Hello Path of Exile 2 players! Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.3.1 has officially been released. This update is a major overhaul of the endgame system, significantly overhauling the familiar gameplay loop.
Based on community feedback, the developers have revamped Tower system, moving from a tedious Tower search mechanic to richer rewards, directly addressing core player needs.
This update aims to provide all players with a freer, more intensive, and more exhilarating map farming experience. Below is a detailed explanation of Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.3.1.
Endgame Map System Adjustments
Additions To Map Content
Due to player feedback that the maps were becoming somewhat monotonous, the developers have added one to three of the following additional content to PoE 2 map system in patch 0.3.1: Breach, Delirium, Ritual, Expedition, Shrines, Strongboxes, Essences, Wisps, Rogue Exiles, and Summoning Circles.
Map Layout Optimizations: Several maps whose large size slowed down the pace of gameplay have been reduced in size. These maps include: Penitentiary, Vaal City, Channel, Bastille, Grimhaven, Epitaph, Oasis, Augury, Hidden Grotto, Wetlands, Savannah, Blooming Fields, Rupture, Slick, and Fortress.
Monster Density Adjustments
Due to the lower levels of some maps, the developers have reduced the number of monsters in these maps and distributed them more evenly, ensuring a smoother transition from story mode to endgame gameplay. However, when players use Tier 15 and higher Waystones, monster density will return to its original level.
Waystone Drop Adjustments
The drop rate for Tier 1 to 5 Waystones has been reduced by 75%, for Tier 6 to 10 by 68%, and for Tier 11 or higher by 62%.
Ground Effect Radius Reduction
Maps covered by persistent effects like frost, burning, and lightning have been significantly reduced in size, making them easier to navigate.
Idol Of Estazunti Acquisition Changes
Idol of Estazunti is no longer dropped by rare monsters, but now drops when players interact with Vaal Beacons. Vaal Beacons appear in maps connected to Sealed Vaults.
Map Boss Mechanics Updates
Each map now has a specific boss. Defeating that boss is the sole requirement for completing the map, so you need to have a clear goal to complete the map, rather than having to kill a specific number of rare monsters.
Special icons have been added to Atlas to mark powerful bosses. These marked bosses are generally more challenging to defeat, but defeating them rewards generous Path of Exile 2 Currency.
Additionally, the associated Atlas passive skills now require maps containing powerful bosses to activate. And Citadel's spawn rate has been significantly increased, now appearing 66% of the time.
Tablets System Has Been Completely Restructured
Prior to the update, Precursor Tablets were only usable in Towers. Their original purpose was to increase the difficulty and rewards of maps near specific Towers.
However, based on community feedback, players felt this mechanic was too restrictive, so the developers completely removed it. While retaining the core functionality of Precursor Tablets, they have completely overhauled their usage.
Precursor Tablets can now be used in all maps in Atlas, extending their applicability beyond Towers. The drop rate of tablets has also been significantly increased.
Tablets also have 10 charges or uses. Each use on a map consumes one charge, and when the charge is depleted, the tablet is destroyed.
Normally, a map can only use one tablet at a time, but if Waystones used to open the map have additional modifiers, additional tablet slots will be unlocked.
Note that a maximum of three tablets can be used simultaneously, and the number of tablets allowed on a map is determined by the number of modifiers on Waystones, not their level. Please note that players cannot use tablets on a map that has already failed.
In addition, the developers have added the following Tablet Modifiers: Azmeri Spirit, Essence, Rogue Exile, Summoning Circle, Strongbox, Shrine, and Summoning Circle. The spawn rate has been increased from 25% to 50%.
Tower Functionality Adjustments
Completing a Tower will reveal a large area surrounding the building, but it no longer provides direct benefits to nearby maps.
Each successful Tower completion rewards players with one Precursor Tablet.
Visions of Paradise Unique Precursor Tablet's functionality has been changed: it now adds an Irradiated Modifier to the map, rather than removing it.
Overall, Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.3.1 is a significant response to player feedback. These changes signal a move towards a more respectful approach to Path of Exile 2 while maintaining its challenging nature.
Now, players can focus on the pure joy of completing maps, taking on powerful bosses, and harvesting rich loot, rather than tedious prep work.