Path of Exile 2 to Prioritize Ascendancies Over New Classes in Future Updates

Path of Exile 2's game director announced that upcoming patches will shift focus from introducing new classes. Discover the reasoning behind this decision and insights into the game's current direction.

Path of Exile 2 May Not Introduce New Characters Each Patch

Expect More Ascendancy Options Instead

In a Q&A session, Path of Exile 2 Game Director Jonathan Rogers revealed that new classes may not appear in upcoming patches due to the challenges of their development.

When asked about expectations for a new class per patch, Rogers explained that the team has reconsidered making classes the centerpiece of updates. He noted, We’d love to include a new class with every release, but we’ve learned during this cycle that anchoring an expansion’s development to a new class was a misstep.

He elaborated that focusing on a class, like the Huntress for the next patch, led to unpredictable release timelines. Balancing fixed release dates with variable content volumes proved challenging, often delaying updates.

Rogers clarified, Because we prioritized including the Huntress, our release date kept shifting, extending the expansion’s timeline beyond our expectations.

He emphasized a preference for fixed release dates over uncertain class additions. I’m eager to include a new class in the next expansion, but I won’t commit to it, as it could disrupt our ability to maintain a set schedule, he added.

Reflecting on the development of Dawn of the Hunt, Rogers noted that the unpredictability of class creation means players should not expect new classes with every patch. He stressed the importance of timely updates, saying, Players want steady progress, not waiting six to nine months for a major update.

Rogers assured players that new Ascendancies will be included in every upcoming patch. He also expressed enthusiasm for adding more classes post-Early Access. We can definitely deliver Ascendancies, and I’m keen to keep adding classes even after the full release, he said.

Dawn of the Hunt Update Enhances Path of Exile 2 Endgame

Boss Fights to Become More Challenging

Alongside the Huntress, the upcoming patch introduces over 100 new skills, support gems, and unique gear tailored for midgame and endgame. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) aims to make bosses significantly tougher. Rogers explained that the team seeks to extend the time it takes for characters to overpower endgame content, while still allowing players to reach that peak.

Some mechanics are being trivialized too easily, and we need to adjust that, Rogers said. Players are reaching extreme power levels too quickly, which we want to delay until after the initial progression.

Rogers expressed disappointment at how swiftly players defeated Pinnacle Bosses, citing a case where a boss was downed in just fourteen seconds due to an overly strong build. He envisions a tougher initial encounter, stating, The first fight against a Pinnacle Boss should be intense and challenging. With more fights, better gear, and optimized builds, players can eventually dominate, but not right away.

He added, Power progression has gotten out of hand, and our balance changes aim to slow the climb to godlike strength, ensuring the journey feels rewarding.

Path of Exile 2 Director Satisfied with Ruthless Difficulty

Improved Skills, Not Easier Game

The campaign’s difficulty in Path of Exile 2 has sparked debate, with some players finding it too easy and others too hard. Rogers believes the difficulty is well-balanced and expects player perceptions to shift as they gain experience. He noted that many complaints come from veterans comparing the new game to its predecessor without fully engaging with the current version.

I’m confident we’ll see fewer complaints this time, as players who master the game will find it more manageable, Rogers said. He added that if issues persist, the team would analyze feedback to make adjustments but remains optimistic about the current balance.

Players often think we’ve tweaked the balance when they replay and find it easier, but really, they’ve just gotten better at the game, Rogers concluded.