Does Path of Exile 2 have co-op features?

Path of Exile 2 will be much more interesting with a friend by your side (Image via Grinding Gear Games) — Path of Exile 2 will be much more interesting with a friend to play with (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

Path of Exile 2 is set to bring a host of sweeping changes to the series, with one of the features being the inclusion of a dedicated Couch co-op mode. Additionally, a robust Party play system is slated to arrive for all platforms. Couch co-op or Local co-op has long been a feature of the ARPG genre, with even heavyweights, like Diablo 4, taking a crack at it.

While the community has requested Local co-op as a feature for Path of Exile, Grinding Gear Games has maintained its position on it being too resource-draining for a decade-old game. Path of Exile 2 is, however, a fresh start for GGG. Therefore, the developers are free to implement any features they please, including co-op.

This article provides an overview of the co-op functionalities in PoE2. Read on for the full details.

Path of Exile 2 Couch co-op features, explained

According to the Developer Diary, Path of Exile 2's Couch co-op will feature full functionality for both players, with each getting complete control over their characters, on a shared screen. GGG mentioned that their drive to bring Couch co-op began early on during development.

Players will be able to experience the entire game in Couch co-op mode, should they want to. The HUD has been designed with Local co-op in mind and offers full simultaneous accessibility to both players. To keep visual fidelity intact, player menus have been turned into panels, where both parties can observe each other's progression.

Couch co-op with separate HUDs and a shared camera angle (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

Utilizing Couch co-op has been streamlined as much as possible. Players can normally log into their account and invite their co-op partner as a guest, or have them log in as a secondary account. This feature is not just limited to a single platform but is available across every console and PC.

Thanks to the cross-progression feature, another Path of Exile 2 staple, players can log in however they wish and continue their play session without any hitches. Furthermore, they can strategize and take advantage of each other's builds, and work toward combos and synergies. This could serve as a massive benefit in Path of Exile 2's revamped combat system.

Couch co-op's panel version of all menus (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

As for Party play, the studio has confirmed that grouping up is a viable tactic and players can form parties of up to six players. Similar to Couch co-op, players in groups will be able to synergize their skills with others in the party, and the Aurabot playstyle will be a viable method to provide support. Gamers will also be able to complete Ascension Trials as a party.

Check out our other articles on Path of Exile 2

Edited by Ritoban "Veloxi" Paul