Grinding Gear Games (GGG), the developers behind the highly anticipated action role-playing game Path of Exile 2, have responded to widespread community backlash with a series of emergency updates following the release of the Dawn of the Hunt expansion. The update, which debuted earlier this month, introduced new content but also came with significant gameplay nerfs that led to a sharp decline in Steam user reviews, dropping them to 'mostly negative.'
Dawn of the Hunt added a fresh Huntress class, skilled in both melee and ranged combat using a Spear and Buckler, along with five new ascension classes: the Ritualist, Amazon, Smith of Kitava, Tactician, and Lich. Players also received over one hundred new unique items and expanded crafting options. Despite these additions, the community was quick to voice their frustration over what they perceived as an overly slowed-down gameplay experience, describing it as a "total slog."
Steam user reviews have been particularly critical, with the 'most helpful' review from the past 30 days highlighting issues such as excessively long boss fights, ineffective skills, and overall game instability. Another negative review poignantly stated, "If you're a masochist who enjoys being punished for little to no reward, this game is for you." Players have expressed disappointment over the game's large area sizes, slow movement, and the forced combo gameplay that limits build diversity, which contradicts the expected freedom in an ARPG.
In response to these concerns, GGG has released patch notes for the upcoming 0.2.0e update, scheduled for deployment on April 11. The update aims to address several of the community's grievances by making adjustments to monster behaviors, boss encounters, player minion mechanics, and crafting systems. Key changes include:
Monster Speed Changes
- Removal of interrupt events on fast melee attacks for various human monsters, reducing relentless pursuit and allowing players more time to engage.
- Adjustments to the Haste Aura modifier to prevent it from appearing on already fast monsters.
- Act-specific modifications, such as reducing the number of certain monsters and altering their behavior to be less aggressive.
Boss Changes
- Adjustments to the Viper Napuatzi fight to reduce the number and size of Chaos Rains.
- Changes to Uxmal's fight to reduce location changes, prevent Energy Shield recharging in the air, and decrease the frequency of Flame Breath usage.
- Enhanced visibility in Xyclucian's arena by removing ground foliage.
Player Minion Changes
- Revised minion revive timers to mitigate continuous resets.
- Improvements to Bind Spectre and Tame Beast gem functionality.
Other Player Balance
- Expanded use of Rally support to any Melee Attack.
- Fixed issues with skill consumption and effect propagation.
Crafting Changes
- Introduction of new mods for caster weapons and the addition of a Blank rune at Renly's abandoned shop.
Performance Improvements
- Optimization of ground foliage to enhance game performance.
GGG has also teased further changes post-weekend, including enhancements to the charm system, introduction of Stash Tab Affinities, and the addition of Atlas Bookmarks for improved navigation. These updates aim to restore player satisfaction and bring Path of Exile 2 back to a positive trajectory, despite the initial success that overwhelmed the game's servers at launch and impacted the development of Path of Exile 1.
