Path of Exile 2 Devs Make Urgent Changes Amid 'Mostly Negative' Steam Reviews

Grinding Gear Games (GGG), the developer behind Path of Exile 2, has made further emergency adjustments to the action role-playing game in response to the community's strong negative reaction to the Dawn of the Hunt update. This update, which was released earlier this month, led to a significant drop in Steam user reviews, shifting the rating to 'mostly negative.'

Dawn of the Hunt introduced the Huntress class, a new character wielding a Spear and Buckler, designed for hybrid melee and ranged combat. Alongside this, the update added five new ascension classes—the Ritualist, Amazon, Smith of Kitava, Tactician, and Lich—and brought a host of mechanical changes, over a hundred new unique items, and expanded crafting options. However, these additions were overshadowed by widespread complaints about the game's pacing, which many players felt had been slowed to a "total slog."

The most prominent recent review on Steam highlighted the issues players were facing, noting that boss fights were excessively long, skills dealt minimal damage, and the game struggled with stability. Another review criticized the game for its punishing nature and lack of rewards, suggesting it might only appeal to those who enjoy such challenges. The review also pointed out issues with the game's map sizes, slow movement, and forced combo gameplay, which contrasted with the freedom typically enjoyed in ARPGs.

In response, GGG had already announced a set of changes and has now released more details about the upcoming 0.2.0e patch, set to launch on April 11. This update aims to address the community's concerns, but the question remains whether these adjustments will be sufficient to improve player sentiment and restore the game's positive reception.

Despite the backlash, Path of Exile 2 has been a commercial success for GGG, with an overwhelming number of players at launch. This success, however, has also presented new challenges, including impacts on the development of the original Path of Exile, which continues to boast a dedicated player base.

Path of Exile 2 Update 0.2.0e Patch Notes

Monster Speed Changes

In response to feedback about being overwhelmed by monsters, GGG has implemented targeted changes across different acts. General adjustments include removing interrupt events from fast-attacking human monsters like Cultists in Freythorn, Faridun, and Tribal Humans in Act Three, preventing relentless pursuit. The Haste Aura modifier has also been removed from already fast monsters.

Act 1

Werewolf Prowlers and Tendril Prowlers now transition to a walking stance after melee attacks, only resuming running if the player moves away. Hungering Stalkers have had their Life and Damage reduced by 12%, and the number of Bloom Serpents and Venomous Crabs has been decreased. Cultists in Freythorn no longer interrupt their attacks and will walk after melee actions. Blood Cretins' death pools have been shortened, and the density of challenging monsters in Ogham Manor has been reduced.

Act 2

Boulder Ants in Titan Valley have been replaced with Risen Maraketh to address movement issues, and Faridun have had their interrupt events removed.

Act 3

Diretusk Boar and Antlion Charger's charge mechanics have been altered to push players to the side, and the Lost City and Azak Bog have seen adjustments to reduce the number of ranged and elite monsters. The Slitherspitter's poison spray in Venom Crypts now deals Physical Damage as intended. Additionally, GGG has identified and will address inconsistent monster density in future updates.

Boss Changes

Viper Napuatzi's fight has been adjusted to reduce the number and size of Chaos Rains. Uxmal's fight mechanics have been tweaked to reduce location changes, prevent Energy Shield recharge while in the air, and decrease the frequency of Flame Breath usage. Xyclucian's arena has been cleared of ground foliage to improve visibility of his effects.

Player Minion Changes

Minion revive timers now increase less with each successive death, mitigating the issue of prolonged downtime. Disenchanting Bind Spectre or Tame Beast gems now unbinds them, and tamed beasts can navigate through gaps accessible to players.

Other Player Balance

Rally support can now be used with any melee attack, not just Strikes or Slams. Glory from Hammer of the Gods and Spear of Solaris is no longer consumed if interrupted. A bug with Blood Boils from the Ritualist ascendancy has been fixed to ensure proper propagation.

Crafting Changes

All caster weapon mods have been added to runes, 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 various areas has been optimized for better performance.

0.2.0E Deployment Timeline

The 0.2.0e patch is scheduled for deployment at approximately 10AM NZT, with additional internal changes to follow after the weekend.

Charm Changes

Charm slots on belts are now determined by implicit mods, with the number of slots varying based on the belt's level. Unique belts can have up to three slots, and several charm issues have been resolved to enhance their utility and power.

Stash Tab Affinities

New affinities have been added for Socketables, Fragments, Breach, Expedition, and Ritual items. 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 for easy navigation, with up to 16 bookmarks available, accessible via icons or a list under the legend.