Crazy 0.5 Rants and WILD Tier-List... - Path of Exile 2 Pod With DM
Summary
- Patch 0.5 - Return of the Ancients: Discussion of the upcoming PoE 2 update, featuring the expansion of the endgame and the new “Return of the Ancients” content.
- Story & Lore: Impact of specialized narrative teams, character-specific dialogue, and the significance of story in ARPGs.
- Act 5 Status: Confirmation that Act 5 will not be in Patch 0.5, but is saved for the 1.0 release in December.
- Game Mechanics: Discussion of the Spirit-Walker class, capturing boss beasts (Pokemon style), and potential balance of new unique items.
- Endgame Systems: Overview of the new Atlas progression, the ability to select all passives (400 points), and the new search functionality.
- Gaming Culture: Side discussions on Grand Theft Auto VI, hair maintenance in the streaming community, and the best fast-food choices.
Introduction
- Host: Talkative Tri
- Guest: Darth Microtransaction (DM)
- Context: This conversation focuses on the Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) update, Return of the Ancients (Patch 0.5), while exploring broader topics like lifestyle, other games, and the community.
Storytelling and Narrative in PoE 2
- Character Dialogue: In PoE 2, different classes have unique responses and retorts. This adds a layer of character depth that was missing in PoE 1, where the protagonist was largely silent.
- Lore Investment: While many players skip dialogue on repeated playthroughs, GGG is investing heavily in narrative. They have hired community figures like KittenCatNoodle and expanded the narrative team under the direction of Mark Constantinescu (Mark_GGG) and others.
- Engagement: DM argues that while the story is good for a first playthrough, most players are focused on efficiency and mechanics during endgame grinds. However, the presence of explicit storylines in the endgame (Edicts, Arbiters, Ancients) represents a significant shift.
Act 5 and the 1.0 Release Timeline
- Act 5 Absence: It is confirmed that Act 5 is not coming in Patch 0.5.
- Strategic Release: GGG is saving the final act and specific weapons (like swords) for the 1.0 release in December.
- Marketing Strategy: The December 1.0 launch is timed to follow the peak hype of major releases like Grand Theft Auto VI. GGG aims to capture a larger audience once the initial wave of other blockbuster games has subsided.
Miscellaneous: GTA and Hair
- Grand Theft Auto VI: A debate on the appeal of GTA. Tri expresses a lack of interest in “criminal simulators,” whereas DM highlights the sandbox nature of the game and its cultural dominance.
- Hair Maintenance: DM discusses his long hair (un-cut for eight years). He recommends OGX conditioner for those with long, curly hair, noting the high maintenance required to prevent matting.
New Mechanics: The Spirit-Walker and Taming Beasts
- “Pokemon” Mechanic: The Azmeri Spirit-Walker (and the Ranger) can tame unique bosses.
- Potential Tames:
- The Monkey: Expected to be popular, though possibly slow for map clearing.
- The Devourer: Noted for its potential power, though its burrowing mechanic might be too slow.
- Count Geonor: Discussed as a potential high-tier option if permitted.
- Minion Scaling: There is speculation on whether these “Companions” (minions) can be scaled with auras or if they are locked into fixed attack speeds based on the weapon held by the player.
- Unique Items: The “Raven’s Staff” (Righteous Fire staff) is a pinnacle item requiring level 84. This high-level requirement is designed to ensure powerful playstyles are earned in the endgame.
The New Atlas and Endgame Systems
- Passive Tree: The new Atlas allows players to eventually spec into all 400 nodes.
- Keystones: Although most nodes can be taken, the “Keystones” remain mutually exclusive choices. This preserves the strategic decision-making found in PoE 1’s Atlas.
- Search Functionality: A highly requested quality-of-life feature is being added to the Atlas. Players can search for specific modifiers or nodes, and the map will highlight them while darkening irrelevant areas.
- Technical Achievement: The developers (specifically Jonathan Rogers and Chris Wilson) discussed the technical “black magic” involved in creating the infinite Atlas, highlighting their roots as high-level programmers rather than just corporate directors.
League Starter Strategies
- DM’s Approach: DM avoids traditional “league starters” (builds that function on zero investment), preferring to play thematic concepts like “Pokemon Master” (Spirit-Walker) or a “Captain America” shield-tossing Warrior.
- Recommended Archetypes:
- Spirit-Walker: Focusing on capturing and utilizing unique bosses.
- Warrior: Utilizing the new shield-based uniques for high-impact clear.
- Monk: Exploring “Martial Artist” styles with runes and Hollow Palm-style mechanics.
- Abyssal Lich: A less-explored archetype that remains a point of interest for the new patch.
The “Fast Food Tier-List” (DM’s Recommendations)
Tri and DM discuss the “staples” of fast food to help Tri “hold a conversation with normal people.”
- McDonald’s: The breakfast (Sausage McMuffin) and the “specialized” Coke are considered top-tier.
- Wendy’s: Recommended for the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and dipping fries in a Frosty.
- Taco Bell: A “religious experience” requires a Chalupa (steak), soft tacos, and specifically Baja Blast.
- Arby’s: Despite the memes, the Double Roast Beef and Curly Fries are recommended staples.
- White Castle: Dismissed as “dogshit” due to poor meat-to-bun/onion ratios.
ExileCon and New Zealand Travel
- The Event: Both will be attending ExileCon in New Zealand.
- Travel Advice:
- Skycouch: DM recommends upgrading to the Air New Zealand Skycouch for the long flight (14+ hours).
- Exit Rows: Essential for tall travelers (both speakers are over 6'1") to avoid leg cramps.
- Auckland Zoo: Highly recommended as a top-tier activity for visitors.
- Work Trip Mentality: For creators, the event is primarily a work trip due to the volume of information released during the keynote.