Path of Exile 2's challenging endgame has sparked debate among players, prompting a response from the developers. Co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers defended the difficulty in a recent interview, emphasizing the importance of meaningful consequences for death. They argued that the current system, which includes the loss of experience points in the Atlas of Worlds endgame, prevents players from progressing beyond their skill level. Rogers explained, "If you’re dying all the time, you’re probably not ready to keep going up the power curve."
While acknowledging player concerns, the developers highlighted the significance of maintaining a challenging endgame experience. They stated that simplifying the difficulty, such as reverting to a single-portal system, would fundamentally alter the game's feel. The team at Grinding Gear Games is currently reviewing the various factors contributing to the endgame's difficulty, aiming to strike a balance between challenge and player satisfaction.
Path of Exile 2, released in early access in December 2024, features a revamped skill system with 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes. After completing the six-act story, players unlock the challenging 100 endgame maps within the Atlas of Worlds. These maps present increasingly difficult challenges, including powerful bosses and intricate map layouts, requiring strategic build optimization and skillful gameplay. The recent Patch 0.1.0 addressed various bugs and performance issues, particularly on PlayStation 5, while Patch 0.1.1 is anticipated to further refine the experience.
Despite the availability of advanced strategies, including optimizing gear, utilizing portals effectively, and focusing on high-Waystone Tier maps, many players continue to find the endgame exceptionally demanding. The developers' commitment to a challenging endgame experience remains, while they continue to evaluate and adjust the game's difficulty based on player feedback.
