Summary
- Path of Exile 2 developers are standing firm on the challenging endgame, despite player feedback.
- Co-director Jonathan Rogers emphasized, "...if you’re dying all the time then you’re probably not ready to keep going up the power curve."
- Players tackle the complex Atlas of Worlds in the endgame, facing tough challenges and formidable bosses.
Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers have addressed the concerns of fans regarding the game's demanding endgame difficulty. 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 can dive into the intense 100 endgame maps.
Since its early access launch in December 2024, the isometric action RPG has attracted a robust player base, and this year is set to bring significant quality-of-life enhancements. Fans eagerly await the full release while enjoying the first update of 2025, which tackles various bugs and crashes, particularly on the PlayStation 5, to enhance the overall gameplay experience. Patch 0.1.0 also addresses 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 views on the endgame's difficulty. The developers defended the challenge, stating, “The whole ‘death actually mattering’ thing is actually important. You have to have some level of failure being possible,” and emphasized that the gameplay experience would not be the same if the design reverted to a single portal system. Players have expressed their frustration with the endgame's difficulty, as the current setup demands robust builds and quick 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.” The team at Grinding Gear Games is actively reviewing the various elements that contribute to the endgame's difficulty, aiming to preserve the most authentic experience for players. Despite the availability of advanced tips to help navigate the endgame, such as conquering high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and making strategic use of portals, many fans find the challenge overwhelming.
Path of Exile 2's endgame unfolds in the Atlas of Worlds, where players aim to progress by unlocking various maps and eliminating the Beasts that inhabit them. Access to the Atlas is granted after completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty. Each interconnected world within the Atlas presents high-level challenges tailored for advanced, dedicated players, including formidable bosses, intricate maps, and the need to optimize sturdy builds through gear and skill enhancements.