Summary

• Path of Exile 2 lacks a transmog system, but could potentially add one similar to Diablo 4 in the future.
• Implementing a transmog system that unlocks item appearances permanently could enhance gameplay.
• A compromise could involve a partially free transmog system limited to a few items per League, benefiting Path of Exile 2.

There are several differences between Path of Exile 2 and its predecessor, with some of them being more significant for the scope of the action RPG and what its gameplay loop is. For example, Path of Exile 2 doesn't allow players to change Ascendancy class once it has been selected, whereas the first game does if one is willing to refund all Ascendancy points and run the Labyrinth again. Another difference that those who have played both games may have noticed is that Path of Exile 2 doesn't quite have a transmog system, which may seem like a bad thing, but it may be a blessing in disguise.

A big example of similar transmog systems in action RPGs comes from Diablo 4's own, meaning there is fertile ground for it to be added at a later stage to Path of Exile 2 if GGG wants. Other games with a similar model also tend to have transmog options for players, and it's an overall popular feature due to how beloved character customization can be. Path of Exile 2 does not have a transmog system, which makes sense, as it's a free game (though its early access version requires a paid key). Still, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as GGG could introduce a transmog system in the future that better fits the title.

Path of Exile 2 Should Shoot For The Moon With Its Transmog System

Path of Exile has a transmog system of sorts, but it hasn't made its way into the sequel just yet. However, this requires players to spend Points in order to use, as players need to buy Skin Transfers from the in-game microtransaction shop and use them on a given item, which will then look like a chosen secondary item in the same slot. This may not seem worth doing, though, as it is only tied to a given item rather than the slot it uses, meaning that changing items will also remove the transmog effect.

As such, Path of Exile 2 would be wise to implement a better version of its predecessor's transmog system, this time spending Points to unlock a given item's appearance for all items that share its slot. This could cost more Points than the current Skin Transfer, as it would be a permanent addition to the account and be usable for all items in the same slot. This would be a great option for Path of Exile 2's Unique Items, which all have their own 3D art, and sometimes they are left unused due to being underpowered or power-crept by Rare loot.

How Path of Exile 2 Could Implement Free Transmog

This would make for a more alluring paid transmog system in the game, and it could even pave the way for a free transmog system to be added. In fact, the game would benefit from an approach like Blizzard's with Diablo 4's transmog system, which allows players to unlock item skins when dismantled for the first time. Path of Exile 2 could allow players to do this same thing with all the Normal, Magic, and Rare items in the game, but require paid Skin Transfers for Unique Items, instead.

If GGG wants to do something similar but limit player options a bit, considering it's still a free game that thrives on support from packs and cosmetics, it could use a similar approach to Destiny 2's transmog system. This makes players complete quests to receive consumable items that are used to permanently unlock a given item's appearance, with only a few being unlockable per Episode. As such, Path of Exile 2 could make transmogrification partially free and limited to a few items per League, but it could be a good way to compromise between the total absence of transmog and PoE's Skin Transfers. What follows is that the game may benefit from not having a transmog system yet, so that it can have an improved version of what GGG introduced to its predecessor.