Grinding Gear Games (GGG), the developer behind the action role-playing game Path of Exile 2, has issued further emergency changes in response to the community backlash against the Dawn of the Hunt update. The update, which launched earlier this month, introduced the new Huntress class, five new ascension classes, numerous mechanical overhauls, over one hundred new unique items, and expanded crafting options. Despite these additions, the update's heavy nerfs led to a significant downturn in player satisfaction, with recent Steam user reviews dropping to 'mostly negative.'
The Path of Exile community quickly expressed their frustration, citing that the game's pace had been slowed to an unbearable degree, turning what should have been a celebratory moment into a contentious one. Players felt the game had become a "total slog," with complaints focusing on extended boss fights, ineffective skills, and overall stability issues.
A notable review on Steam encapsulated the community's sentiment: "Every boss fight is incredibly longer than it needs to be. Most of the skills do little to no damage. I understand they said they wanted to slow gameplay down, but I don't think I will even make it more than one week in this league at this point. It just feels incredibly awful right now, IF you can even get the game to run and be stable. That is a HUGE if."
Another review added, "If you're a masochist who enjoys being punished for little to no reward, this game is for you. If you're not, it's likely that you won't enjoy the game."
Players also criticized the game's large map sizes, slow movement, and the forced combo gameplay, which they felt restricted their freedom to create builds according to their preferred playstyle. Despite having thousands of hours in the original Path of Exile, one long-time fan expressed disappointment and reluctance to recommend the new version in its current state, hoping for future improvements.
In response, GGG has outlined a series of changes in the upcoming 0.2.0e update, set to be released on April 11. The patch notes include adjustments to monster speed, boss mechanics, player minions, and other balance changes, aiming to address the community's concerns and improve the gameplay experience.
Path of Exile 2 update 0.2.0e patch notes:
Monster Speed Changes
GGG has responded to player feedback about being overwhelmed by monsters, implementing changes act by act. General adjustments include removing interrupt events from fast-attacking human monsters like Cultists, Faridun, and Tribal Humans, preventing relentless pursuit. Additionally, the Haste Aura modifier will no longer appear on already fast monsters.
Act 1
Werewolf and Tendril Prowlers will now walk after melee actions, only running if players move away. Hungering Stalkers have reduced life and damage to balance their speed. The number of Bloom Serpents and Venomous Crabs has been decreased, and Cultists in Freythorn no longer have interrupt events on their attacks. Blood Cretins' Blood Pools duration has been shortened, and monster density in Ogham Manor has been reduced.
Act 2
Boulder Ants in Titan Valley have been replaced by Risen Maraketh, and Faridun's interrupt events have been removed.
Act 3
Diretusk Boar and Antlion Charger's charge mechanics have been adjusted to push players sideways. The Lost City and Azak Bog have seen changes in monster composition to reduce ranged and elite monsters. An issue with Slitherspitter's poison spray in Venom Crypts has been fixed. GGG has also identified an issue with inconsistent monster spawn density across different rooms, which will be addressed in a future patch.
Boss Changes
Viper Napuatzi's Chaos Rains have been reduced in number and size, with faster cleanup to improve visibility. Uxmal's fight has been streamlined with fewer location changes, no energy shield recharge while airborne, and less frequent use of Flame Breath. Xyclucian's arena has been cleared of ground foliage to enhance effect visibility.
Player Minion Changes
Minion revive timers have been adjusted to prevent continuous resets, and disenchanting Bind Spectre or Tame Beast gems now unbinds them. Tamed beasts can now navigate through gaps accessible to players.
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 now offers a Blank rune for elemental customization. Artificers Orbs are now available at fixed locations throughout the campaign.
Performance Improvements
Ground foliage in various areas has been optimized for better performance.
0.2.0E Deployment Timeline
The 0.2.0e patch will be deployed at around 10AM NZT, with additional changes planned for a post-weekend release.
Charm Changes
Charm slots on belts now depend on the belt's level, with Divine Orbs allowing rerolls. Unique belts can have up to three slots. Several charm issues have been fixed, and charm mods have been enhanced for greater effectiveness.
Stash Tab Affinities
New affinities for stash tabs include Socketables, Fragments, Breach, Expedition, and Ritual items, with Charms now fitting in Flask tabs or any tab with Flask affinity.
Atlas Bookmarks
Players can now bookmark atlas locations with customizable icons and labels, up to 16 bookmarks, accessible via icons or a list under the legend.
The question now for Path of Exile 2 players is whether these changes will be sufficient to address the community's concerns and restore the game's positive reception. Despite the initial success of the game's launch, which saw a surge in players, these issues have also impacted the development of Path of Exile 1, which continues to enjoy a dedicated player base.
