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Characters in Path of Exile 2 will be gender-locked, similar to Path of Exile. Path of Exile 2 or PoE2, like its prequel (PoE), has a roster of premade characters. These can be customized with various cosmetics that are either purchased via microtransactions or earned through in-game activities.
The numerous microtransactions set Path of Exile and PoE2 characters apart from other ARPGs like Last Epoch, and they often have specific interactions with certain skills or passive effects that make them viable on certain characters.
How gender-lock will function in Path of Exile 2
Like its prequel, Path of Exile 2 will gender-lock its classes but expand the breadth of microtransactions. In PoE, Grinding Gear Games have experimented with class-specific microtransactions and found success. At this time, PoE2 has twelve unique confirmed classes, each with three unique ascendancy choices, which means there is a lot of potential for class-specific microtransactions.
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In a conversation regarding this topic, PoE2's game director, Jonathan Rogers, stated:
"...We will probably eventually have MTX's that swap the entire character out for a different one (which we would then also have voice acting for). If we did that, we would likely start to alternate gender versions of all our character classes since that is something that I think quite a lot of players would like to have."
As for any changes in the future, Grinding Gear Games has no intention of changing the nature of gender-specific classes or such. Rogers also said:
"I personally don't particularly want to implement the full on character editor that a lot of games have. We don't currently have anything like that, and it's something that would take a huge amount of work. It's also something that I don't think would have a huge payoff for us. You tend to immediately cover your character up with armour after all."
While this is a blow for players who want to customize the minutia of their characters (like in Diablo IV for example), the demand for gender-neutral class selection isn't publicly visible among the general playerbase.
How does this affect microtransactions in Path of Exile 2?
The effect of gender-locked class selection will not be a major one regarding the actual gameplay experience. It is confirmed that Path of Exile 2 will carry over all the existing microtransactions from PoE, even those from the ongoing Settlers of Kalguur expansion.
Furthermore, players will be able to earn and purchase more microtransactions in PoE2, as the title will bring even more unique skills, armor and weapons. It is unsure if Path of Exile's class-specific microtransactions will carry over to other classes of PoE2.
For example, the Maroider Body Armour microtransaction is only equipable by the Marauder class and changes its appearance based on the character's Strength stat. In Path of Exile 2, the Marauder and Warrior classes are similar in appearance and playstyle. It would be extremely beneficial for players who own the Maroider Armour if both classes could equip the skin and bonk away.
Currently, information regarding the microtransactions remains scarce as the game is still some time away from full release. Additional info will become available during the upcoming Early Access event, slated to begin on December 6, 2024.
