PoE 2 Devs Discuss Endgame Challenge

Summary

• Path of Exile 2 developers are defending the challenging endgame despite player concerns.
• 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 navigate the complex Atlas of Worlds in the endgame, facing advanced challenges and bosses.

Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers have addressed the community's concerns about the game's demanding endgame. As a sequel to the 2013 original, Path of Exile 2 introduces a revamped skill system featuring 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes, leading into a challenging 100-map endgame after completing the six-act story.

Since its early access launch in December 2024, Path of Exile 2 has attracted a robust player base, with expectations set for significant quality-of-life enhancements in 2025. The first update of the year, Patch 0.1.0, tackled numerous bugs and crashes, especially on PlayStation 5, and addressed issues related to 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 defended the endgame's difficulty. They emphasized the importance of "death actually mattering," stating that the game's feel would be compromised if the design reverted to a single-portal system. The current endgame setup, featuring formidable player builds and swift monsters, has sparked significant player feedback.

Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty

Regarding the experience loss during Atlas runs, Rogers noted, "It’s keeping you in the place where you’re supposed to be; if you’re dying all the time, then you’re probably not ready to keep going up the power curve." Grinding Gear Games is currently reviewing the various elements contributing to the endgame's difficulty to ensure players have the most authentic experience possible. Despite advanced tips available for tackling high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and effectively using portals, many players continue to struggle with the challenge.

Path of Exile 2's endgame unfolds in the Atlas of Worlds, where players aim to progress by unlocking maps and defeating the Beasts within them. Access to the Atlas is granted after completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty. Each interconnected world within the Atlas presents high-level challenges tailored for dedicated players, including formidable bosses, intricate maps, and the need to optimize robust builds through gear and skill enhancements.