PoE2 shifts focus from new classes

The game director of Path of Exile 2 confirmed that upcoming major updates won't prioritize introducing new character classes. Discover the reasoning behind this strategic shift and insights into the game's current development.

Path of Exile 2 May Reduce Frequency of New Character Releases

More Ascendancy Options Coming Instead

During a recent Q&A session, Path of Exile 2 director Jonathan Rogers revealed that unpredictable development timelines make new class introductions unsuitable as patch centerpieces.

When questioned about potential new classes per update, Rogers acknowledged that while desirable, the team learned valuable lessons about development bottlenecks: While we'd love to deliver a new class with every release, we've realized making classes the expansion cornerstone creates scheduling challenges.

The team faced difficult tradeoffs between maintaining fixed release schedules and ensuring robust content offerings. Focusing on delivering the Huntress character forced repeated postponements of the planned update.

Committing to the Huntress forced schedule fluidity, ultimately extending Dawn of the Hunt's development beyond expectations, Rogers explained.

Moving forward, developers will prioritize predictable content schedules over class introductions. Rogers stressed: I'd rather commit to firm timelines than risk delays chasing perfect class implementations.

These adjustment stem from developer experiences showing that class creation timelines remain inherently unpredictable, while players crave consistent content updates.

Our community expects regular progression updates rather than waiting six to nine months between major patches, Rogers noted. This reality makes class releases unsuitable as scheduled content anchors.

The silver lining? Every update will bring new Ascendancy options, with potential post-launch class additions remaining possible. Rogers confirmed: We'll absolutely deliver regular Ascendancies, and additional classes may still come post-release.

Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt Overhauls Endgame Experience

Substantial Difficulty Increases Coming

The Huntress update boasts over 100 new skills, support gems, and unique items targeting mid-to-late game progression. These changes accompany comprehensive difficulty rebalancing designed to extend the path to overpowered builds.

Certain mechanics currently break endgame encounters too easily, Rogers admitted. We need delayed power spikes while preserving ultimate power fantasies.

Rogers expressed disappointment with how quickly players conquered Pinnacle Bosses, citing premature power acquisition: The first league conqueror defeating Uber Elder in 14 seconds demonstrates concerning pacing.

The redesigned progression system aims to preserve challenging first encounters while maintaining speedrunning potential: Initial boss fights should feel climactic and difficult before optimization enables rapid clears.

PoE 2 Director Stands by Challenging Campaign Design

Perceived Difficulty Shift Reflects Player Skill Growth

Debates surrounding PoE 2's campaign difficulty prompted Rogers to explain observable player adaptation patterns.

Complaints frequently come from experienced players comparing unfinished memories of PoE 1's difficulty curve, Rogers observed. Subsequent playthroughs typically feel smoother as system mastery develops.