While a direct comparison of gear quantity between Destiny 2 and Path of Exile (PoE) might seem straightforward, there are nuances to consider. PoE is known for its vast number of unique items, potentially exceeding 1000. However, a large quantity doesn’t always equate to quality. Some argue that PoE prioritizes quantity over quality, leading to a diluted loot pool.
The development time of a game also impacts gear diversity. A game with a longer development history, like PoE, naturally accumulates more content, including unique items. However, newer games like Diablo 4, despite potentially having larger development teams, haven’t had the same time to amass such a vast array of gear. Comparing a newer game to a veteran title solely on item count overlooks the significant factor of development time. A direct comparison of man-hours, factoring in team size and development duration, provides a more accurate assessment of potential output. Large studios often utilize specialized teams that contribute to a project for shorter periods, impacting the overall development process.
Furthermore, the specialization of unique items affects the perceived variety. Uniques narrowly tailored to specific skills or classes can limit build diversity. Designing uniques with broader applicability across skills and classes drastically increases their effective number, enhancing build customization options and player agency. Sixty broadly applicable uniques could potentially offer a similar range of build possibilities as hundreds of narrowly focused ones.
