Path of Exile 2 Devs Discuss Endgame Challenge

Summary

• Path of Exile 2 developers are defending the challenging endgame despite player feedback.
• Co-director Jonathan Rogers emphasized that frequent deaths indicate a player may not be ready to progress further.
• Players tackle the intricate Atlas of Worlds in the endgame, facing advanced challenges and bosses.

Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers have addressed fan concerns about the game's demanding endgame. As a sequel to the original 2013 game, Path of Exile 2 brings a new skill system with 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes. After navigating through the six-act story, players gain access to the rigorous 100 endgame maps.

Since its early access launch in December 2024, the isometric action RPG has attracted a robust player base. Fans eagerly await further enhancements as the game approaches its full release. The first update of 2025, Patch 0.1.0, has been released to address various bugs and crashes, especially on the PlayStation 5, and improve overall gameplay. It also tackles issues with monsters, skills, and damage.

In a detailed interview with content creators Darth Microtransaction and GhazzyTV, Roberts and Rogers discussed the upcoming Patch 0.1.1 and shared their views on the endgame's difficulty. They defended the challenging nature of the game, stating, "The whole ‘death actually mattering’ thing is actually important. You have to have some level of failure being possible," and noted that reducing the difficulty, such as reverting to a single portal system, would alter the game's feel significantly. Players have voiced frustration over the endgame's demanding design, which includes fast monsters and the need for strong, strategic builds.

Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty

Regarding the penalty of losing EXP 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." The team at Grinding Gear Games is actively reviewing the elements that contribute to the endgame's difficulty, aiming to preserve the most authentic experience for players. Despite numerous advanced tips available for navigating the endgame, such as conquering high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and using portals effectively, many players still find the challenge overwhelming.

Path of Exile 2’s endgame is set within the Atlas of Worlds, where players unlock various maps and battle the Beasts that inhabit them. Access to the Atlas is granted after completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty. Each world in the Atlas presents high-level challenges designed for advanced players, featuring tough bosses, intricate maps, and the need to optimize robust builds through gear and skill enhancements.