Path of Exile 2's director revealed that new character classes won't be the priority in major updates. Discover why the team made this strategic shift and their vision for the game's evolution.
Path of Exile 2 Character Updates Will Take New Direction
More Ascendancies Coming Instead of New Classes
During a developer Q&A, Path of Exile 2 Game Director Jonathan Rogers explained why the team is moving away from regular class introductions. "While we'd love to add new classes every update, we've learned this approach creates unpredictable development challenges," Rogers stated.
The decision stems from complications during the Dawn of the Hunt development cycle. The team's commitment to delivering the Huntress class caused significant schedule fluctuations. "Having a mandatory class addition meant we couldn't lock down release dates, ultimately delaying content," Rogers explained.
Rogers emphasized that while new classes remain exciting, consistent content updates take priority. "Players want regular progression updates rather than waiting six to nine months for massive expansions," he noted. However, Rogers reassured players: "Every update will introduce new Ascendancies, and we're open to adding more classes post-launch."
Dawn of the Hunt Update to Feature Significant Endgame Changes
Developers Promise More Challenging Final Encounters
The upcoming Dawn of the Hunt update brings over 100 new skills, support gems, and unique items focused on mid-to-late gameplay. Most significantly, the team is rebalancing endgame challenges to prevent early power spikes that trivialize pinnacle content.
"We've noticed players reaching game-breaking power levels too quickly," Rogers observed, referencing builds that defeated pinnacle bosses in seconds. "Our goal is to preserve that ultimate power fantasy, but make the journey there more meaningful."
The director envisions pinnacle fights as initially demanding challenges that become more manageable through character progression. "Your first encounter should feel epic and difficult, but subsequent attempts can become easier as you optimize your build," he explained.
Game Director Defends Path of Exile 2's Challenge Level
Difficulty Perception Shifts With Player Experience
Addressing player debates about campaign difficulty, Rogers expressed satisfaction with the current balance. "Many complaints came from PoE1 veterans who hadn't yet adapted to PoE2's mechanics," he noted. The director believes repeated playthroughs naturally make the game feel easier as players improve.
"Players often assume we've nerfed content when they breeze through on subsequent attempts, when in reality they've just mastered the systems," Rogers remarked. While open to adjustments if needed, the team remains confident in their current difficulty curve.
