Endgame Feedback: The Atlas

1. Preface

This post is primarily meant for the developers. All feedback is centered on the Atlas passive tree. I understand the current version of the Atlas is likely far from finished, but I'd still like to provide my thoughts on its design.

All concerns are focused on how Atlas content is currently being accessed.

2. General Point Acquisition

Takes too long. Please frontload Atlas points, as you did in PoE 1. This lets us start interacting with the content we prefer to play with much quicker than we currently can.

For example, in PoE 1, the first 15 Atlas passives can (depending on how you choose to allocate them):

> guarantee at least one strongbox, essence, or shrine
> guarantee at least one Tormented Spirit
> guarantee at least one Harbinger
> provide at least a 40% increased chance to encounter a master
> provide at least a 44% increased chance to encounter a League mechanic (some are as high as 76%)

3. Atlas Trees for Side Content

I like this idea, but the current iteration is a hard miss.

1. It takes too long to get points.
2. Acquiring points requires completing boss fights.
3. You cannot spec into the entire tree.
4. You cannot guarantee the mechanic in your maps.

I'm sitting at 8/8 Expedition points right now, and I still don't get to enjoy it in as many maps as I would like.

I don't think Atlas content should be tablet-dependent. I think tablets should significantly enhance and/or alter your maps, but I don't think they should be what determines what you can and cannot run; that power should come from the Altas skill tree.

4. Summary of Concerns

1. Points take too long to acquire.
2. Points (and passives) don't feel as powerful as they do in PoE 1.
3. Point acquisition for the general tree and for side content feels wrong.
4. No way to guarantee the content you prefer running.

5. Summary of What Feels Good in PoE 1

1. Being able to access side content relatively soon after reaching maps.
2. Being able to access side content when I want, after I've invested in it.
3. Being able to deeply specialize in side content.
4. The method of acquiring Atlas passive points (simply completing a map's bonus objective, with some additional points being tied to pinnacle bosses).

Looking forward to what you guys are able to cook up. Thanks for all the hard work. Happy New Year!