Grinding Gear Games, the masterminds behind *Path of Exile 2*, has felt the heat from its passionate player base following the controversial Dawn of the Hunt update. This expansion, which introduced the new Huntress class and five ascension classes, along with overhauling mechanics and adding hundreds of unique items, was met with backlash instead of celebration. Players voiced their frustration, claiming the update had slowed the game to a crawl, turning what should have been an exhilarating experience into a tedious chore.
Steam reviews have taken a nosedive, with many players expressing dissatisfaction. One of the most prominent reviews highlights the community's grievances: “Every boss fight takes twice as long as necessary, and most skills barely deal any damage.” Another review quipped, “This game seems designed for masochists who enjoy punishment without reward.”
In response to the outcry, GGG has rolled out emergency changes as part of the upcoming 0.2.0e update, promising to address the core issues players are facing. But will these adjustments be enough to win back the trust of the community?
Key Changes in Patch 0.2.0e
Monster Speed Adjustments
To alleviate the overwhelming challenge posed by aggressive monsters, GGG has implemented several tweaks. Many fast-moving monsters, including the Cultists in Freythorn, now adopt a walking stance after executing melee attacks, providing players with breathing room. The Haste Aura modifier has been removed from already swift enemies to ensure balanced gameplay.
Boss Modifications
One of the most challenging bosses, Viper Napuatzi, now benefits from fewer and smaller Chaos Rain effects, making fights more manageable. Similarly, Uxmal’s constant teleportation and energy shield regeneration have been toned down, while Xyclucian’s arena now features clearer visuals for better engagement.
Player Minion Tweaks
Revive timers for minions have been streamlined to prevent excessive delays when multiple minions perish. Additionally, disenchanted Bind Spectre or Tame Beast gems can now be reused, and tamed beasts can squeeze through tighter spaces.
Crafting Enhancements
Runes for caster weapons have been fully integrated, expanding customization options. Renly’s shop now offers a Blank rune, allowing players to craft any elemental rune they desire. Furthermore, 12 Artificer Orbs will now drop predictably throughout the campaign.
Performance Optimizations
Ground foliage in numerous areas has undergone optimization to enhance performance and reduce lag.
New Features
The update introduces charm slot improvements tied to belt levels, allowing more flexibility in managing these valuable items. Stash tabs now support affinities for socketables, fragments, Breach, Expedition, and Ritual items, with charms now eligible for placement in Flask tabs. Players can also bookmark Atlas nodes for easier navigation.
Looking Ahead
While these changes aim to address immediate concerns, the road ahead remains challenging for both developers and players. Can GGG restore the game’s reputation and deliver a satisfying experience? Only time—and continued feedback—will tell.
