Action RPG Path of Exile Unveils Templar Class and Beta Date

A new trailer for dark indie action RPG Path of Exile has unveiled the Templar class, as well as hints as to how the land of Wraeclast became so devastated.

Path of Exile has been in development for four years by New Zealand indie studio Grinding Gear Games. Select members of the game’s online community at Path of Exile - A Free Online Action RPG will be given access to a closed beta of the game in August. Players will be added continuously to stress test the game’s servers, as the game is played entirely online to facilitate a secure item-based economy.

The Templar favours both strength and intelligence attributes and skills – a valuable combination as he seeks to uncover the mysteries of the corrupted continent where players have been exiled.

The Templar can also be seen using several new skills such as Spark, a spell that launches lightning bolts that rebound off obstacles. The Sweep skill allows him to spin around, knocking enemies back with his mace or staff. When equipped with a shield, he can use Shield Charge to smash his way through hordes of foes, dealing a crippling stun to his eventual target. The Templar also has easy access to both Endurance and Power Charges, which, once charged up, spin around the player and grant extra endurance and damage respectively.

“In battle, the Templar can play as a traditional melee character or a hybrid battlemage, able to endure substantial damage while slaying monsters with spells†says Chris Wilson, Grinding Gear Games’ co-founder. “By dealing some of his damage with strong melee weapons and the rest with a barrage of spells, he offers many new combat options over the traditional warrior or spellcaster classes.â€

Grinding Gear Games will also be demonstrating Path of Exile and distributing copies of the beta at PAX Prime in Seattle from 26-28 August.

To be considered to take part in the closed beta, sign up for an account at Path of Exile - A Free Online Action RPG.

Key features of ‘Path of Exile’:
• Completely free to download and play
• A persistent online world capable of supporting hundreds of thousands of players
• A dark and gritty game world rendered from a fixed 3D perspective
• Randomly generated levels and items for extreme replayability
• Online ranking and ladders for every game mode
• Visceral combat with dozens of combinable skills
• Battle in PVP tournaments for worldwide recognition
• Dynamic skill system