PoE 2 Developers Discuss Endgame Challenge

Summary

• The Path of Exile 2 developers are defending the challenging endgame, despite player 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 the endgame, facing advanced challenges and bosses.

Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers have addressed fan concerns about the game's demanding endgame. As a sequel to the 2013 original, Path of Exile 2 introduces a revamped skill system with 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes. After completing the six-act story, players gain access to the intense 100 endgame maps.

Since its early access launch in December 2024, the isometric action RPG has attracted a robust player base. The year ahead promises significant quality-of-life enhancements as fans eagerly await the full release. The first update of 2025, Patch 0.1.0, tackles numerous bugs and crashes, especially on the PlayStation 5, and improves gameplay by addressing issues with 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 shared their thoughts on the endgame's 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 reducing the challenge, such as reverting to a single portal system, would fundamentally change the game's feel. Players have previously expressed frustration over the endgame's demanding nature, which features powerful enemy builds and fast monsters, making strategic encounters extremely challenging.

Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty

Regarding the experience points lost during an 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.” However, the team at Grinding Gear Games is evaluating the various elements contributing to the endgame's difficulty, aiming to maintain the most authentic experience for players. Despite numerous advanced tips available for mastering the endgame—such as conquering high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and using portals strategically—many players continue to struggle with the challenge.

Path of Exile 2’s endgame takes place in the Atlas of Worlds, where players unlock various maps and battle the Beasts that infest them. Access to the Atlas is granted upon completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty. Each interconnected world within the Atlas presents high-level challenges designed for dedicated players, featuring formidable bosses, complex maps, and the need to optimize robust builds through gear and skill enhancements.