Summary
- The 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 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 difficulty. As a sequel to the 2013 game, Path of Exile 2 introduces a new skill system featuring 240 active skill gems and 12 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 vital quality-of-life enhancements as fans eagerly await the full release. The first update of 2025, Patch 0.1.0, tackles bugs and crashes, particularly on the PlayStation 5, and improves overall gameplay by addressing issues with 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 death having consequences, stating, "The whole ‘death actually mattering’ thing is actually important. You have to have some level of failure being possible," and noted that the game's feel would change if it reverted to a single portal system. Players have expressed frustration with the current design, which features aggressive player builds and fast monsters, making strategic encounters particularly 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 actively evaluating the elements that contribute to endgame difficulty, aiming to preserve the most authentic experience for players. There are numerous advanced tips available to help players navigate Path of Exile 2’s endgame, including conquering high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and strategically using portals, yet the challenge remains a significant point of contention among fans.
Path of Exile 2’s endgame content unfolds within the Atlas of Worlds, where players progress by unlocking various maps and defeating the Beasts that inhabit them. Access to the Atlas is granted after completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty. Each interconnected world in the Atlas presents high-level challenges tailored for dedicated players, featuring formidable bosses, intricate maps, and the need for optimized builds through gear and skill enhancements.