"Path of Exile 2 Devs Discuss Endgame Challenge"

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 the endgame, facing advanced challenges and bosses.

Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers have addressed fan concerns about the game's demanding endgame. As a sequel to the 2013 original, 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 enter the challenging world of 100 endgame maps.

Since its early access launch in December 2024, the isometric action RPG has attracted a significant player base, with ongoing improvements planned for 2025. The first update of the year, Patch 0.1.0, tackled bugs and crashes, particularly on PlayStation 5, enhancing overall gameplay. It also addressed 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 defended the endgame's difficulty. They emphasized the importance of failure, stating, "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 voiced frustrations over the endgame's demanding nature, characterized by aggressive monster designs and the need for strategic, robust builds.

Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty

Regarding the loss of EXP during Atlas runs, 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." The team at Grinding Gear Games is reviewing the elements that contribute to endgame difficulty to ensure the most authentic experience for players. There are numerous advanced tips available to help players navigate Path of Exile 2’s endgame, such as conquering high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and using portals strategically, yet the challenge remains a point of contention among fans.

Path of Exile 2’s endgame unfolds in the Atlas of Worlds, where players progress by unlocking maps and defeating Beasts. Access to the Atlas is granted upon completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty. Each interconnected world within the Atlas offers high-level challenges tailored for advanced, dedicated players, featuring tough bosses, complex maps, and the need for optimized builds through gear and skill enhancements.