Path of Exile 2 Plummets to New Lows with “Dawn of the Hunt” Update

The recent update for Path of Exile 2, named Dawn of the Hunt, has stirred quite a bit of debate. This update, though not introducing a distinct League with exclusive mechanics, has still made significant waves with sweeping changes to the game’s dynamics. Player expectations from this update were high, given its aim to shake up some endgame systems, introduce new gameplay styles, add a fresh class, and introduce several Ascendancies. However, somewhere along the way, things didn’t pan out perfectly, leaving the game in an unexpectedly challenging state.

Just recently, players absorbed the news of numerous nerfs rolled out by Path of Exile 2’s Dawn of the Hunt update, specifically targeting some of the game’s most potent builds, skills, and items, even affecting fundamental functionalities. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Grinding Gear Games (GGG), as past updates for the original Path of Exile have also seen a tendency toward significant nerfs. The main issue players have picked up on is a noticeable slowing down of the gameplay, a sentiment echoed widely even after the subsequent 0.2.0b patch.

Path of Exile 2’s combat philosophy was deliberately crafted to be slower and more strategic, shifting away from aggressive play and power creep. Unfortunately, this concept was more effective during the campaign’s earlier stages. As the campaign progresses, monsters get tougher, compelling players to prioritize offensive power due to challenges in executing complex skill combos, which often leads to reliance on a handful of effective skills.

The unintended power levels achieved with builds such as Spark Archmage and stat-stacking forced GGG to implement severe nerfs targeting these overpowered configurations and the overall power of players. Yet, this left monsters largely unchanged. Consequently, the gameplay has become increasingly sluggish and frustrating, as players struggle with inadequate damage output and are coercively encouraged to use combos and defensive tactics, which is tough when overwhelmed by enemies. Thus, combat strategies like spear skills might feel underwhelming for fans of combo-heavy playstyles.

These changes have left many players feeling disenchanted, as completing the campaign now demands more time and effort, with certain sections essentially demanding optimal builds to progress. A prime example is the Act 2 boss, Jamanra, whose formidable attack damage and challenging patterns now seem even harder due to reduced player strength and defenses. While the endgame content does offer some relief, the arduous journey barely lets up.

To bring back balance, significant revisions are necessary. Though GGG has partially addressed these issues by slightly reducing monster health with patch 0.2.0b, there’s a call for bolder steps. This could mean reversing some of the nerfs or weakening monsters to match the pace of player progression. Currently, monsters remain aggressive and formidable as tensions rise, following the model from the original game, putting the pressure on the players to adapt. Without a major overhaul, players might find themselves holding out for future updates, uncertain of what’s to come.

Path of Exile 2 isn’t just a game; it’s a rich journey steeped in lore and challenge, inviting players to explore the perilous land of Wraeclast, inhabited by diverse cultures and lurking evil. With its six-act campaign, twelve unique character classes, and a vast array of skills, it promises an action RPG experience like no other. Whether diving into its narrative alone or teaming up with friends through couch co-op, cross-play, and cross-progression, Path of Exile 2 aims to deliver compelling adventures and fierce battles that keep players engaged.