Path of Exile 2: Endgame Difficulty Addressed

Summary

• Path of Exile 2 developers are defending the challenging endgame, despite player concerns.
• Co-director Jonathan Rogers stated that frequent deaths indicate players aren't ready to progress.
• Endgame involves navigating the complex Atlas of Worlds, facing difficult challenges and bosses.

Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers addressed fan concerns about the demanding endgame difficulty. This sequel to the 2013 game features a new skill system with 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes. After completing the six-act story, players access 100 challenging endgame maps.

Since its December 2024 early access launch, the game has attracted a large player base. 2025 promises quality-of-life improvements while players await the full release. The first 2025 update (Patch 0.1.0) addressed bugs, crashes (especially on PlayStation 5), monster issues, skill problems, and damage inconsistencies.

In an interview with Darth Microtransaction and GhazzyTV, Roberts and Rogers discussed the upcoming Patch 0.1.1 and defended the endgame's difficulty. They emphasized the importance of meaningful consequences for death, arguing that the experience would suffer if difficulty were significantly reduced. Players previously criticized the endgame's demanding builds and fast-paced monsters, making strategic encounters difficult.

Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty

Regarding experience loss during Atlas runs, Rogers explained that it prevents players from progressing beyond their skill level. Grinding Gear Games is reviewing endgame's difficulty, aiming to preserve the core experience while addressing player feedback. While numerous advanced strategies exist (conquering high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging quality gear, utilizing portals), players still find the endgame exceptionally challenging.

Path of Exile 2's endgame unfolds within the Atlas of Worlds. Players progress by unlocking and clearing maps infested with powerful beasts. Accessible after completing the main campaign on Cruel difficulty, the interconnected Atlas worlds present high-level challenges, including formidable bosses, intricate maps, and the need for optimized builds.