Titan Quest II Preview (PC)
When Titan Quest was first released in 2006, it built a cult following due to its blend of Diablo-style action with Greek mythology, as well as its deep class systems and flexible skill trees. Now, almost two decades later, its long-awaited sequel is in early access, and it’s clear that Grimlore Games is aiming to rekindle that old-school APRG flame, while modernising it to entice new fans.
In Titan Quest II, you step into Ancient Greece once again, a mythological world crawling with centaurs, undead soldiers, unrelenting ichthians, and more. But this time, it’s the goddess of retribution, Nemesis, who is pulling the strings, seemingly throwing the world into chaos to hunt you down. The main quest line will see you enlisting the help from (as well as helping) various NPC characters, from villagers to notable Greek figures, as you fight to put an end to Nemesis’ corruption. The side quests are plentiful, and there are many missions you can take on to help grind levels. The sheer amount of content available is a welcome surprise, especially for an early access build.
Combat is where Titan Quest II separates itself from its predecessor, as well as its peers. Enemies are smarter, and they flank, use abilities, and will punish you for being sloppy. You must think strategically, dodging and timing cool-downs instead of effortlessly mowing down mobs for loot. Moreover, the dual-mastery system returns, and it’s better than ever. There’s enormous freedom to create different builds for your character, and the masteries feel distinct. Each skill has its own levels and additional modifiers to choose from, creating a complex system that has depth, but isn’t too overwhelming. This freedom makes crafting builds feel rewarding, and with more masteries reportedly on the way, the potential is massive.
Graphically, the environments in this game are a standout. Each location feels rich and full of life, with beauty to be found around every corner, particularly around water. Even inside the depths of a dark smuggler’s cave can be found a breathtaking waterfall, creating a much-needed time out from slaying monsters to stop and admire the surroundings. The music also supports the ancient Greek feel, featuring subtle ethnic influences that evoke a sense of adventure. The layered ambient sounds truly makes towns feel alive – you may overhear merchants calling out their wares or shouting at other merchants while strolling through a marketplace, capturing the vibrant chaos of a living, breathing town.
Understandably, for an early access build, the game is nowhere near perfect. Some skills feel unbalanced, and enemy path-finding can be wonky at times. Still, these gripes are minor and fixable. It’s not easy to stand out in the ARPG genre with the likes of Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2 looming large, but Titan Quest II seems ready to carve out a space for itself. It speaks directly to players who miss that classic feel: complex skill trees, challenging yet satisfying combat, and an exquisite mythic world worth exploring.
About the Author
Jade Darton Jade is a web developer and Computer Science BSc student from Suffolk, UK with a passion for games and writing about them.
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