#Is Path of Exile 2 Actually Too Troublesome? – Destructoid

When Grinding Gear Video games dropped the announcement for Path of Exile 2 (PoE2), it wasn’t nearly persevering with the sequence. It was about shaking issues up in an enormous approach, making modifications that basically alter the way in which gamers would interact with the sequel to certainly one of gaming’s most impactful ARPGs.

One of many greatest, most defining modifications? The method towards problem. From the slower, Souls-like marketing campaign to the extremely punishing Endgame, this matter is a firey one for the neighborhood. So, let’s speak about it: is the problem a bit an excessive amount of, or is it precisely what the franchise wanted to evolve?

Path of Exile 2 – Put together to Die Version

For those who’ve performed the marketing campaign in PoE2, you’ve most likely observed it’s received some critical Souls-like vibes. It’s slower, extra deliberate, and actually makes you concentrate on the way you’re taking part in. In contrast to the unique Path of Exile, the place you can simply velocity by means of and nuke every little thing in sight, PoE2 needs you to decelerate, take your time, and really strategize.

Boss fights aren’t simply scaled-up enemies with particular names anymore. They’re not nearly how a lot injury you may pump out. You’ve received to observe, study patterns, and adapt, or else find yourself a corpse. It’s a breath of recent air for somebody like me who loves problem, and in the event you benefit from the thrill of mastering robust encounters, you’ll most likely love this shift.

The marketing campaign in Path of Exile 1 wasn’t precisely memorable for its story, nor was it partaking in fight encounters. The neighborhood handled it as a personality development stepping stone for reaching the ‘Endgame’ as quick as doable. Whereas I don’t doubt that this situation shall be a recurrence in Path of Exile 2, on the very least, the slower pacing and extra methodical fight will make you concentrate on what you’re doing; what you’re up towards, permitting for the potential for a extra memorable expertise. It is for that reason that I applaud Grinding Gear Video games for taking the gameplay of PoE2 to this juncture.

The Excessive Stakes of Endgame Mapping

Now, let’s speak concerning the Endgame, the place issues get actually… intense. Mapping in PoE2 isn’t nearly clearing enemies. Each run feels such as you’re playing along with your progress. You die? You’re shedding the map, 10-15% of your XP, and any sources you poured into it. Ouch. Not precisely forgiving, however not completely international to those that performed the earlier title.

After which there are the Waystones. These items are essential for maintaining your mapping development going, however they’re not precisely plentiful. In case you have a foul streak, you will discover your self utterly out of maps at your degree, which implies beginning over from scratch. It’s brutal, little doubt about it. Some assume its far an excessive amount of a tax, however I believe it’s positive… or at the very least the thought of it’s.

Right here’s the factor, although: I believe this pressure is sort of the purpose. Realizing that each run may make or break your progress provides an edge that PoE1 simply didn’t have. If you succeed, it feels wonderful. However yeah, the penalties may be slightly too harsh proper now. Possibly dialing again the XP loss or making Waystones a bit simpler to come back by would assist with out completely eradicating the strain.

That stated, I’m on board with the route Grinding Gear Video games is taking. They’re clearly attempting to make endgame development significant, and I respect that. It’s higher than feeling like nothing’s at stake, proper?

A Problem To Be Positive

So, with every little thing out within the open, the query stays: is Path of Exile 2 actually too laborious? I don’t assume so. The marketing campaign’s slower pacing is a superb change of surroundings when in comparison with the close to decade of instant-blasting screens within the sport’s predecessor. The excessive stakes in mapping additionally give the sport’s ‘Endgame’ a way of weight, a way of hazard.

Each transfer you make on the Atlas Map should be deliberate, or else you’ll end up scrambling for Waystones to progress and never an expertise level to your title. Positive, it’s not for everybody, and some tweaks and steadiness modifications may be wanted, however general, I’m loving the problem. I like that I’ve to make use of my mind past simply character-building.

That stated, I get why some gamers would possibly really feel overwhelmed. For those who’re used to the velocity and effectivity of Path of Exile 1, otherwise you’re new to the franchise totally, this new methodical pacing and the heavier penalties can really feel like a punch within the intestine. However right here’s the factor: video games like this are speculated to push us. If you overcome a brutal boss battle or lastly beat a troublesome map, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled, even when it doesn’t really feel prefer it initially.

I believe the true query isn’t whether or not Path of Exile 2 is simply too laborious, however whether or not you’re able to embrace the problem. For me, the strain and stakes make each victory sweeter. May or not it’s adjusted slightly? Are issues a tad overtuned (most likely an understatement)? Positive. However do I believe the problem is basically an issue? By no means. Grinding Gear Video games is strolling a positive line between irritating and rewarding, and whereas they could want to regulate right here and there, they’re actually onto one thing nice. Lightning in a Bottle.

For those who’re keen to lean into the problem and adapt your playstyle, Path of Exile 2 provides a rewarding expertise that few video games can match. And actually, isn’t that the purpose of a sport like this? To check your limits and see how far you may go? For me, the reply is obvious: carry it on, putrescent warts and all.