Concern & Hope for the Sword Archetype in PoE 2

Hi Grinding Gear team and fellow Exiles,

I’ve been absolutely hooked on Path of Exile 2 lately—this league has been an amazing experience and I really love where the game is heading. That said, as a long-time PoE player, I do have one concern that keeps crossing my mind: the sword archetype.

Since swords haven’t been showcased yet, I’m a bit worried they might lean too heavily toward “pseudo-melee projectile” gameplay, similar to what we saw in PoE 1. In my opinion, we already have plenty of projectile-style options, so I’m really hoping swords in PoE 2 bring something more visceral and unique.

What I imagine is brutal, fast-paced, close-quarters sword combat—quick leaps, sharp swings, and bloody, skillful action. Something distinct from the explosive blunt force of maces or staves. Considering PoE 2 draws some inspiration from Soulslike combat, could swords capture that same weight and satisfying feel?

I know the community generally likes wide one-button screen clears, but maybe there’s a middle ground: a way for swords to mow through mobs effectively while still feeling different from other melee archetypes.

That’s my main worry as a fan of dark fantasy ARPGs and someone who loves this genre deeply. I’d love to hear what the community (and hopefully the devs) think about this. I don’t mean to sound whiny—it’s just a genuine concern and a suggestion I wanted to share.

Looking forward to discussing this with you all!

Sadly with a game such as this, it's catered more towards full screen clearing mega attacks. Even if you're a melee character, the focus has been on "hit one mob in melee range and multistrike/etc. everything else on the screen". Melee is far behind the curve in POE due to the sheer clear speed that it lacks. Can you imagine if you had to physically run up to each mob and smack it with a sword? It would take you 30 min to run one map.

Additionally, I'd really love to see the same mechanic as crossbows have. Like, you have 1 button to use (mostly, not all though) skills, but you swap/change stances. Don't know why I like the idea so much, but I do.
Additionally, GGG, please, let me parry with 2h swords, I beg you! Maybe a base sword with a parry skill or something.

I've been hoping for swords as well, I really hope they can make some cools swords skills that aren't shit and are fun to play.