"Path of Exile 2 Dev Reveals Urgent Updates Amid 'Mostly Negative' Steam Reviews"

Grinding Gear Games (GGG), the developer behind Path of Exile 2, has introduced further emergency updates in response to the intense community backlash against the Dawn of the Hunt expansion. This update, which was rolled out earlier this month, has led to a surge of negative reviews on Steam, dropping the game's rating to 'mostly negative.'

Dawn of the Hunt introduced the new Huntress class, equipped with a Spear and Buckler for hybrid melee and ranged combat. Additionally, it brought five new ascension classes: the Ritualist, Amazon, Smith of Kitava, Tactician, and Lich. Alongside these additions, the update included mechanical overhauls, over one hundred new unique items, and significantly expanded crafting options. Despite these additions, the community has criticized GGG for slowing down the game's pace to an unbearable "total slog."

The most helpful review on Steam in the last 30 days paints a grim picture of the game's current state, highlighting extended boss fights, ineffective skills, and overall poor performance. The reviewer expressed doubts about continuing to play, pointing out issues with game stability and enjoyment. Another review sarcastically recommended the game only to those who enjoy being "punished for little to no reward."

Critiques have focused on various aspects of the game, including the oversized areas, slow movement, forced combo gameplay, reduced loot drops, and a lack of player build freedom. Despite the game's initial success and high player turnout, these issues have not only affected Path of Exile 2 but also impacted the development of Path of Exile 1.

In response, GGG has scheduled the 0.2.0e update for April 11, aiming to address these concerns. Here are the key changes included in the upcoming patch:

Path of Exile 2 Update 0.2.0e Patch Notes

Monster Speed Changes

GGG has made specific adjustments to monster behavior to prevent overwhelming players. Changes include removing interrupt events for certain monsters, adjusting the Haste Aura modifier, and modifying monster behavior in specific acts to allow players more breathing room during combat.

Act 1

Adjustments to Werewolf Prowlers, Tendril Prowlers, Hungering Stalkers, and various other monsters to reduce their speed and density, making encounters less punishing.

Act 2

Replaced Boulder Ants with Risen Maraketh to reduce irritating monster movement and adjusted Faridun's behavior.

Act 3

Modified Diretusk Boar and Antlion Charger's charge mechanics, adjusted monster pack composition in the Lost City and Azak Bog, and fixed damage types for Slitherspitter's poison spray.

Boss Changes

Specific changes to Viper Napuatzi, Uxmal, and Xyclucian to make boss fights less frustrating and more visible.

Player Minion Changes

Revised minion revive timers to prevent long waits when multiple minions die, and improved minion usability through disenchanting and gap navigation.

Other Player Balance

Minor balance adjustments, including expanding the use of Rally support and fixing bugs related to certain skills.

Crafting Changes

Added new mods to runes for caster weapons and introduced a new feature at Renly's shop to forge elemental runes.

Performance Improvements

Optimized ground foliage to enhance game performance.

0.2.0E Deployment Timeline

The 0.2.0e patch is set to deploy at around 10AM NZT, with additional changes planned for post-weekend deployment.

Charm Changes

Revamped charm system to make them more useful, with new charm slots on belts and enhanced charm effects.

Stash Tab Affinities

Introduced new stash tab affinities for various item categories, including Socketables, Fragments, Breach, Expedition, and Ritual items, with charms now able to be stored in Flask tabs.

Atlas Bookmarks

Added the ability to bookmark locations on the atlas for easier navigation, with up to 16 bookmarks available.

These updates aim to address the community's grievances and improve the overall gaming experience. The question remains whether these changes will be enough to restore player confidence and turn around the negative sentiment surrounding Path of Exile 2.