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 and explore insights on the game's current state.
Path of Exile 2 May Not Add New Characters in Every Update
Expect More Ascendancy Options Instead
In a Q&A session, Path of Exile 2 Game Director Jonathan Rogers revealed that upcoming patches might not include new classes due to the unpredictable nature of their development.
When questioned about expectations for a new class per patch, Rogers explained that the team has realized prioritizing classes for expansions was a misstep. I’d love to include a class in every release, but we’ve learned during this cycle that anchoring an expansion’s development to a new class was a mistake,
he said.
He noted the challenge of balancing a fixed release date with uncertain content volume. Focusing on the Huntress for the next patch led to repeated delays.
Rogers elaborated, The Huntress was a must for the next patch, which forced us to adjust the release date repeatedly, extending the expansion’s timeline beyond our expectations.
He expressed a preference for fixed release dates, acknowledging that this makes promising new classes challenging. I’m eager to include a class in the next expansion, but I won’t commit to it, as that would compromise our ability to set firm dates,
he added.
Reflecting on the Dawn of the Hunt development, Rogers emphasized that class releases will be less predictable moving forward due to their complex development process. Players prefer timely updates over prolonged waits for new content.
Players want consistent progress and don’t want to wait six to nine months for a major update,
Rogers noted. For that reason, classes are less predictable, but we aim to deliver content regularly.
Despite this, Rogers assured that every patch will introduce new Ascendancies. He also expressed enthusiasm for adding more classes post-Early Access. We’ll definitely deliver Ascendancies, and I’m keen to keep adding classes even after the full release,
he stated.
Dawn of the Hunt Update Enhances Path of Exile 2 Endgame
Boss Fights to Become Significantly Tougher
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 more challenging, extending the time it takes for characters to dominate the endgame while ensuring that power level remains achievable.
Some mechanics are being trivialized too easily, so certain elements will need adjustments,
Rogers explained. Players are reaching peak power too quickly, and we want that milestone to come after a more gradual progression.
Rogers expressed disappointment at how swiftly players defeated Pinnacle Bosses, citing an instance where a boss was defeated in just fourteen seconds due to an overpowered build. He envisions a tougher initial encounter with Pinnacle Bosses, where the first fight is a significant challenge.
Your first Pinnacle Boss fight should be intense and difficult. With more fights, better gear, and optimized builds, you can eventually defeat the boss in fourteen seconds—but not on your first try,
Rogers said.
He noted that the current ease of gaining power has skewed the experience, and the upcoming balance changes aim to slow this progression. We want players to feel powerful, but that should come after a meaningful journey, not immediately,
Rogers concluded.
Path of Exile 2 Director Satisfied with Ruthless Difficulty
Skill Improves Perception of Challenge
The difficulty of Path of Exile 2’s campaign has sparked debate, with some players finding it too easy and others too hard. Rogers remains content with the current difficulty, suggesting that player perceptions will shift as they gain experience.
Many complaints came from players comparing the new game to its predecessor without fully engaging with the current version. Rogers believes familiarity will ease these concerns. Once players master the game, they’ll find it much more manageable,
he said.
Players often think we’ve tweaked the balance when they replay and find it easier, but in reality, they’ve just improved,
Rogers explained. He’s optimistic that fewer difficulty complaints will arise as players adapt, but his team is ready to make adjustments if needed.
