Credit: Grinding Gear Games

As more games adopt the free-to-play model, the presence of “pay-to-win” tactics becomes an ever-present concern. After all, what’s the point of spending a weekend grinding experience and items in Path of Exile if some random player can just wave their credit card and get the same result in ten minutes? This is why players have developed a healthy skepticism of any game with microtransaction systems. Path of Exile does have a microtransaction system of its own, but is Path of Exile pay to win?

Is Path of Exile Pay to Win? Answered

Thankfully, the answer to that question is a fairly resolute no. While Path of Exile does have paid elements, it is not a pay-to-win game. This is primarily because the items available in the in-game store are mostly mere cosmetics that change the appearance of your character and gear without applying any practical effects on stats or abilities. As Path of Exile is a free-to-play game, and has been since 2013, the microtransactions are mostly viewed by its playerbase as an optional way to support the developers should one wish.

In fact, Grinding Gear Games actually maintains an internal policy that money cannot be charged for any in-game items. This applies not only to themselves, but to the playerbase as well; attempting to sell any in-game gear, weapons, consumable items, or crafting materials for real money is grounds for an immediate account ban (not that that stops some folks, but what are you gonna do).

What are Account Features in Path of Exile?

Credit: Grinding Gear Games

The only thing you can buy from the in-game store that isn’t cosmetic is account features. This includes things like additional slots to create more characters and stash tabs to carry more gear and items with you. These are less “pay-to-win,” however, and more “pay-for-practicality.” They’re helpful services, for certain, but in all but the most extenuating circumstances, there is no way these features could spell the difference between defeat and victory.

So if you’re just getting into Path of Exile and have had some bad experiences with other free-to-play games, worry not. You won’t be arbitrarily outclassed by some rich dude with nothing better to spend his disposable income on. Everyone’s got the same fair shake at victory in this game.