"Path of Exile 2 Dev Implements Urgent Fixes Amid 'Mostly Negative' Steam Reviews"

Grinding Gear Games (GGG), the developer behind the eagerly anticipated action role-playing game Path of Exile 2, has swiftly responded to community feedback by implementing further emergency updates following the controversial Dawn of the Hunt update. This patch, known as 0.2.0e, aims to address the widespread discontent that led to a surge of 'mostly negative' Steam reviews shortly after the expansion's release earlier this month.

Dawn of the Hunt introduced the new Huntress class, skilled in both melee and ranged combat with a Spear and Buckler, along with five new ascension classes: the Ritualist, Amazon, Smith of Kitava, Tactician, and Lich. The update also brought mechanical overhauls, over a hundred new unique items, and enhanced crafting options. However, the community's reaction was overwhelmingly negative, criticizing the update for significantly slowing down gameplay, making it feel like a "total slog."

Players voiced their frustrations through Steam reviews, highlighting issues such as prolonged boss fights, ineffective skills, and overall sluggish gameplay. One particularly poignant review encapsulated the sentiment: "Every boss fight is incredibly longer than it needs to be. Most of the skills do little to no damage... It just feels incredibly awful right now, IF you can even get the game to run and be stable." Another review suggested the game now catered only to those who enjoy punishment without reward.

In response, GGG has released a detailed list of changes in the 0.2.0e update, scheduled for deployment on April 11. Key adjustments include:

Monster Speed Changes

• Removal of interrupt events for human monsters like Cultists, Faridun, and Tribal Humans, preventing relentless attacks.
• Adjustment to the Haste Aura modifier to not appear on already fast monsters.
• Act-specific changes such as slower movement for Werewolf and Tendril Prowlers after melee actions, reduced life and damage for Hungering Stalkers, and decreased density of challenging monsters in various acts.

Boss Changes

• Reduced size and frequency of Chaos Rains in the Viper Napuatzi fight.
• Adjustments to Uxmal's fight mechanics, including fewer location changes and less frequent use of Flame Breath.
• Enhanced visibility for Xyclucian's effects by clearing ground foliage in his arena.

Player Minion Changes

• Revised minion revive timers to prevent continuous resetting.
• Ability to unbind Spectres and Tame Beasts through disenchantment.
• Improved navigation for Tamed Beasts to fit through player-sized gaps.

Other Player Balance

• Expanded use of Rally support to all melee attacks.
• Prevention of Glory consumption during skill interruptions.
• Fixed propagation issues with Blood Boils from the Ritualist ascendancy.

Crafting Changes

• Introduction of new rune mods for caster weapons.
• Addition of a Blank rune at Renly's shop for elemental rune customization.

Performance Improvements

• Optimizations to ground foliage for better performance.

While these changes aim to address immediate concerns, GGG has also outlined future updates including charm enhancements, stash tab affinities, and atlas bookmarks. The community's hope is that these adjustments will revitalize Path of Exile 2 and restore its standing among fans. Despite the initial success of the game's launch, which saw an overwhelming number of players, GGG faces the challenge of balancing the needs of Path of Exile 2 with the ongoing development of its predecessor, Path of Exile 1, which continues to boast a dedicated player base.