As the anticipation for Path of Exile 2’s 0.3.0 league intensifies, so does the collective concern of players who have adapted well to the current version. History, after all, can be unforgiving for any ARPG player: if something seems too advantageous, it is unlikely to remain that way.
Certain unique items, particularly those available early in the game, can offer exponential power boosts that disrupt the progression curve. If a specific unique trivializes content for an extended period or enables excessively efficient farming of PoE 2 Currency by enhancing speed or drops without a corresponding challenge, its statistics are likely to be reassessed.
Over-Tuned Starter Skills: Each new Path of Exile experience typically features a few standout skills that simplify early acts. Whether it is a spell with excessively high base damage or an attack that scales too easily with minimal investment, these early-game powerhouses often undergo adjustments to their numbers. Players should expect a few popular early choices to feel noticeably weaker, encouraging exploration of more diverse options.
Abusive Movement Skill Interactions: The speed at which players traverse the world is an ongoing balancing challenge. If a particular movement skill, possibly combined with a global speed buff or a cooldown reduction mechanic, allows for almost instant map traversal, it becomes a prime candidate for adjustment. We might see increased mana costs, longer cooldowns, or even reduced range on the most problematic skills.
Defensive Overlords (The "Unkillable" Builds): Patch 0.3.0 is likely to tackle any combination of defensive layers that renders a character nearly immortal without substantial investment. This could involve specific defensive ascendancy nodes, unique items providing excessive mitigation, or even certain gem/support-gem interactions that offer excessive raw defense or recovery. The aim is to ensure that even tanky builds still face meaningful challenges.
Passive Tree Clusters with Too Much Value: The passive skill tree is an extensive network, and sometimes a single cluster provides an disproportionate amount of damage, utility, or defense for its point investment. Identifying and adjusting these "must-take" nodes is essential to ensure build diversity is not hindered by a few overwhelmingly powerful pathways.
Any mechanic that enables effortless and endless resource generation—whether it be mana, energy shield, or life—without player input or strategic engagement is typically under scrutiny. Automated, high-sustain builds diminish much of the game’s engaging combat loop, making them prime candidates for a reduction in effectiveness.
If a particular map, monster type, or league mechanic consistently produces an excessive amount of valuable PoE 2 Currency for sale or high-tier base items with minimal risk or specific setup, it is almost certain to be adjusted. The developers aim to maintain a diverse economy rather than one dominated by a single, easily exploitable farming method.
