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Path of Exile 2 (POE2) has been one of the most hotly debated action RPGs since its early access launch. Both new players and veterans have expressed passionate opinions—often in stark contrast—about the design choices made by Grinding Gear Games (GGG). In this discussion, we’ll explore the key design issues raised by the community, compare reactions from new and veteran players, and consider what these debates might mean for the game’s future. Naturally, alongside discussions on gameplay, many players are also navigating the in-game economy, especially as they look to buy POE 2 currency to get ahead in the new systems.

A Clash of Expectations

At its core, POE2 attempts to balance a deep, loot-driven progression system with more dynamic, mechanically challenging combat. Veteran players, many of whom have invested thousands of hours in the original Path of Exile (POE1), are accustomed to an intricate passive skill tree, robust crafting systems, and the famously “grindy” nature of the game. For them, POE2’s shift toward a more “action-oriented” combat—featuring elements such as dodge rolls, WASD movement, and more visually engaging boss encounters—feels like both an evolution and a departure from what they loved about the original.

Conversely, new players or those coming from other ARPGs like Diablo 4 often appreciate the streamlined approach and the promise of more modern mechanics. However, they sometimes find the learning curve steep, especially when grappling with mechanics inherited from POE1 that have been reworked or even removed. For many, part of that early game struggle includes understanding how to acquire or manage cheap POE 2 currency, particularly when crafting or trading becomes essential.

Design Issues: Pacing, Difficulty, and Mechanics

1. Pacing and Movement

One of the most common points of contention is the overall pacing of POE2. Veteran players argue that slowing down aspects of gameplay—such as removing fast movement skills like Flame Dash or Leap Slam—results in a tedious experience, particularly when traversing large maps. For these players, the “zoom-zoom” pace of POE1 was essential to the thrill of quick clear speeds and satisfying loot runs. They feel that by emphasizing slower, more deliberate movement, the game risks alienating its core fanbase by turning exploration into a chore.

New players, on the other hand, sometimes find the slower pacing less overwhelming and more accessible for learning combat mechanics. Yet even among them, there is a concern that an overly deliberate pace might lead to frustration rather than strategic engagement. As one Polygon article noted, POE2’s post-campaign dungeons have been criticized for being “a bit too severe” in difficulty, partly due to pacing issues that force players to endure long, drawn-out encounters that may feel more punishing than rewarding.

2. Difficulty and the “Souls-Like” Influence

GGG has stated that they aim to inject elements of Souls-like gameplay into POE2 to create more engaging and tactical combat. However, many veteran players argue that this change results in encounters that are less about creative build optimization and more about reflexes and endurance. In POE1, difficulty was largely derived from build complexity—players were rewarded for meticulously planning their character’s progression and gear. In POE2, many feel that the new design choices (such as inflated enemy health pools and one-shot mechanics) lead to prolonged fights that test patience rather than strategic mastery.

Some streamers and forum posts have echoed these sentiments, suggesting that while a degree of challenge is welcome, the current design often blurs the line between meaningful difficulty and tedious frustration.

3. Changes to Crafting and the Gem System

Another major area of discussion centers on the crafting system and the integration of support gems. In POE1, crafting was a cornerstone of the game’s depth, offering players countless ways to modify their gear and experiment with builds. Veteran players are disappointed that POE2’s crafting options appear more limited and less intuitive, making it difficult for them to recreate the rich build diversity they once enjoyed.

Similarly, the new gem system has drawn criticism for feeling clunky and overly grindy. Many argue that by not allowing support gems to stack or by reducing the number of choices available, POE2 risks stripping away one of the unique charms of the original game. This concern is echoed by both veteran players—who see it as a dilution of the game’s creative potential—and newer players, who may struggle to grasp the full impact of these changes on their overall experience.

For players hoping to experiment with different builds without an extensive grind, many turn to the option of looking for a poe 2 currency sale through trusted sources, to speed up the crafting and gearing process.

4. Endgame and Boss Encounters

The transition from the campaign to the endgame is yet another focal point of criticism. Veteran players claim that the endgame in POE2 can feel disconnected from the core experience of POE1, with lengthy dungeons that require extensive grinding and offer little variation in encounter design. Many complain that the punitive nature of the death mechanics—where one mistake can wipe out hours of progress—creates an environment where risk seems disproportionate to reward.

At the same time, newer players often find the dramatic difficulty spikes intimidating, yet they appreciate the visual spectacle of dynamic boss battles and intricate enemy designs.

Reactions: Veteran Nostalgia vs. Newcomer Optimism

Veteran Players

For many veterans, POE2 represents a bittersweet shift. They appreciate the effort to modernize the game, yet they fear that fundamental elements which defined POE1 are being lost. Comments on community forums frequently lament the departure from the “old school” mechanics—such as the elaborate passive skill tree and the rewarding complexity of crafting—which they believe provided a unique depth to the game.

New Players

Newcomers tend to approach POE2 with fresh eyes and higher expectations for modern game design. They often praise improvements in graphics, controller support, and the overall polish of the user interface. However, their initial excitement can quickly give way to confusion when they encounter systems that assume prior knowledge of POE1’s complex mechanics.

Still, whether veteran or new, many players agree that investing in gear progression—sometimes through reliable avenues to buy poe 2 currency—can dramatically enhance the experience by unlocking more creative and viable builds.

The divide between veteran and new players is not easily reconciled. However, the ongoing dialogue is a positive sign that GGG is listening to its community. Developers have already acknowledged that certain areas—such as the overly harsh endgame penalties and the somewhat clunky crafting system—need further refinement. With upcoming patches promised to adjust difficulty and streamline mechanics, there is hope that POE2 can evolve into a game that satisfies both its longtime supporters and a broader new audience.

Whether you’re trying to master a fresh build or simply browsing for cheap POE 2 currency to ease the grind, one thing is clear: the community remains deeply invested in the game’s future. With open feedback and continued development, POE2 may yet strike the perfect balance between innovation and the beloved depth of its predecessor.

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