Path of Exile 2 More Community Feedback: Fixing Defenses, Crafting, and Endgame Challenges (POE2)
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Path of Exile 2 has introduced stunning visuals, exciting mechanics, and a fresh take on the beloved ARPG formula, but the community has voiced concerns about key areas holding it back from greatness. From defensive mechanics to crafting and endgame challenges, here’s a breakdown of the top feedback from players after weeks of Early Access.
Community Concerns & Suggestions
Defensive Mechanics Need Rework
Dodge Rolling vs. Traditional Defenses: While dodge rolling is a fantastic addition, it feels like the game is overly reliant on it. Traditional defenses like armor and evasion need buffs to provide a tangible sense of progression and tankiness. Players want to feel safer as their characters grow stronger, not like glass cannons at all times.
Melee Challenges: Bosses need longer punishment windows for melee players. Without downtime in boss attacks, melee builds struggle to deal damage effectively, especially when dodge rolling dominates gameplay.
Crafting Feels Unrewarding
Randomness Over Determinism: The current crafting system lacks intentionality, with too much RNG and few ways to target desired affixes. Players want more deterministic crafting options that make SSF (Solo Self-Found) viable and rewarding.
Runes & Resource Issues: Runes should be replaceable and more impactful. Additionally, more frequent drops of artificer’s orbs, essence, and crafting materials could improve the experience, reducing the frustration of inventory management.
Endgame Accessibility & Progression
Citadel & Pinnacle Boss Design: The grind required to access pinnacle bosses (100+ maps) combined with single-attempt fights is overly punishing. Players suggest bosses reset to full HP on death but retain their portals, allowing fair retries without excessive grind.
Map Backtracking: Borrowing inspiration from Diablo 4, rare enemies could path toward players near the end of maps to reduce backtracking, keeping gameplay fast and engaging.
Honor System Frustrations: The roguelike-inspired Honor system in trials has been widely criticized as overly punishing and unfun. Many suggest either rethinking it entirely or delaying its implementation.
Weapon Variety for Melee Builds
Mace Overload: Maces dominate melee weapon options in PoE2, leaving players feeling limited compared to the diversity of ranged classes. Adding axes or swords early in development could offer more variety and excitement for melee enthusiasts.
Attribute Scaling Feels Weak
Single-Stat Scaling: Attributes now provide only one bonus, which feels restrictive. Players especially struggle with Dexterity and Intelligence builds, as they lack the versatility and power seen in Strength-focused setups.
Reviving Multiplayer Features in Endgame
Missed Potential: Features like checkpoints, pause functionality, and party revives introduced during the campaign are missing in the endgame. Players suggest these mechanics could alleviate the frustrations of one-life map runs and foster a better cooperative experience.
Increased Rarity FOMO
Loot Priorities: The return of rarity stats has reignited the “Magic Find” meta, forcing players to choose between optimal gameplay and better loot. This design feels counterintuitive and undermines the fun of balanced builds.
What the Community Loves
Despite the critiques, players are quick to acknowledge PoE2’s incredible potential:
Act 1 Is a Standout: Its pacing, rewards, and design make it the most enjoyable act so far. Many hope future acts will mirror its balance of size, content, and aesthetic appeal.
Visuals & Gameplay Foundation: The graphics, engine improvements, and reactive combat set a new standard for ARPGs. The framework is strong; it just needs refinement.
A Promising Future: Players remain optimistic that GGG will learn from community feedback and make PoE2 a genre-defining masterpiece.
Join the Conversation
What do you think about PoE2’s defenses, crafting, and endgame design? How would you balance challenge with fun? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s help shape the future of Wraeclast together.
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