head to head
vs
Path of ExilevsThe Last Spell
Path of Exile leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Last Spell leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Path of ExileThe Last Spell
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 2
Path of Exile leans harder on execution: Some dodge and reflex play, but build carries fights.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance6 vs 6
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization10 vs 9
Path of Exile leans harder on optimization: Passive tree, crafting, and economy form near-infinite theorycraft.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.