Since its early access launch, Path of Exile 2 has experienced a mixture of acclaim and challenges. Although players celebrated the game’s promising features, there were numerous issues that marred the experience. The holiday season allowed some of these problems to linger, contributing to a less-than-ideal gameplay environment. Fortunately, the 0.1.1 patch announcement aims to rectify many of these concerns, albeit with one notable issue still unaddressed.
Overview of Path of Exile 2’s 0.1.1 Patch
The upcoming patch 0.1.1 promises a range of improvements. Here’s a summary of the key updates:
- Enhanced monster density in maps for better rewards.
- Introduction of four new types of Towers for increased variety.
- New Boss Tablets, including the Precursor Tablet, to add map bosses to zones.
- Reduction of visual clutter for improved gameplay clarity.
- Quality of life improvements, such as displaying specific biomes when hovering over maps.
- Buffed league mechanics, namely Ritual, Delirium, and Expedition.
- Visibility of Citadels through the fog of war.
- Buffs to underutilized unique items.
- Ability to overwrite Runes with others.
- Consoles now have access to item filters.
Each of these updates contributes meaningfully to enhancing the gameplay experience, particularly for endgame sessions. Players can look forward to significantly improved loot mechanics, especially with the addition of new Towers and Boss Tablets that enhance map functionality.
The reduction of visual effects allows players to maintain better awareness during critical combat moments, instead of getting overwhelmed by distracting visuals. While some gamers wished for complete elimination of on-death explosions, the adjustments still lead to a more manageable experience.
Additionally, the capacity to replace Runes with different ones, or even move Soul Cores, introduces new strategic options for player builds. This feature is especially significant in a player-driven economy where previously suboptimal gear can now regain its value.
For those eager to dive deeper into upcoming changes, you can tune in to a two-hour podcast featuring GhazzyTV and Darth Microtransaction for further insights. Check out the discussion here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjxzTAcJjAM
Key Misses in Patch 0.1.1 for Path of Exile 2
While the patch includes many positive adjustments, there is a glaring omission: a dedicated stash tab for Waystones. The lack of a designated space for these items presents a substantial inconvenience, particularly as players collect numerous Tier 15 Waystones.
For avid players engaged in countless endgame runs, the accumulation of Waystones can quickly overwhelm available stash space. This is especially frustrating for those who lack extra Premium Stash Tabs, as the overflow often complicates inventory management.
While many players prioritize purchasing essential stash tabs, the absence of a Waystone tab can clutter inventories, hindering the overall gameplay experience.
Despite indications that a Waystone stash tab will eventually be rolled out—thanks to the automatic conversion of Path of Exile 1 stash tabs—its absence at launch raises concerns. In the original game, the map stash tab was among the most valuable due to its utility; a similar need is now echoed in Path of Exile 2, where inventory management becomes increasingly cumbersome without a Waystone solution.
Developer Jonathan Rogers has acknowledged these issues, suggesting that if certain problems haven’t been resolved, they may be complex to tackle or intentionally deferred for an economic reset. While this approach is understandable, a transitory solution, such as an “affinity” feature for easier Waystone management, would have significantly improved the user experience in the interim.
Leave a Reply