Grinding Gear Games has announced that Open Beta will be ending soon and the official launch will be released on October 23, available through Steam. The latest update includes new content such as Scion– a new class, three brand new zones, and several new features including different PvP modes, Guilds and Leagues.
Scion
The Scion is the seventh class in Path of Exile and is part of the prestige class. With a balanced talent tree, the Scion could possibly be one of the most versatile classes within the game. However, the Scion classed can only be unlocked by players who reached the end-game where the first Scion is released from her cage.
New Zones
The official launch introduces three new zones at the end of Act III, the new zones will lead up to the final boss battle. Act IV has been confirmed, but will not be released in the official launch.
PVP
There will be two PVP systems released with the official launch: Tournament and Capture the Flag. Tournament lasts for an hour; the main goal is to garner as many victories as possible in order to achieve a high rank, which will make this type of PVP feel fast-paced and intense. The Capture the Flag system is still under development; it intends to include team battling, with possible in-game scenarios like bandit leader battles.
Challenge Leagues
Two new leagues are included in the Path of Exile launch: Domination and Nemesis. Leagues involve challenges to the player, kind of like quests. Domination is typically less strenuous than Nemesis and may require players to kill certain monsters around the map. Shrines, found while participating in the League, can give the player, as well as enemy minions, a buff like increase movement speed, increased critical hit, etc. Occasionally the player will get a special buff, like Frost Nova or Burning Flames. Nemesis is similar to Domination, except it is more challenging, including rarer monsters with explosive abilities.
Guilds
New features such as storage and guild ranks will be added in the official release in order to enhance player interaction. Victories in PVP (tournament, CTF, and leagues) will help to increase your guild’s rank, earning points to unlock rewards.
Grinding Gear plans to release new updates on a four month schedule.