PoE 2 Devs Discuss Endgame Challenge

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 face advanced challenges and bosses within the intricate Atlas of Worlds during the endgame.

Path of Exile 2's co-directors, Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers, have addressed the community's concerns about the game's demanding endgame. As a sequel to the original 2013 title, Path of Exile 2 features a revamped skill system with 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes. After navigating through a six-act storyline, players are thrust into a grueling endgame consisting of 100 maps.

Since its early access launch in December 2024, the isometric action RPG has attracted a robust player base. This year, fans can anticipate significant quality-of-life enhancements while eagerly awaiting the full release. The first update of 2025, Patch 0.1.0, has tackled numerous bugs and crashes, especially on PlayStation 5, enhancing overall gameplay. This patch also resolved 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 elaborated on their stance regarding endgame difficulty. They defended the challenging nature, asserting, "The whole 'death actually mattering' thing is actually important. You have to have some level of failure being possible." They also noted that altering the design to a single portal system would alter the game's feel. Players have previously voiced their struggles with the endgame's demanding mechanics, including aggressive monster designs and the need for robust player builds.

Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty

When addressing the issue of experience loss 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, Grinding Gear Games is actively reviewing the elements that contribute to the endgame's difficulty, aiming to preserve the most authentic player experience. Despite advanced tips on navigating high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and effectively using portals, many players find the challenge overwhelming.

Path of Exile 2's endgame unfolds within the Atlas of Worlds, where players aim to progress by unlocking maps and defeating Beasts. Access to the Atlas is granted after completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty. Each world within 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.