Summary
- Path of Exile 2 developers are defending the challenging endgame despite player concerns.
- Co-director Jonathan Rogers stated, "...if you’re dying all the time then you’re probably not ready to keep going up the power curve."
- Players navigate through the intricate Atlas of Worlds in endgame, facing advanced challenges and bosses.
Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers have responded to fan feedback regarding the demanding endgame difficulty. As a sequel to the 2013 game, Path of Exile 2 introduces a new skill system with 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes. After completing the six-act story, players gain access to 100 challenging endgame maps.
Since its early access launch in December 2024, the isometric action RPG has attracted a robust player base. This year, fans eagerly await crucial quality-of-life updates while anticipating the full release. The first update of 2025, Patch 0.1.0, addresses numerous bugs and crashes, particularly on the PlayStation 5, enhancing overall gameplay. It also tackles issues related to monsters, skills, and damage.
In an exclusive interview with content creators Darth Microtransaction and GhazzyTV, Roberts and Rogers discussed the upcoming Patch 0.1.1 and shared their perspective on the endgame's difficulty. The developers defended the game's challenging nature, emphasizing that "The whole 'death actually mattering' thing is actually important. You have to have some level of failure being possible." They argued that altering the design to a single portal system would change the game's feel. Players have expressed frustration with the endgame's current setup, which includes formidable player builds and swift monsters, making strategic encounters extremely challenging.
Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty
Regarding the loss of EXP during an Atlas run, Rogers explained, "It’s keeping you in the place where you’re supposed to be, as in if you’re dying all the time then you’re probably not ready to keep going up the power curve." However, the team at Grinding Gear Games is reviewing the various elements contributing to the endgame's difficulty to ensure players have the most authentic experience possible. There are numerous advanced tips available to help players navigate Path of Exile 2's endgame, including strategies for conquering high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and making effective use of portals. Despite these resources, many players continue to struggle with the game's high level of challenge.
Path of Exile 2’s endgame unfolds in the Atlas of Worlds, where players aim to progress by unlocking maps and defeating the Beasts within them. Access to the Atlas is granted upon completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty. Each interconnected world within the Atlas presents high-level challenges tailored for advanced, dedicated players, featuring tough bosses, intricate maps, and the need to optimize robust builds through gear and skill enhancements.
