Path of Exile 2 to Prioritize Ascendancies Over New Classes in Future Updates

Path of Exile 2's game director announced that future major patches will shift focus from introducing new classes. Continue reading to understand the reasoning behind this decision and insights into the game's current direction.

Path of Exile 2 May Not Add New Classes Each Patch

Expect More Ascendancy Options Instead

In a Q&A session, Path of Exile 2 Game Director Jonathan Rogers explained that new classes may not appear in upcoming patches due to their unpredictable development process.

When asked about releasing a new class per patch, Rogers clarified that the team learned it’s unwise to center patches around new classes. He noted, I’d love for every release to include a class, but we’ve realized it’s a mistake to tie expansion development to a new class.

Rogers highlighted the challenge of balancing fixed release dates with unpredictable class development. Focusing on the Huntress for the next patch forced multiple delays.

The Huntress had to be in the next patch, which caused the release date to shift repeatedly, extending the expansion’s timeline beyond our expectations, Rogers explained.

He prefers fixed release dates over uncertain class launches, stating, I’m eager to include a class in the next expansion, but I won’t commit to it, as that risks unfixing the release date.

Reflecting on the Dawn of the Hunt expansion, Rogers noted that class development’s unpredictability means players shouldn’t expect new classes with every patch. Players prioritize timely updates over waiting for new classes.

Players want consistent progress, not delays of six to nine months for major updates, Rogers said. Classes are less predictable, so we’ll focus on delivering content regularly.

Despite this, Rogers assured that new Ascendancies will be included in every patch. He also expressed enthusiasm for adding more classes post-Early Access. We’ll definitely deliver Ascendancies, and I’m eager to keep adding classes even after the full release, he said.

Dawn of the Hunt Update Enhances Path of Exile 2 Endgame

Boss Fights to Become More Challenging

Alongside the Huntress, the upcoming patch introduces over 100 new skills, support gems, and unique gear tailored for midgame and endgame. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) aims to make bosses significantly tougher, extending the time it takes for characters to dominate the endgame while ensuring players can still achieve that power.

Some mechanics are being trivialized too easily, so certain elements will be adjusted, Rogers said. Players reach overwhelming power too quickly, which shouldn’t happen before completing the initial progression.

Rogers expressed disappointment at how swiftly players defeated Pinnacle Bosses, citing a 14-second kill due to an overpowered build. He envisions Pinnacle Boss fights as grueling initial challenges. The first encounter with a Pinnacle Boss should be intense, not a quick victory. With more fights, optimized builds, and better gear, players can eventually dominate, but not immediately, he explained.

Rogers emphasized that balance changes aim to slow the climb to overwhelming power. Players should feel powerful eventually, but not right away. Our balance adjustments focus on pacing that journey, he concluded.

Path of Exile 2 Director Satisfied with Ruthless Difficulty

Skill, Not Balance, Drives Easier Gameplay

The difficulty of Path of Exile 2’s campaign sparked debate, with some players calling it too easy and others too hard. Rogers believes the campaign’s difficulty is well-balanced, noting that perceptions shift as players gain experience. Many complaints came from veterans comparing it to the original game without fully engaging with the sequel.

I’m confident we’ll see fewer difficulty complaints this time. Once players master the game, it feels much easier, Rogers said. He’s optimistic but open to tweaks if needed, based on new data.

Players often think we’ve adjusted balance when they replay and find it easier, but the truth is, they’ve just improved, Rogers concluded.