output.
Support Beasts: Certain beasts may focus on healing, debuffing enemies, or boosting the player’s resistances. These support creatures can offer an invaluable role in tougher battles, especially in high-difficulty content.
Elemental Beasts: Beasts tied to the elements might offer unique synergies with specific skill gems or build strategies. For example, a water-based creature might apply cold damage or slow down enemies, synergizing with cold-based builds.
Players will have the option to cheap POE 2 Currency upgrade their tamed beasts as they progress through the game, unlocking new abilities or improving their existing skills. This progression system can further tailor the beast to complement the player’s playstyle, allowing for deeper customization and more dynamic gameplay.
