head to head
vs
Destiny 2vsPath of Exile 2
Destiny 2 leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); Path of Exile 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Destiny 2Path of Exile 2
Axis by axis
Execution6 vs 6
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads2 vs 1
Destiny 2 leans harder on reads: PvE is scripted; Crucible has light adaptation.
Variance5 vs 6
Path of Exile 2 leans harder on variance: Drop systems and crafting RNG remain central to the experience
Optimization8 vs 9
Path of Exile 2 leans harder on optimization: Build theory and passive tree navigation reward deep system knowledge
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.