Summary
- Path of Exile 2 developers are defending the challenging endgame, despite player concerns.
- Co-director Jonathan Rogers explained that frequent deaths indicate players aren't ready to progress.
- Endgame involves navigating the complex Atlas of Worlds, facing difficult challenges and bosses.
Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers addressed player feedback regarding the demanding endgame difficulty. This sequel to the 2013 original features a revamped skill system with 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes. After completing the six-act story, players access 100 challenging endgame maps.
Since its December 2024 early access launch, the game boasts a strong player base. 2025 promises quality-of-life improvements while players await the full release. The first 2025 update (Patch 0.1.0) addressed bugs, crashes (especially on PlayStation 5), monster issues, skill problems, and damage inconsistencies.
In an exclusive interview with 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 meaningful consequences for death, stating the experience wouldn't be the same with simpler mechanics. Players previously voiced concerns about the demanding encounters, citing powerful enemy builds and fast-paced combat.
Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty
Regarding experience loss during Atlas runs, Rogers clarified that it serves to prevent premature progression. He stated, "If you’re dying all the time, you’re probably not ready to keep going up the power curve." Grinding Gear Games is, however, reviewing endgame's difficulty, aiming to retain the core experience while addressing player feedback. While numerous advanced strategies exist—focusing on high-Waystone Tier maps, gear quality, and portal usage—the challenge remains significant.
Path of Exile 2's endgame unfolds within the Atlas of Worlds. Players progress by unlocking maps and defeating the Beasts inhabiting them. Accessible after completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty, the interconnected Atlas presents high-level challenges for experienced players, including formidable bosses, complex maps, and the need for optimized builds.
