Path of Exile 2 is no longer an expansion to Path of Exile 1. They will be standalone games with separate game balance, systems and future expansions. Your purchases will still be shared
As long as I don't have to buy new inventory tabs I don't really mind.
Actually I think it is a good idea to start with a relatively clean slate, POE is pretty loaded with mechanics and maybe they can skim some off.
I don't think it's going to happen, but I would like it if I could jump back into the game every couple of seasons without having to follow a build guide or being dead lost and using like 5 different 3rd party tools.
I don't have a lot of time for gaming anymore and I want to play other games, too.
Then again I know there are people that love the complexity.
I feel I could handle a reasonable amount of complexity if I could respec my build. Let me experiment without having to roll through a whole new character. It's a big reason why I prefer Grim Dawn so much. Not because of the complexity but because I can adjust as I go if a part of my build didn't work out the way I'd hoped. Definitely my biggest hope for POE2.
This is why GaaS will never work. It's good for wealthy teenagers that have a lot of free time. Most mmos require 3-4 hors a day to keep up with the content and don't bother to login if you don't have at least half an hour to play. Every season/patch your build is worthless and all mods you added don't work,etc..
In the end, yeah, as you said, that exact complexity is what is appealing to a lot of people, like me. I wouldn't be happy if they simplified the game.
It's part of its identity at this point. If it doesn't appeal to you, then it's probably best to just look at other ARPGs like diablo, grim dawn, or last epoch.
I appreciate your response but I have to disagree.
Today I have a bit of free time and might get in a bit of gaming.
But it won't be POE because I didn't really enjoy the last two builds that I played a couple of seasons ago and the one with zombies I played before that doesn't seem super viable anymore.
So I would need to find another build, update my PoB, update my Lootfilter, look if all the trade plug-ins still work and then my free Saturday is half over.
None of those things are enjoyable complexity for me where I can express skill or individuality.
But if I just play without 3rd party stuff I will have a shit build, struggle with the acts and be useless in the endgame.
And that makes me kinda sad because actually playing POE is more enjoyable than the other games you suggested and I don't agree with the sentiment that there is no place for a more casual POE experience.