Titan Quest 2 is the second entry in a two-decade-old series, and the original is recognized by ARPG fans as a gem of the genre. The sequel seeks to reinvigorate this old diamond through a wide array of improvements, but its approach to leveling stands out over most.
A comprehensive but headache-free leveling system
Much like in every other ARPG out there, Titan Quest 2 has a comprehensive leveling system. Players choose one of a few classes to specialize in and build upon that foundation as the game goes on. It's simple, addictive, and approachable for veterans and noobs alike.
Where Titan Quest 2 diverges from the traditional formula is how it approaches stat leveling, usually a staple of the genre. While in most games with stat leveling you get to pick and choose every attribute, like Agility, Dexterity, Strength and the like, Titan Quest 2 gives you four major stats to improve, each further boosting its “related” stats.
For example, boosting Agility adds full points to Fitness and Cunning as well, while upping Vigor improves every stat by a small amount. Might grants Fitness and Resolve, whereas Knowledge expands your Cunning and Resolve. Thus, most primary attributes are presented to the player as a comprehensive system of relations, where you know exactly what you're getting out of each additional point.
There is no room for scratching your head thinking what any given attribute does, nor is it difficult to ascertain from any given item what it is you should be prioritizing and how. It's easy, does a ton with very little, and adds a layer of mixing and matching that any player can do without worrying about messing up their entire build.
Speaking of which, respeccing can be done on the fly by just entering the game's Respec mode and paying a gold fee, allowing players to backtrack however much they want. Many games usually Respec you down to zero, with you having to build back up again from scratch. Titan Quest 2, on the other hand, is very modular, allowing you to knock down as many points as you want from any given attribute, skill, or passive.
Multiclassing done right
Building a multi-class is a core element of many RPGs, including ARPGs. A storm sorcerer who likes to wield a bit of fire? A burly, massive marauder who likes the taste of cunning and speed? A rogue specializing in deadly poisons, but with a drop of fire and flame?
All of these combinations, and endless others, are crucial to a functional ARPG experience, as they add a lot of depth, replayability, and complexity to builds and classes and generally open up the game to as broad an audience as possible.
Titan Quest 2 just puts you straight into multiclassing from the very onset. You choose two blessings, each representing a separate class. You can then level them up as you see fit, even ignoring the other one entirely if that's your prerogative. If you want to mix them up, you're free to do so, creating the class that suits your playstyle best.
It's one of the rare occasions in an ARPG where there are a ton of paths to follow, but none of them seem wrong or all too difficult. Everything is approachable and easy to do, despite there being a lot of depth to any given skill tree or overall build.
There's a middle ground of sorts in play here, one that the genre desperately needed in the wake of the all-too-easy Diablo 4 and all-too-complex Path of Exile 2.
Have you played Titan Quest 2 yet? If you're a veteran, does it approach the heights of the first game? Or do you feel old school is still cool? Let me know below.
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