Grinding Gear Games (GGG), the developers behind Path of Exile 2, have rolled out additional emergency changes in response to the community's backlash against the Dawn of the Hunt update. This update, which launched earlier this month, introduced the new Huntress class and five new ascension classes: Ritualist, Amazon, Smith of Kitava, Tactician, and Lich. Alongside these additions, the update brought over one hundred new unique items and significantly expanded crafting options. However, the community's reaction was overwhelmingly negative due to the perceived slowdown of the game's pace, causing Steam user reviews to drop to 'mostly negative.'
Players felt that the game had become a "total slog," with boss fights dragging on excessively and skills dealing minimal damage. The update also faced criticism for its stability issues, slow movement, and large map sizes. Many players expressed disappointment over the nerfed loot system and the forced combo gameplay, which they believed restricted the freedom to create personalized builds.
The 'most helpful' review on Steam over the last 30 days highlighted these issues, stating, "Every boss fight is incredibly longer than it needs to be. Most of the skills do little to no damage... It just feels incredibly awful right now, IF you can even get the game to run and be stable." Another negative review suggested that the game was now suited only for "masochists who enjoy being punished for little to no reward."
In response, GGG has introduced a series of changes in the upcoming 0.2.0e update, set to be deployed on April 11. These changes aim to address player concerns and improve the overall gaming experience. Key adjustments include:
Path of Exile 2 Update 0.2.0e Patch Notes
------------------------------------------Monster Speed Changes
GGG has made significant adjustments to monster behavior to reduce the overwhelming feeling reported by players. Changes include removing interrupt events on melee attacks for many human monsters, such as Cultists in Freythorn, Faridun, and Tribal Humans in Act Three. The Haste Aura modifier has been removed from already fast monsters. Specific changes per act include:
Act 1: Werewolf Prowlers and Tendril Prowlers now enter a walking stance post-melee action, Hungering Stalkers have reduced life and damage, and the number of Bloom Serpents and Venomous Crabs has been decreased. Cultists in Freythorn have had their interrupt events removed and now walk after melee actions.
Act 2: Boulder Ants in Titan Valley have been replaced with Risen Maraketh, and Faridun have had their interrupt events removed.
Act 3: Diretusk Boar and Antlion Charger behaviors have been modified to push players to the side, the Lost City's monster composition has been adjusted, and Azak Bog's monster composition has been changed to reduce ranged and elite monsters. Additionally, Slitherspitter's poison spray in Venom Crypts now deals Physical Damage instead of Chaos Damage.
Boss Changes
Boss encounters have also been tweaked to improve player experience. Viper Napuatzi's Chaos Rains have been reduced in number and size, and Uxmal's fight has been streamlined with fewer location changes, no Energy Shield recharge while in the air, and less frequent use of Flame Breath. Xyclucian's arena has been cleared of ground foliage to enhance visibility of his effects.
Player Minion Changes
Minion revive timers have been adjusted to prevent long delays when multiple minions die. Disenchanting Bind Spectre or Tame Beast gems now unbinds them, and tamed beasts can now fit through gaps the player can navigate.
Other Player Balance
Rally support can now be used with any Melee Attack, Glory is no longer consumed if interrupted, and a bug with the Ritualist's Blood Boils has been fixed.
Crafting Changes
All mods have been added to runes for caster weapons, and Renly's shop in the Burning Village now offers a Blank rune that can be forged into any elemental rune. Additionally, 12 Artificers Orbs now drop at fixed locations throughout the campaign.
Performance Improvements
Ground foliage in many areas has been optimized to enhance performance.
0.2.0E Deployment Timeline
The 0.2.0e update will be deployed at around 10AM NZT, with further changes planned for deployment after the weekend.
Charm Changes
Charm slots on belts will now be granted by implicit mods, with the number of slots determined by the belt's level. Unique Belts can have up to three charm slots, and several charms have been updated to protect players from the hit that activates them. Charm mods have also been enhanced to be more powerful and rewarding.
Stash Tab Affinities
New Stash Tab Affinities have been added for Socketables, Fragments, Breach, Expedition, and Ritual items, and Charms can now be stored in the Flask stash tab or any tab with the Flask affinity.
Atlas Bookmarks
Players can now bookmark locations on their atlas, with up to 16 bookmarks available. These bookmarks can be accessed easily from the edge of the screen or through a list under the legend.
These changes are GGG's attempt to address the community's concerns and restore the positive sentiment around Path of Exile 2. Despite the initial success and high player turnout at launch, the developers are working diligently to refine the game and ensure it meets player expectations.
