head to head
vs
Path of ExilevsUnderrail
Path of Exile leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Underrail leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Path of ExileUnderrail
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 3
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 1
Underrail leans harder on reads: All mutants and factions execute fixed non-adaptive AI patterns
Variance6 vs 5
Path of Exile leans harder on variance: Loot, map mods, and crafting outcomes are heavily random.
Optimization10 vs 10
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.