Path of Exile 2's challenging endgame has sparked debate among players, prompting a response from developers. Co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers defended the difficulty, emphasizing the importance of meaningful consequences for death. They argued that the current system, which includes potential experience loss and challenging encounters, prevents players from progressing too quickly beyond their capabilities. Rogers stated, "...if you’re dying all the time then you’re probably not ready to keep going up the power curve."
The game's intricate Atlas of Worlds endgame, accessible after completing the six-act story, presents players with 100 challenging maps, powerful bosses, and fast-paced encounters. While the developers acknowledge player feedback and are reviewing the game's mechanics, they maintain that a certain level of difficulty is crucial to the overall experience. They rejected the idea of reverting to simpler mechanics, such as a single-portal system.
Despite the difficulty, Path of Exile 2 has seen a strong player base since its early access launch in December 2024. The recent 0.1.0 patch addressed numerous bugs and performance issues, particularly on PlayStation 5. Future updates, including the upcoming 0.1.1 patch, will likely further refine the gameplay experience. While numerous guides and strategies exist to help players conquer the endgame, the high difficulty remains a significant hurdle for many. The core challenge involves navigating the interconnected maps of the Atlas of Worlds, defeating powerful bosses, and optimizing character builds to overcome increasingly difficult encounters.