PoE Sanity

Did This PoE 2 Teaser Tell Us More Than We Think?!

By JorgenWatch videoDuration: PT14M58S

Summary

  • Patch 0.5 Speculation: The upcoming Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) update may introduce a major faction and endgame mechanic tied to the Primeval civilization.
  • Delve Connections: Strong thematic and lore links suggest the return of content related to the Azurite Mines, potentially as a “precursor to Delve” or an infinite labyrinthian dungeon.
  • The Primeval Kings: The statues shown in the teaser likely represent the ancient kings mentioned in Path of Exile 1 lore, including the First King and the Crystal King (Aul).
  • Lore Figures: Detailed exploration of figures like the Clayshaper (Arkali), Putambo, and Azazel, and how their lore aligns with the visual cues in the PoE 2 trailer.
  • Gameplay Predictions: Potential reintroduction of Golems as a minion type and the return of Primeval-themed unique items.

The Rise of Ancient Secrets

The Patch 0.5 teaser hints at themes linking back to the Delve mechanic from Path of Exile 1. Delve serves as an infinite pit where ancient things reside, and the “Ancient Secrets Rise” teaser suggests these forces are becoming relevant again. While it might not be a direct port of the Delve mine, the gameplay could involve a labyrinthian infinite dungeon mode.

The spire seen at the end of the trailer is the location where players face the Arbiter. The map shows a massive area surrounding this citadel, which aligns with theories regarding an ancient, unearthed civilization.

The Primeval Civilization

Lore in PoE 2 alludes to the “Primeval Civilization,” a society that existed in Wraeclast before the Vaal. In PoE 1, this civilization is only encountered deep within the Azurite Mines. There are several notable figures associated with this era:

  • The First King: Also known as the First King of an unspecified civilization who led his people through the mountains.
  • The Unnamed King: A figure from before the known civilization.
  • The Crystal King (Aul): The final king of the Primeval civilization.

The Primeval civilization ended when a ritual sealed its citadel in crystal, and Kurgal’s golems ran rampant. Since Kurgal is already present in PoE 2, it is highly probable that the rest of this lore is being integrated now.

Analyzing the Precursor Emblems

The statues in the teaser likely correspond to the Precursor’s Emblems (unique Delve rings) found in Path of Exile 1. These rings provide flavor text that details three distinct periods of Primeval history.

1. Azazel’s Lore (The First King)

The flavor text describes an icy clime where the First King led his people:

  1. “Cold winds blasted what little grew on the icy surface. The gifts of the land lay hidden deeper and only patience and persistence would free them.”
  2. “The narrow path turned to rough rocks that led towards the sky. One last obstacle in a lifelong journey to find a land they could call home.”
  3. “Sheltered beneath thick ice, the rivers ferried fat fish towards the sea. But the First King knew the river’s secret, and the fish were not the only ones who grew fat.”

The statues in the teaser may represent these specific historical figures and the elements they commanded.

2. Putambo’s Lore (The Slave King)

These snippets detail the early life of Aul as a slave:

  1. “The fields were silent but for the plucking of fruits, the rustling of leaves and the breaking of stone. No slave dared speak or look the passing king in the eye. None except Aul.”
  2. “He surveyed the lands, green and vital, watched with pride as his slaves quarried fine stone for his fortress.” (This may reference the stone citadel of the Arbiter of Ash).
  3. “With no stone for rebuilding, each storm took its toll on the village… Bodies were left by the river to appease the gods, but the dead would not remain here.”

3. Arkali’s Lore (The Clayshaper)

The Clayshaper is a central figure in the late Primeval history who sought safety from cataclysmic events:

  1. “Where once had stood a village, lay naught but splinters. Some had once been her home, some had once been her creations, some had once been her family.”
  2. “Fleeing the destruction set upon her home, the Clayshaper sought safety in the clouds of ash above.”
  3. “The river, once fertile and fresh and flowing briskly to the sea, now stood stained at the standstill, dammed by the coagulating dead.”

The ruin iconography in the teaser closely matches Primeval murals and symbols from PoE 1. These murals depict:

  • A giant skull and golems created by the Clayshaper.
  • Clouds raining over a city (Putambo’s Valley).
  • A figure with a helmet, sword, and shield shaped like Arn’s Contempt, Arn’s Might, and Arn’s Heritage.
  • A crown shown revering the figure, likely the First King.

Predictions for Patch 0.5

  • Golems: The heavy references to the Clayshaper suggest that Golems may finally be added to PoE 2 as a minion type.
  • Act Progression: The theme fits with the Twilight Order’s worship and calibrations.
  • The First King Boss: There is a high probability of encountering the First King as a major boss or central figure in this expansion.
  • Itemization: Expect the return of Primeval-themed unique items and possibly new versions of the Precursor rings.

Key References