Grinding Gear Games (GGG), the developer behind Path of Exile 2, has recently implemented further emergency changes in response to the widespread backlash against the Dawn of the Hunt update. This update, which launched earlier this month, introduced the new Huntress class equipped with Spear and Buckler, specializing in hybrid melee and ranged combat. Additionally, it brought five new ascension classes: the Ritualist, Amazon, Smith of Kitava, Tactician, and Lich. Alongside these additions, the update included over one hundred new unique items and significantly expanded crafting options. However, the community's response was overwhelmingly negative, citing the update's impact on the game's pace, which many felt had slowed to an unbearable "total slog."
The sentiment on Steam has shifted dramatically, with recent user reviews dropping to 'mostly negative.' The most helpful review of the last 30 days highlighted several issues, including elongated boss fights, ineffective skills, and overall game instability. Another review expressed frustration over the game's punishing nature and lack of rewards, suggesting it might only appeal to those who enjoy masochistic gameplay. Players have voiced concerns over the large map sizes, slow movement, and the forced combo gameplay, which they feel restricts their ability to customize their builds freely.
In response to the outcry, GGG has already released a list of changes and has now announced further modifications in the upcoming 0.2.0e patch, set to be deployed on April 11. These changes aim to address the community's concerns about monster speed, boss difficulty, player minions, and crafting options. Here are the detailed patch notes for the 0.2.0e update:
Path of Exile 2 Update 0.2.0e Patch Notes
Monster Speed Changes
To address the overwhelming presence of monsters, GGG has made specific adjustments act by act. General changes include removing interrupt events for human monsters, such as Cultists in Freythorn, Faridun, and Tribal Humans in Act Three, which previously allowed them to relentlessly pursue players. The Haste Aura monster modifier has also been removed from already fast monsters.
In **Act 1**, adjustments have been made to Werewolf Prowlers, Tendril Prowlers, Hungering Stalkers, Bloom Serpents, Venomous Crabs, Cultists, and Blood Cretins to reduce their speed and density. **Act 2** sees changes to Boulder Ants, replaced by Risen Maraketh, and modifications to Faridun. **Act 3** includes adjustments to Diretusk Boar, Antlion Charger, and the monster composition in the Lost City and Azak Bog, along with a fix for Slitherspitter's poison spray. GGG has identified and will address issues with inconsistent monster spawn density in future patches.
Boss Changes
Boss encounters have been tweaked to improve player experience. The Viper Napuatzi fight now features fewer and smaller Chaos Rains, with improved visual clarity. Uxmal's fight has been streamlined by reducing his location changes, preventing Energy Shield recharge while airborne, and less frequent use of Flame Breath. For Xyclucian, the arena's ground foliage has been removed 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 will now unbind them for reuse, and tamed beasts can now fit through gaps accessible to players.
Other Player Balance
Additional player balance changes include making Rally support applicable to any Melee Attack, preventing Glory consumption if interrupted during skill use, and fixing a bug with the Ritualist's Blood Boils 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 Orb's are now guaranteed to drop at fixed locations throughout the campaign.
Performance Improvements
Ground foliage in various areas has been optimized to enhance performance.
0.2.0E Deployment Timeline
The 0.2.0e patch will be deployed at around 10AM NZT, with additional internal changes planned for post-weekend deployment.
Future Changes
Charm Changes
GGG plans to revamp the charm system, making charms more useful and easier to use. Charm slots on belts will now be granted by implicit mods based on the belt's level, with a cap that can be rerolled using a Divine Orb. Unique belts will have up to three charm slots, and charm mods will be enhanced for better protection and rewards.
Stash Tab Affinities
New stash tab affinities will be introduced for Socketables, Fragments, Breach, Expedition, and Ritual items, with charms also fitting into Flask tabs or any tab with Flask affinity.
Atlas Bookmarks
Players will soon be able to bookmark locations on their atlas, allowing for quick navigation with up to 16 bookmarks at a time, accessible through icons around the screen or a list under the legend.
The question remains whether these changes will be sufficient to address the community's concerns and restore a positive outlook on Path of Exile 2. Despite the game's successful launch, which saw an overwhelming number of players, the resulting issues have even impacted the development of Path of Exile 1. The community awaits to see if these updates will bring the game back to a state that they can enjoy and recommend to others.
