"Path of Exile 2 Devs Implement Urgent Fixes Amid Negative Steam Reviews"

Grinding Gear Games (GGG), the developer behind Path of Exile 2, has introduced further emergency modifications to the action role-playing game in response to significant community backlash against the recent Dawn of the Hunt update. The update, which debuted earlier this month, has driven Steam user reviews down to 'mostly negative' due to its heavy nerfs.

The Dawn of the Hunt expansion introduced exciting new elements such as the Huntress class, skilled in hybrid melee and ranged combat with Spear and Buckler, along with five new ascension classes: the Ritualist, Amazon, Smith of Kitava, Tactician, and Lich. Additionally, the update brought mechanical overhauls, over one hundred unique items, and expanded crafting options. However, the community's response was overwhelmingly negative, criticizing the game's pace as having been slowed to a "total slog."

The most helpful review on Steam over the past 30 days encapsulates the sentiment:

"Every boss fight is incredibly longer than it needs to be. Most of the skills do little to no damage. I understand they said they wanted to slow gameplay down, but I don't think I will even make it more than one week in this league at this point. It just feels incredibly awful right now, IF you can even get the game to run and be stable. That is a HUGE if."

Another review humorously noted, "If you're a masochist who enjoys being punished for little to no reward, this game is for you. If you're not, it's likely that you won't enjoy the game."

Critics pointed out that the initial version (0.1) already had issues with oversized areas, sluggish movement, and forced combo gameplay. These problems were exacerbated in version 0.2 (Dawn of the Hunt), with significantly reduced loot and even more forced gameplay mechanics, contrary to the freedom typically associated with ARPGs. Despite GGG's initial response with a list of changes, the community's outcry has prompted the upcoming 0.2.0e update, scheduled for April 11.

The question now is whether these changes will be substantial enough to address the community's concerns and restore the game's positive momentum. Path of Exile 2's launch was highly successful, attracting a massive player base, but this has also brought additional challenges, affecting even the development of the original Path of Exile.

Path of Exile 2 Update 0.2.0e Patch Notes:

Monster Speed Changes

In response to player feedback about being overwhelmed by monsters, GGG has implemented specific changes act by act, with general adjustments including the removal of interrupt events on human monsters' melee attacks. The Haste Aura modifier has also been removed from fast monsters to give players more breathing room.

Act 1

Werewolf and Tendril Prowlers now transition to a walking stance post-attack, only running if players move far enough away. Hungering Stalkers have reduced Life and Damage, and the density of Bloom Serpents and Venomous Crabs has been decreased. Cultists in Freythorn have seen their interrupt events removed, and their movement patterns adjusted. Blood Cretin's death pools have shorter durations, and overall monster density in Ogham Manor has been reduced.

Act 2

Boulder Ants in Titan Valley have been replaced with Risen Maraketh to address movement issues, and Faridun's interrupt events have been removed.

Act 3

Diretusk Boar and Antlion Charger charge mechanics have been tweaked to push players to the side. The Lost City and Azak Bog have seen adjustments to reduce ranged and elite monster presence, and an issue with Slitherspitter's damage type has been fixed. GGG also noted an ongoing issue with inconsistent monster spawn density across different areas, which will be addressed in a future patch.

Boss Changes

Viper Napuatzi's fight has been made less challenging by reducing the number and size of Chaos Rains, while Uxmal's fight has been streamlined by reducing location changes, preventing Energy Shield recharge in the air, and lessening the frequency of Flame Breath. Xyclucian's arena has been cleared of ground foliage for better visibility.

Player Minion Changes

Minion revive timers have been adjusted to mitigate delays when multiple minions die. Disenchanting certain gems now unbinds them, and tamed beasts can now navigate through gaps as players do.

Other Player Balance

Rally support can now be used with any Melee Attack, Glory consumption has been fixed, and a bug with the Ritualist's Blood Boils has been corrected.

Crafting Changes

All mods for caster weapons have been added to runes, and Renly's shop now offers a Blank rune for elemental customization. Artificers Orbs are now available at fixed locations throughout the campaign.

Performance Improvements

Ground foliage in various areas has been optimized for better performance.

0.2.0E Deployment Timeline

The 0.2.0e patch will be deployed at 10AM NZT, with further internal changes to follow after the weekend.

Charm Changes

Charm slots on belts are now granted by implicit mods based on the area level, with up to three slots possible. Several charm issues have been fixed, and their mods have been enhanced for greater impact.

Stash Tab Affinities

New affinities have been added for various item categories, including Socketables, Fragments, Breach, Expedition, and Ritual. Charms can now be stored in Flask stash tabs or tabs with Flask affinity.

Atlas Bookmarks

Players can now bookmark up to 16 locations on their atlas, with icons and optional labels, for easy navigation.