Path of Exile 2 Devs Comment on Endgame Difficulty

Path of Exile 2's challenging endgame has sparked debate among players, prompting a response from the developers. Co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers defended the difficulty in a recent interview, emphasizing the importance of meaningful consequences for death. They argued that the current system, which includes the loss of experience points during Atlas runs, prevents players from progressing too quickly beyond their skill level. Rogers explained that frequent deaths indicate a need to strengthen builds and strategies before tackling higher-level challenges.

While acknowledging player concerns, the developers affirmed their commitment to maintaining a challenging endgame experience. They highlighted the significance of the "death actually mattering" mechanic and stated that simplifying the system, such as reverting to a single-portal system, would fundamentally alter the game's feel. The team at Grinding Gear Games is currently reviewing the various elements contributing to the endgame's difficulty to fine-tune the experience, ensuring it remains authentic while addressing player feedback.

The endgame, set within the intricate Atlas of Worlds, presents players with a series of increasingly difficult maps and bosses. Access is granted upon completion of the main campaign on Cruel difficulty. Players must strategically optimize their builds, utilizing high-quality gear and skill enhancements to overcome these formidable challenges. While numerous guides offer advanced strategies for navigating the Atlas, including efficient use of portals and Waystone Tier maps, the high difficulty remains a significant hurdle for many players. The game's first 2025 update, Patch 0.1.0, addressed several bugs and crashes, particularly on PlayStation 5, aiming to improve overall gameplay. A subsequent patch, 0.1.1, is also in the works. The game launched in December 2024 to a sizable player base and continues to receive updates and quality-of-life improvements in anticipation of its full release.