Summary
- Path of Exile 2 developers are defending the challenging endgame, despite player concerns.
- Co-director Jonathan Rogers stated that frequent deaths indicate players aren't ready for higher difficulty.
- Endgame involves navigating the complex Atlas of Worlds, facing challenging bosses and advanced mechanics.
Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers addressed player feedback regarding the demanding endgame difficulty. This sequel to the 2013 original features a revamped skill system with 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes. After completing the six-act story, players access 100 challenging endgame maps.
Since its December 2024 early access launch, Path of Exile 2 has maintained a strong player base. 2025 promises quality-of-life improvements, with the first update (Patch 0.1.0) addressing bugs, crashes (especially on PlayStation 5), and issues with monsters, skills, and damage.
In an exclusive interview, Roberts and Rogers discussed the upcoming Patch 0.1.1 and defended the endgame's difficulty. They emphasized the importance of meaningful consequences for death, stating that the experience wouldn't feel the same without a significant challenge. Players previously voiced concerns about the demanding nature of endgame, citing powerful enemy builds and fast-paced encounters.
Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty
Regarding experience point loss during the Atlas run, Rogers explained it keeps players at an appropriate difficulty level, suggesting that frequent deaths indicate a need to improve builds and strategies before progressing. Grinding Gear Games is reviewing endgame's difficulty, aiming to preserve the core experience while potentially addressing specific aspects. While numerous advanced strategies exist to help players conquer high-tier maps, salvage quality gear, and utilize portals effectively, the endgame remains a significant challenge for many.
Path of Exile 2's endgame unfolds within the Atlas of Worlds. Players progress by unlocking and clearing maps, defeating powerful beasts. Accessed after completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty, the interconnected Atlas maps present high-level challenges designed for experienced players, including formidable bosses, complex map layouts, and a requirement for optimized builds and skill combinations.
