The recent 0.1.0b Patch Notes for Path of Exile 2 introduced a variety of significant changes aimed at enhancing gameplay and addressing community feedback. Here are the key highlights from the update:
Passive Block Chance: The passive block chance now applies to blockable hits from all directions, improving defensive capabilities against attacks that come from the sides or behind, rather than just from the front.
Dodge Rolling Mechanics: Player size is reduced to zero units while dodge rolling, allowing players to slip through tight spaces between enemies and push smaller monsters like Adorned Beetles during rolls. This change aims to reduce instances where players feel trapped by enemy mobs.
Leech Buff: The leech mechanic has been enhanced, allowing players to recover more life or mana.
Armor Break Duration: The duration of Armor Break has been increased from 6 to 12 seconds, making it a more viable strategy against tougher foes.
Hit Rate Limits: Skills like Rain of Arrows and Firestorm now have hit-rate limits to prevent them from overwhelming large bosses, ensuring a more balanced combat experience.
User Interface Improvements: New features include a CTRL+Click shortcut for opening the Currency Exchange and updated suggested supports for various skills, enhancing usability for players using controllers.
World Map Adjustments: World Map Pins for non-specific encounter locations have been removed, streamlining navigation within the game.
Numerous bugs have been addressed in this patch, including issues related to player minions getting stuck in certain areas and various client crashes across platforms. Notably, fixes were made to ensure that players can no longer revive party members from excessive distances and that certain passive skills function correctly without causing unintended effects.
The patch notes have sparked mixed reactions among players. While many appreciate the improvements to dodge mechanics and block chances, there are ongoing concerns regarding game stability and crash frequency. Players like AshaMarie expressed frustration over accessing patch notes due to website issues, highlighting a desire for better communication from Grinding Gear Games (GGG) regarding updates and fixes. Others noted that while some skills were nerfed, the overall balance adjustments were welcomed as they aim to enhance gameplay fairness and enjoyment.
In summary, the Path of Exile 2 0.1.0b patch brings a host of improvements that refine gameplay mechanics while addressing community concerns. As GGG continues to iterate on player feedback, further updates are anticipated to enhance the overall experience in this expansive action RPG.