Path of Exile 2 Developers Defend Challenging Endgame Amid Player Criticism

Path of Exile 2 co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers have addressed growing player concerns about the game’s punishing endgame difficulty. As the sequel to the critically acclaimed 2013 action RPG, Path of Exile 2 expands on its predecessor with a revamped skill system featuring 240 active skill gems across 12 character classes. After completing the game’s intense six-act storyline, players are thrust into a grueling endgame consisting of 100 challenging maps.

Early Access Success and Ongoing Improvements

Since its December 2024 Early Access launch, the isometric ARPG has attracted a strong player base. Developers at Grinding Gear Games have promised significant quality-of-life updates throughout 2025 to refine the player experience. The first patch of the year, Patch 0.1.0, focused on resolving bugs and crashes—particularly on PlayStation 5—while also fixing issues related to monsters, skills, and damage mechanics.

Developers Justify Harsh Endgame Design

In a recent interview with content creators Darth Microtransaction and GhazzyTV, Roberts and Rogers discussed the upcoming Patch 0.1.1 and responded directly to feedback about the game’s brutal endgame. Defending the difficulty, the developers emphasized the importance of meaningful consequences in gameplay.

“The whole idea that death actually matters is crucial. There must be a real risk of failure,” they explained. They also argued that altering core mechanics—such as reverting to a single portal system—would diminish the game’s intended experience.

Players have voiced frustration over how the current endgame design demands hyper-optimized builds and requires battling extremely fast and aggressive monsters, making strategic encounters exceptionally difficult.

Addressing Experience Loss and Balancing Difficulty

Commenting on the EXP loss during Atlas runs, Rogers clarified:

“It’s meant to keep players in the right progression path. If you’re constantly dying, it’s a sign you’re not ready to advance further.”

However, the developers acknowledged they are reviewing the many “moving parts” contributing to the game’s punishing endgame. They are actively evaluating which mechanics should remain to preserve the game’s authentic, challenging experience.

Though the game offers numerous advanced strategies—like tackling high-tier Waystone maps, enhancing gear quality, and strategically using portals—many players continue to struggle with the steep difficulty curve.

The Atlas of Worlds: A True Test of Skill

The endgame of Path of Exile 2 unfolds within the Atlas of Worlds, where players progress by unlocking interconnected maps and exterminating deadly Beasts. After completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty, players face high-level encounters designed for the most dedicated and experienced players. These challenges feature relentless bosses, intricate map mechanics, and demand mastery of gear optimization and skill augmentations.

Despite the backlash, Grinding Gear Games seems committed to maintaining the game’s unforgiving nature while fine-tuning the balance to ensure a rewarding experience for those who rise to the challenge.