Path of Exile 2 - 0.1.1 Patch Preview

Summary

Jonathan Rogers, Game Director of Path of Exile 2, discusses the upcoming 0.1.1 patch, focusing on fixes and improvements based on player feedback. The patch addresses mapping experience, adds more variety to tower maps, improves the visibility of in-game effects, and tweaks boss encounters. Changes to unique items aim to enhance the player experience, while console players will get access to item filters. Numerous smaller bug fixes and adjustments also make the game more rewarding and engaging, with plans for more significant updates in the future as the game progresses.

Takeaways

• 😀 Endgame maps are getting a balance pass to improve the number of monsters, chests, and other elements, making maps more rewarding.
• 😀 Four new tower maps are being added (Alpine Ridge, Sinking Spire, Bluff, and Mesa), alongside an update to the Lost Towers map to enhance variety.
• 😀 Boss spawn rates are being increased, and new Tablets will allow players to add bosses to maps with their own mod pool.
• 😀 Strongboxes are being improved by making them spawn monsters faster, with less annoying fog effects and updated mod timings.
• 😀 Efforts are being made to improve the visibility of effects on maps, making it easier to see and dodge ground effects like elemental explosions and volatile plants.
• 😀 The Citadel will spawn closer to the center of the Atlas, and players will have up to six respawn attempts for the Arbiter of Ash, with plans for respawn features on other Pinnacle bosses.
• 😀 Many unique items are being buffed, especially for early-game playthroughs, making them feel more powerful and rewarding to find.
• 😀 Delirium, Ritual, and Expedition content rewards are being adjusted, including increased drop rates and more frequent appearances of certain rewards.
• 😀 Several monsters and bosses are being rebalanced to make encounters feel fairer, with adjustments like reduced damage and improved telegraphing for certain abilities.
• 😀 Console players will now have access to the same item filter system as PC players, using the *Path of Exile 1* website for now with improvements planned for the future.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the upcoming Patch 0.1.1 for Path of Exile 2?

The main goal of Patch 0.1.1 is to address immediate concerns and issues identified from feedback without creating a new league or economy. It focuses on refining the game experience through various balance changes and fixes.

What specific areas of mapping are receiving attention in this patch?

In this patch, endgame maps are getting a balance pass to improve rewards, including adjustments to the number of monsters, chests, magic and rare monsters, Essences, Strongboxes, and Precursor Artifacts. Maps will now specialize in certain elements for greater variety and reward.

What new tower maps are being introduced in Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.1.1?

The patch introduces four new tower maps: Alpine Ridge, Sinking Spire, Bluff, and Mesa, along with a redesign of the existing Lost Towers map to enhance its gameplay.

How is the spawn rate for bosses in maps being adjusted?

The spawn rate for bosses is being increased to meet the originally intended rate of one in four maps, addressing the issue of certain maps being unable to spawn bosses.

What changes are being made to Strongboxes in Patch 0.1.1?

Strongboxes will spawn monsters faster, have a less intrusive fog effect, and feature adjustments to mod timings and effects to improve gameplay.

How is the visibility of effects in maps being improved?

Changes have been made to reduce map clutter, ensuring that effects on the ground are always visible. Additionally, elemental explosion effects will now last longer and vanish without triggering if a rare monster dies, and volatile plants are now easier to spot before they explode.

What adjustments have been made to the visibility and zoom of the Atlas?

The zoom level on the Atlas has been increased, and terrain collision issues in various maps have been addressed. The biome of a map is now displayed when you hover over it, enhancing map navigation.

How is the reward system being adjusted for different in-game systems like Delirium, Ritual, and Expedition?

Changes include a 20% increase in Simulacrum drop rates in Delirium, a 60% increase in the appearance of Omens in Ritual, and improved rarity of shop items in Expedition. Further substantial changes to Expedition rewards are planned for later.

What are the improvements to Pinnacle content in this patch?

The Citadel will now spawn closer to the center of the Atlas and can be more easily located through an effect visible in the fog of war. Additionally, players will have up to six respawn attempts during the Arbiter of Ash fight, with further respawns planned for other Pinnacle content.

How are unique items being adjusted in Patch 0.1.1?

Many unique items are being buffed, particularly those that should feel powerful at lower levels. This should make finding and using uniques more rewarding, both early in the game and during later character playthroughs.