PoE 2 Devs Discuss Endgame Challenge

Summary

• The Path of Exile 2 developers are defending the challenging endgame, despite players' concerns.
• Co-director Jonathan Rogers stated, "...if you’re dying all the time then you’re probably not ready to keep going up the power curve."
• Players navigate through the intricate Atlas of Worlds in endgame, facing advanced challenges and bosses.

Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers have responded to feedback from the community regarding the game's demanding endgame difficulty. As a sequel to the acclaimed 2013 title, Path of Exile 2 has introduced a revamped skill system featuring 240 active skill gems and 12 unique character classes. After completing the six-act storyline, players gain access to a formidable 100 endgame maps.

Since its early access launch in December 2024, the isometric action RPG has attracted a robust player base. The developers are committed to enhancing the gaming experience this year with crucial quality-of-life improvements. Path of Exile 2's first update of 2025, Patch 0.1.0, has addressed several bugs and crashes, particularly on the PlayStation 5, and made adjustments to monsters, skills, and damage.

In an exclusive interview with content creators Darth Microtransaction and GhazzyTV, Roberts and Rogers discussed the upcoming Patch 0.1.1 and elaborated on their stance on endgame difficulty. The developers defended the challenging nature of the game, emphasizing that "The whole ‘death actually mattering’ thing is actually important. You have to have some level of failure being possible." They argued that altering the design, such as reverting to a single portal system, would fundamentally change the game's feel. Path of Exile 2 players have expressed their frustrations with the current endgame setup, which features demanding player builds and swift monsters, making strategic encounters particularly challenging.

Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty

Regarding the loss of EXP during a player’s Atlas run, Rogers explained, “It’s keeping you in the place where you’re supposed to be, as in if you’re dying all the time then you’re probably not ready to keep going up the power curve.” The team at Grinding Gear Games is actively reviewing the various elements contributing to endgame difficulty to ensure players experience the most authentic gameplay possible. Despite the availability of advanced tips for navigating Path of Exile 2’s endgame—such as conquering high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and strategically using portals—many fans continue to struggle with the challenge.

Path of Exile 2’s endgame content unfolds within the Atlas of Worlds. Players unlock various maps and combat the Beasts that infest them, progressing through this intricate landscape. Access to the Atlas is granted upon completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty. Each interconnected world within the Atlas presents high-level challenges tailored for dedicated players, featuring formidable bosses, intricate map designs, and the need for robust builds enhanced through gear and skill optimizations.