Path of Exile 2 Game Directors And Designers Discuss Gold, Gems, Skills, Monsters, Trading, Maps, And More

Path of Exile 2’s team of directors and designers hosted a Q&A session during ExileCon 2023…so I took the liberty of summarizing the good bits for y’all!

The panel was hosted by Octavian and featured Jonathon Rogers, Mark Roberts, Hrishi, and Rory Rackham. They discussed the role of gold as a currency, active skill gems and player skills, monster design, and the potential for simplified playstyles. The team also touched on the ARPG game's trade philosophy, the decision to split Path of Exile 1 and 2, the mapping system, and the presence of iconic chase uniques in Path of Exile 2.

One key point is that gold will not become the primary player currency for trading. The team said that they want to maintain diversity in gameplay and avoid a single dominant currency.

In terms of active skill gems, they acknowledge the opportunity for simpler playstyles while highlighting the depth of possibilities for skill combinations. The team mentions that players won't need to use all nine skills all the time too, and that the game is designed for situational skill usage.

The discussion also included changes in crafting systems and the vendor's role in Path of Exile 2. They touch on challenge leagues, character progression through campaigns, and the impact of recovery and leech mechanics. And the team emphasized the ongoing refinement of leech mechanics and the challenges they face in finding the right balance.