PoE Sanity

NEW Path of Exile 2 Update Biggest Wish #gaming #poe2 #pathofexile2 #arpg

By Talkative TriWatch videoDuration: PT2M15S

Summary

  • Establishing Unique Identities: Path of Exile 1 and Path of Exile 2 should remain distinct games with diverging paths rather than converging into the same experience.
  • Meaningful Combat: Combat should require active engagement, such as dodge-rolling and situational awareness, rather than devolving into a “one-click fiesta.”
  • Slowing Progression: The current speed of progression in PoE2 is too fast, leading to balance issues where content becomes trivialized too early.
  • Rebalancing Power Sources: Power is currently too gear-dependent; shifting some power to deterministic sources would allow for better balancing across all enemy types.
  • Returning to the “OG Vision”: A return to the philosophy seen in the 0.1 version of the game would satisfy players looking for a more deliberate ARPG experience.

Maintaining Separate Game Identities

Path of Exile 1 and Path of Exile 2 are now separate games handled by separate, dedicated teams. Because of this, they should maintain identities that are as distinct as possible. While there is no need to turn Path of Exile 2 into a full “Soulslike” similar to Dark Souls or No Rest for the Wicked, it needs to carve out its own space. The games were split for a reason, and they should follow diverging paths rather than converging into the same style of play.

The Importance of Meaningful Combat

The ideal experience for Path of Exile 2 is one similar to a player’s first character in a campaign, where combat actually matters. In this environment, you must utilize mechanics like the dodge roll and pay close attention to the screen. Currently, the game moves toward a “one-click fiesta” too quickly. To keep combat meaningful, the game needs to avoid the hyper-accelerated combat style that defines its predecessor.

Addressing Progression and Power Spikes

The current mode of progression in Path of Exile 2 is too fast and “swingy.” This volatility exists because the majority of player power is located in gear. Obtaining a “GG” (god-tier) item early on completely trivializes the content, making it extremely difficult for Grinding Gear Games to balance the experience.

To rectify this, more power should be moved into deterministic sources. This change would allow developers to better balance the difficulty of white mobs, yellow mobs, and bosses throughout both the campaign and the endgame.

Returning to the Version 0.1 Vision

The core suggestion for Grinding Gear Games is to return to the original vision of the game showcased in version 0.1. Although that version received critique from some players at the time, a significant, perhaps quieter, portion of the community deeply enjoyed that direction. Recently, the game has been pushed further toward the Path of Exile 1 style. Reclaiming that original 0.1 vision would ensure that Path of Exile 2 remains a distinct and meaningful alternative.

Key References