"Path of Exile 2 Devs Discuss Endgame Challenge"

Summary

• Path of Exile 2 developers are defending the challenging endgame, despite players' 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 addressed the concerns of fans regarding the game's demanding endgame difficulty. As a sequel to the original 2013 game, Path of Exile 2 introduces a revamped skill system featuring 240 active skill gems and 12 unique character classes. After completing the six-act story, players enter the challenging realm of 100 endgame maps.

Since its early access launch in December 2024, the isometric action RPG has attracted a robust player base. The year 2025 is set to bring essential quality-of-life enhancements as fans eagerly await the full release. The first update of 2025, Patch 0.1.0, has been released to tackle various bugs and crashes, especially on PlayStation 5, and to improve overall gameplay. This patch 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 emphasized the importance of challenge, stating, “The whole ‘death actually mattering’ thing is actually important. You have to have some level of failure being possible,” and noted that reducing the difficulty would alter the game's feel. Path of Exile 2 players have expressed frustration with the current endgame design, which features aggressive player builds and fast monsters, making strategic encounters highly demanding.

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 evaluating the elements that contribute to endgame difficulty, aiming to preserve the most authentic experience for players. Despite the availability of advanced tips for mastering high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and effectively using portals, many fans continue to struggle with the game's challenging nature.

Path of Exile 2’s endgame takes place within the Atlas of Worlds, where players aim to progress by unlocking various maps and defeating the Beasts that infest 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 and dedicated players, featuring formidable bosses, intricate maps, and the need for optimized builds through gear and skill enhancements.