Path of Exile 2’s “Dawn of the Hunt” Marks New All-Time Low

Path of Exile 2 has definitely had an eventful weekend, coming back into focus with the big 0.2.0 update, Dawn of the Hunt. Originally making waves in early access last December, this expansion was meant to revamp and inject fresh energy into the game. Besides introducing a new class and several Ascendancies, it aimed to revamp endgame systems and offer new gameplay avenues. Unfortunately, amidst all these changes, something misfired, leaving the game in a bit of a tailspin.

The patch notes for Dawn of the Hunt were revealed a few days ago, announcing a slew of nerfs targeting the game’s most formidable builds, skills, and items. This isn’t uncharted territory for GGG, as previous Path of Exile releases have also sometimes been heavy-handed with nerfs. The central complaint from players is that the game now feels sluggish—a sentiment that persists even after the follow-up 0.2.0b patch aimed to smooth things over.

One of the primary goals for Path of Exile 2’s combat was to establish a more deliberate and strategic pace, aiming to minimize power creep. However, this approach didn’t hold up throughout the entire campaign, as players found they needed to prioritize offense due to escalating monster strength. Consequently, players frequently resorted to relying heavily on one or two skills rather than engaging in more complex skill combos.

When unintended power levels surfaced with certain builds like Spark Archmage and stat-heavy setups, it prompted sweeping nerfs as part of the Dawn of the Hunt update. GGG’s balancing hammer came down hard on these outliers, significantly lowering player power without altering monster stats to match. This has resulted in a much slower and more grueling experience; players are tasked with managing minimal damage output while trying to juggle evasive combos and defensive capabilities in encounters where they’re often overrun.

Many in the community are voicing their dissatisfaction. Campaign completion now feels like a marathon—it takes much longer, and some sections turn into ‘build checks’ where only the strongest or best-geared setups can advance. A notorious sticking point is the Act 2 boss, Jamanra, whose punishing damage and elusive attacks have only worsened due to reduced player resilience and damage. While the endgame offers slightly more reprieve, the overall grind remains a challenge.

In response, GGG attempted tweaks like reducing overall monster health with the 0.2.0b patch, but it’s clear that bigger steps are necessary. Either some nerfs must be retracted, or monsters should face similar reductions in their power levels. Presently, the game maintains a slow and methodical pacing for players while keeping monsters as fast-paced threats, echoing the balance of its predecessor. This discord necessitates a substantial adjustment, either by weakening monsters to accommodate player combos or by re-empowering players to counter the threat. Until these changes come, players will need to stay patient as they await future updates.

Path of Exile 2 stands as a next-gen, free-to-play RPG crafted by Grinding Gear Games, where players brave the perilous land of Wraeclast. With a wide array of 12 character classes, over 240 Skill Gems, an extensive endgame, and deep multiplayer features like couch co-op, cross-play, and cross-progression, it promises an immersive experience packed with adventure and excitement.