Path of Exile 2 recently experienced a tumultuous weekend thanks to the Dawn of the Hunt update, leaving fans embroiled in a mix of excitement and frustration. Released with a bang in early access last December, the game found itself back under the spotlight with the latest 0.2.0 patch. While not a full-fledged League with unique mechanics, this update aimed to refresh the gameplay by revamping endgame systems, introducing new gameplay paths, a fresh class, and several Ascendancies. Unfortunately, along the way, things took a wrong turn, and players are now faced with what feels like a significant step backward.
Just days ago, the detailed patch notes for Dawn of the Hunt were unveiled, outlining extensive nerfs that hit the game’s strongest builds, skills, and items. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for GGG, as previous updates have been heavy on the nerfs, but the sheer extent this time around has left many players reeling. The most striking issue, highlighted by furious fans, is the game’s reduced pace—brought home even after the 0.2.0b patch tried to fix some of these issues.
Path of Exile 2’s combat was designed to be slower and more tactical than its predecessor, encouraging players to carefully consider their approach rather than relying on overpowering stats. Yet, this ideology has been thrown out of balance as enemies gain strength faster than players can adapt, pushing gamers to prioritize offense just to keep up. This has led to a gameplay experience that feels constricted, where elaborate skill combos have become rare, and instead, players often lean on one or two reliable skills to see them through.
The disproportionate power obtained through certain builds, like the Spark Archmage and stat-stacking, precipitated these heavy nerfs in the Dawn of the Hunt update. GGG’s approach harshly targeted outliers, thereby curbing player power across the board while the monsters remained ferociously unhindered. This imbalance makes the game plod along, turning combat into a dispiriting grind as players struggle to do meaningful damage, often failing to execute intended combos when under siege by enemies. Combo-focused styles, especially those using spear skills, now often fall flat, curbing the joy of varied combat tactics.
Players have voiced their discontent, particularly about the campaign, which now feels increasingly grueling, with certain checkpoints acting as formidable build tests. One notable pinch point is the Act 2 boss, Jamanra, infamous for its punishing attacks and evasive maneuvers. With player damage and defense feeling weakened, such encounters have only become more daunting. While reaching the endgame provides some reprieve, the general slog persists across Path of Exile 2’s landscape.
Developer GGG has acknowledged the fan feedback and tried to mitigate some issues by lowering monster health globally with patch 0.2.0b. Yet, a more comprehensive solution is necessary to restore equilibrium. For Path of Exile 2 to regain its footing, the game must undergo further revisions. Either player capabilities should see a boost, or monsters need to be toned down to match the new pace, allowing combos to flourish once more. Presently, the gameplay demands patience from its community, as they bide their time for more substantive updates.
Path of Exile 2, the eagerly awaited sequel boasting twelve character classes and an expansive, challenging six-act campaign, continues to engage players with its vast array of content. As players journey through Wraeclast, encountering rich stories and deadly foes, the hope is that future updates will iron out these rough patches, ensuring a more balanced and captivating experience.
The game’s mature rating of M for 17+ due to elements like blood, gore, and nudity reflects its intense atmosphere. Still, with features like couch co-op, cross-play, and cross-progression, players are encouraged to dive into its intricate systems, sharing this adventure with friends without sacrificing progress. The developers have a task on their hands, and fans are eagerly watching for the next wave of improvements.
