As Path of Exile 2’s Ratings Decline, a New ARPG Emerges

If you’re into action role-playing games (ARPGs), chances are you’ve heard about Path of Exile 2. This sequel has truly made waves in the ARPG scene, smashing records following its Early Access release last December.

For many of us, myself included, the return of Path of Exile has been a thrilling experience. The game soared to new heights, breaking past 500,000 concurrent players on Steam and claiming the top spot as the best-selling title on the platform for weeks. Like many early access adventures, the number of active players started to dip until the next surge of content came along.

And then version 0.2 arrived. This update sparked a resurgence, with player numbers climbing back to nearly 250,000. Along with returning players, a fresh batch of reviews flowed in.

What’s the latest with Path of Exile 2?

Players of PoE 2 were less than thrilled with the changes implemented by Grinding Gear Games. The pace of progress had slowed significantly compared to other ARPGs, even in relation to its predecessor.

Many character builds were nerfed, hitting even those that were simply average in performance before. Now, basic attacks can outperform skill combinations, leaving players to resort to spears and crossbows in their battles.

The change in gameplay mechanics hasn’t sat well with everyone, resulting in a recent Steam review score of just 44%. Let’s take a look at what some players are saying:

“Dawn of the Hunt update feels like a drag. Boss fights extend much longer than necessary, and most skills do minimal damage,” shares Hellexion, a player with 200 hours in the game. There’s a clear consensus that the game intends to slow down the pace, but frustration is mounting if the game remains unstable for some players.

Another seasoned player, RustedHeroes, with 263 hours shared, “This misses what makes video games enjoyable.”

Docholliday211, having spent 831 hours in-game, voiced, “The new patch ruined it. If aimless grinding is your thing, then this game is for you.”

These aren’t impressions from novices. These insights come from those who’ve logged significant time in the game, and frankly, when someone commits over 30 days to a game, their opinions are worth considering.

The Last Epoch makes its move at the perfect moment

Right on cue, Last Epoch seized the chance with the launch of its second season. Merely hours post-launch, it surpassed Path of Exile 2’s player count by an impressive 40%, quite the feat for a game that exited Early Access just last February.

Interestingly, this influx resulted in login challenges due to overwhelming numbers, yet it boasts high review scores. Players often draw comparisons to Path of Exile.

“After over 100 hours in PoE2 0.2 league, trying this out was refreshing,” one player commented. “Crafting is top-notch,” praised Creeo after 266 hours. Meanwhile, Glairmark noted a substantial increase in loot compared to PoE2.

Last Epoch smartly alleviates the hurdles hardcore Path of Exile 2 players face. By focusing on player enjoyment rather than sheer challenge, it stands out. Both games have their own appeal, but leaning heavily into a game’s niche can distance its community. Remember, players are central to a game’s success.

Grinding Gear Games is not giving up

Despite the backlash from the 0.2 update, Grinding Gear Games remains committed to improving Path of Exile 2. While they’ve made several changes based on player feedback, it’s still not enough to counter the negative reviews.

An overhaul seems necessary, as the current gameplay loop is in disarray post the major update. However, they’re determined to change that with the forthcoming 0.2g patch, following the recent 0.2f update, aiming to address the game’s loot issues.

In a statement on their Steam page, they explain, “Major changes are coming to mitigate bad luck with campaign bosses, enhance drop quality from bosses, and improve loot from monsters influenced by Azmerian Wisps.”

Whether you’re a fan of PoE 2 or not, it’s commendable to see the development team actively tackling feedback quickly. Their dedication to enhancing the experience for everyone is evident.

Blizzard is also set to make waves

While not available on Steam, Diablo 4’s next season is also just around the corner. Though its focus might diverge, it’s bound to draw players back to the celebrated ARPG flagship.

Even more exciting is the nostalgic addition of Belial, the beloved boss from Diablo 3. I’m not typically a Diablo 4 enthusiast, but even I’m tempted to dive back into the world of Sanctuary.

This season introduces new mechanics like boss powers and an event where players take on ten random bosses consecutively, capped off with Belial himself.

To get the inside scoop on Diablo 4’s season 8, check out Jennifer Young’s detailed preview. Her breakdown covers fresh abilities, exciting items, and much more to entice fans back into this hellish adventure.