The latest build of Path of Exile 2 marks a monumental update from Grinding Gear Games (GGG), featuring an extensive array of changes and enhancements. In this article, we delve into the key highlights of Patch Notes 0.1.1 for PoE2, a patch that promises to elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
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Table of Contents
- General Changes
- Skill Changes
- Monster Changes
- Endgame Changes
- Other Changes
General Changes
Let's kick off with the core updates in gameplay and interface. A new League Migrations button has been introduced, allowing players to seamlessly transfer their characters to parent leagues. Strongbox mechanics have seen significant improvements; intervals between enemy waves are now shorter, and distinguishing between spawned and original map mobs is easier. A pesky bug preventing monster spawns has been squashed, and fog now clears once all enemies are defeated. You'll encounter Research Strongboxes more frequently, enhancing your exploration. Moreover, runes socketed in equipment can now be swapped out, armor effectiveness has been boosted, and character level no longer gates access to Expedition Vendors—instead, the rarity of items depends on the shop's level, a change that won't affect existing setups.
Minions dying too far from your character now respawn instantly nearby, making them more reliable companions. Uncut Gems now display their level within their item names for easier identification. Equipped Charms now show the remaining charges, and map entry is safer as monsters no longer spawn right at the entrance. Item pickup is now smoother, even when your character is engaged in other actions. The developers have also enhanced overall game performance, particularly in shadow-heavy areas, increased loading speeds, optimized boss fights and visual effects, and improved gameplay in The Ziggurat Encampment.
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Skill Changes
Skill updates include capping the Supercharged Slam skill's radius at 3 meters, adjusting Scavenged Plating to grant more stacks against stronger foes, and clarifying the Vine Arrow skill description to specify hits upon landing. The Pain Offering skill has lost its Aura tag, and skills in Meta Gems can no longer gain energy. The Lightning Bolt skill has been renamed to Greater Lightning Bolt, emphasizing its unique source from the Choir of the Storm amulet, with adjusted damage mechanics.
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Monster Changes
Monster behavior has been refined; mobs from Essence Monoliths can't use their skills right away, but their toughness is significantly increased. Boss hitboxes have been adjusted to better match visual attack animations, and the spawn rate of certain monsters has been reduced. Energy shield values for mobs have been re-evaluated to make map clearing more enjoyable. Over 40 changes to mob visual effects and attack patterns have been implemented, enhancing the overall game experience without drastically altering gameplay.
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Endgame Changes
Endgame content sees the introduction of four new Tower Map areas, with the Lost Towers Map receiving an update. The Arbiter of Ash boss fight now offers six attempts instead of one, with the Falling Flame Seed skill now uninterruptible and the Flaming Gale skill unblockable. The boss now targets players more directly, lessening focus on minions. Maps now feature checkpoints, ensuring encounters with at least three Rare Monsters per map. Monster balance has been adjusted in various maps, like Untainted Paradise, which now boasts twice the monster count. Some areas have more chests, and bosses appear more frequently, though the chance for Map Bosses to drop Waystones has been reduced.
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Other Changes
GGG has tackled over 70 bugs, including client crashes, quest mechanics, and in-game interactions. Visual effects have been polished, and more than 20 controller-related issues have been resolved. Over 100 equipment items have been rebalanced to ensure fair play. Notably, the item Original Sin now grants +17-23% Chaos Resistance instead of nullifying it.
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This colossal update brings over 300 changes to Path of Exile 2. For the complete list, visit the official PoE2 website. We've highlighted the most impactful updates here and look forward to the next patch and the much-anticipated release of version 1.0!
