PoE 2 Devs 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 responded to an outcry from fans regarding the unforgiving endgame difficulty. As a sequel to the 2013 game, Path of Exile 2 introduced a new skill system with 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes, and after completing the six-act story, players gain access to the brutal 100 endgame maps.

Since its early access launch in December 2024, the isometric action RPG has attracted a robust player base, and this year promises crucial quality-of-life improvements while fans eagerly await the full debut. Path of Exile 2 has released its first update of 2025, which addresses bugs and crashes, particularly on the PlayStation 5, to enhance overall gameplay. Patch 0.1.0 also tackles 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 views on the endgame's difficulty. The developers defended the challenge, stating, "The whole 'death actually mattering' thing is actually important. You have to have some level of failure being possible," and noted that the gameplay would not "feel the same" if the design reverted to a single portal system. Path of Exile 2 players have previously voiced concerns about the endgame's difficulty, as the current design features demanding player builds and swift monsters, making strategic encounters extremely challenging.

Path of Exile 2 Devs Defend Endgame's Difficulty

Regarding the loss of EXP during a player’s 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 confirmed they are evaluating the "moving parts" that contribute to the endgame's difficulty, aiming to identify which elements should remain to preserve the most authentic experience possible. Despite a wealth of advanced tips available to help players navigate Path of Exile 2’s endgame, including conquering high-Waystone Tier maps, salvaging Quality gear, and using portals strategically, fans continue to struggle with the challenge.

Path of Exile 2’s endgame content unfolds in the Atlas of Worlds, where players aim to progress by unlocking various maps and defeating the Beasts that infest them. After completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty to gain access to the Atlas, each interconnected world within it presents high-level challenges designed for advanced, dedicated players. These challenges include grueling bosses, complex maps, and the need to optimize robust builds through gear and skill enhancements.