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Is Path of Exile 2 really that hard? – Devastated


When Grinding Gear Games dropped the announcement of Path of exile 2 (PoE2), it wasn’t just about continuing the series. It was about shaking things up dramatically, making changes that would fundamentally change the way players interacted with the sequel to one of gaming’s most influential ARPGs.

One of the biggest and most defining changes? Approach to difficulty. From the slower, Souls-like campaign to the brutally brutal Endgame, this is a hot topic for the community. So, let’s talk about it: is the difficulty too much or is this exactly what the series needs to evolve?

Path of Exile 2 – Prepare to Die Edition

Path of Exile 2 campaign encounter
Screenshot by Destructoid

If you have played the campaign in Po2you may have noticed that it has some serious vibes similar to Souls. It’s slower, more deliberate, and makes you really think about your play. Unlike the original Path of exileWhere you can just speed up and bomb everything in sight, Po2 He wants you to slow down, take your time, and develop an actual strategy.

Boss battles aren’t just enemies with special names anymore. It’s not just about how much damage you can pump out. You have to watch, learn the patterns and adapt, otherwise you end up a corpse. It’s a breath of fresh air for someone like me who loves a good challenge, and if you enjoy the thrill of mastering difficult encounters, you’ll probably love this twist.

The campaign is in Path of exile 1 The story wasn’t exactly memorable, nor was it engaging in combat encounters. The community treated it as a starting point for character progression to reach the “endgame” as quickly as possible. While I have no doubt that this scenario will be repeated in… Path of exile 2At the very least, the slower pace and more methodical combat will make you think about what you’re doing; what you experience, making it possible to have an unforgettable experience. That’s why I applaud Grinding Gear Games for their take on the gameplay Po2 To this point.

High stakes of endgame mapping

Atlas map at the end of Path of Exile 2
Screenshot by Destructoid

Now, let’s talk about the endgame, where things get intense… very. Mapping in PoE2 isn’t just about clearing enemies. Each round feels like you’re gambling your progress. Die? You lose the map, 10-15% of your XP, and any resources you poured into it. Oh. It’s not exactly forgiving, but it’s not exactly foreign to those who played the previous title.

Then there are the road stones. These things are essential to keep mapping moving forward, but they are not available in abundance. If you have a bad streak, you may find yourself completely off the maps in your level, which means starting over from scratch. It’s brutal, there’s no doubt about it. Some people think it’s too much tax, but I think it’s good…or at least the idea is.

Here’s the thing, though: I think that tension is kind of the point. Knowing that each round can make or break your lead adds an advantage to this Po1 Just don’t have it. When you succeed, it feels great. But yes, the penalties may be a bit harsh at the moment. Maybe undoing the XP loss would help or make getting Waystones a little easier without completely removing the stress.

However, I agree with the direction Grinding Gear Games is taking. They’re clearly trying to make endgame progression meaningful, and I respect that. It’s better than feeling like nothing is at stake, right?

Challenge to be sure

Core boss in Path of Exile 2
Screenshot by Destructoid

So, with everything out in the open, the question remains: Him Path of exile 2 Honestly too hard? i don’t think so. The slow pace of the campaign represents a major change of scenery compared to the nearly decade-long instant blast screens of the previous game. The high stakes in the mapping also give the game’s “endgame” a sense of heaviness and sense of danger.

Every move you make on the Atlas map must be intentional, otherwise you’ll find yourself scrambling to make progress on Waystones with experience not to your name. Sure, this isn’t for everyone, and some tweaks and balance changes may be needed, but overall, I love the challenge. I like to use my mind beyond just character building.

However, I understand why some players might feel overwhelmed. If you are used to speed and efficiency Path of exile 1Or you’re new to the series entirely, this new methodical pacing and harsher punishments can feel like a punch in the gut. But here’s the thing: games like this are supposed to push us. When you overcome a brutal boss fight or finally conquer a difficult map, the feeling of accomplishment is unparalleled, even if you don’t feel it at first.

Unique boss in Path of Exile 2
Screenshot by Destructoid

I think the real question is not whether Path of exile 2 It is very difficult, but whether you are willing to accept the challenge. For me, stress and risk make every victory sweeter. Can it be modified a little? Are things a little exaggerated (perhaps an understatement)? certainly. But do I think the difficulty is essentially a problem? never. Grinding Gear Games walks a fine line between frustration and reward, and while it may need to adapt here and there, it’s really on its way to something great. Lightning in a bottle.

If you are willing to deal with the difficulty and adapt your playing style, Path of exile 2 It offers a rewarding experience that few games can match. And honestly, isn’t that the point of a game like this? To test your limits and see how far you can go? For me, the answer is clear: do it, any rotting warts and all.


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