As players delve into Path of Exile 2, the journey can be particularly daunting, especially when they reach the endgame. However, the upcoming patch promises to ease the experience significantly for newcomers navigating this complex game.
The initial phase of Path of Exile 2’s early access has been successful, despite encountering some initial hiccups. It has quickly positioned itself as a strong contender against other action RPGs, notably Diablo. Yet, with its myriad mechanics and challenging gameplay, new players may find the transition to endgame rather intimidating.
For those struggling with the intricacies of the endgame, the latest patch from Grinding Gear Games will introduce enhancements aimed at improving accessibility. This includes additional checkpoints and fast-travel points, allowing players to save time and effort.
Path of Exile 2 has been live for just over a week! We’ve addressed some feedback already and are working on more fixes for key pain points in an upcoming patch.
— Path of Exile (@pathofexile) December 16, 2024
Overview of Upcoming Patch Notes
The developers have also focused on balancing various aspects of the game, from enemy mechanics to item functions, ensuring a smoother experience. While the complete patch notes are still forthcoming, here’s a sneak peek of the improvements, as highlighted on the official blog:
Enhanced Gameplay Features
One major enhancement is the implementation of fast travel between checkpoints, along with the addition of numerous checkpoints throughout the game environment. This means that players who discover these checkpoints will be able to travel quickly, facilitating exploration.
Furthermore, changes in Passive Point respeccing will significantly decrease costs, especially at higher character levels. The previously steep cost curve has been adjusted, leading to an estimated reduction of 40-50% in gold costs needed for respeccing during the mid to late endgame.
Modifications to the Trial of the Sekhemas
Feedback indicated that players found the Trial of the Sekhemas particularly challenging at close range. To address this, developers have modified how Honour Damage scales in close proximity, alongside fixing a bug that resulted in excessive Honour Damage from Damage over Time effects.
- Honour Damage now reduces by 35% when players are close to enemies, decreasing as distance increases.
- Resolved a bug where Damage over Time inflicted triple Honour Damage than intended, while also ensuring Honour Resistance now correctly applies to all damage types.
- Skitter Golems will now explode instead of performing basic attacks.
- Serpent Clans’ burrow and ambush attacks will feature improved visuals and limitations on their distance.
- Volcanoes triggered by Rattlecage’s Fissure Slam will now have a reduced active duration.
Endgame and Monster Adjustments
Recognizing that the balance in Endgame Maps had become disproportionately punishing, adjustments have been made to reduce overall damage output and clarify on-death effects.
- Removed additional elemental resistance penalties from Tier 6 and Tier 11 maps, ensuring consistency.
- Decreased the aggressive scaling of Chaos Damage throughout the endgame stages.
- Critical strikes from monsters now inflict 40% less additional damage.
- Reduced monster density in Breach Encounters by decreasing the occurrence of elite monsters.
- Disabled the Volatile Crystals Modifier, with plans for future reassessment.
- Significantly lowered damage from Purple Explosives generated by the Volatile Plants Modifier on Rare Monsters.
- The Siphons Flask Charges Modifier will now drain Flask Charges at a significantly lower rate.
These adjustments are set to enhance survivability within the endgame, and the developers express commitment to continuously addressing any ongoing challenges.
As Path of Exile 2 incorporates MMO elements, maintaining a vibrant player community is essential for its success.
Character and Item Adjustments
- Charm Modifiers on Belts will now be more prevalent, with the “of Symbolism”appearing at level 23 and “of Inscription”starting at level 64.
- Electrocute will be 25% harder to accumulate, but its Damage Penalty on the Support Gem has been eliminated.
- A new Lightning Damage and Electrocute Cluster has been introduced to the passive skill tree.
- The ability to chain-freeze enemies has been curtailed for balance.
- The Hunter’s Talisman Notable will now provide an extra Charm Slot with updated passive skills leading up to it.
Adjustments to Skill and Support Gems
Since the game’s launch, certain skills deemed overpowered have been subject to nerfs to ensure a balanced gameplay experience. The aim is to redefine any overpowered abilities without making any entire build ineffective.
Additionally, underperforming skills and support gems are receiving attention to improve their viability. While comprehensive changes will be included in the patch notes, here are a few highlights:
- Enhancements to Rolling Slam and Shield Skills within the Mace category.
- Boosts to various Bow Skills, particularly those generating Frenzy Charges.
- Upgrades to Bone Spells and Chaos Damage over Time spells.
- Improvements across several Crossbow Skills, especially at advanced tiers.
- Adjustments to underutilized Quarterstaff abilities.
Alongside these skill modifications, support gems are also undergoing a review. This includes the introduction of two new support options with reduced penalties on several existing gems:
- The new Tremors Support Gem enhances aftershock abilities with a damage penalty.
- The Bidding Support Gem increases damage for minion support skills.
- Fire, Lightning, and Cold Exposure Support Gems now feature a Mana Cost Multiplier instead of damage penalties.
Additionally, some notable nerfs are incoming:
- Adjustment of the Skeleton Arsonists Spirit costs to align with other Skeleton Mages.
- A reduction in damage over time for high levels of Tornado and Vine Arrow to maintain their intended function.
- Magnetic Salvo can now only utilize stuck Lightning Arrows from the player, regardless of party members’ involvement.
If you are returning to the game, be sure to check out our comprehensive breakdown of each class in Path of Exile 2 and their capabilities.
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