PoE 2 Devs Address Endgame Challenge

Summary

• Path of Exile 2 developers are standing firm on the game's challenging endgame despite player feedback.
• Co-director Jonathan Rogers emphasized that frequent deaths signal players are not yet ready to advance further in the power curve.
• The endgame involves navigating the complex Atlas of Worlds, where players face advanced challenges and formidable bosses.

Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers have addressed the community's 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, leading to a challenging 100-map endgame after the six-act story.

Since its early access launch in December 2024, the isometric action RPG has attracted a robust player base. This year, fans anticipate significant quality-of-life enhancements while awaiting the full release. The game's first 2025 update, Patch 0.1.0, tackles numerous bugs and crashes, especially on the PlayStation 5, and improves 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 failure, stating, "The whole 'death actually mattering' thing is actually important. You have to have some level of failure being possible," and argued that simplifying the game to a single portal would diminish the experience. Players have expressed frustration over the current endgame, which demands strong builds and fast-paced encounters with monsters.

Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty

Regarding the experience penalty 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 evaluating the elements that contribute to endgame difficulty to ensure players have an authentic experience. Despite advanced tips on navigating high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and using portals strategically, many players still find the challenge overwhelming.

Path of Exile 2’s endgame is set within the Atlas of Worlds, where players progress by unlocking maps and defeating Beasts. 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 advanced players, including tough bosses, intricate maps, and the need for robust builds enhanced through gear and skills.