Improving minion AI in Path of Exile 2: Adding a minion control system

Here's suggestions based on improving the Minion AI in POE2 - I received some help by ChatGPT through explaining what I want in the AI because I suck at constructive writing - but this perfectly sums up exactly what i'm looking for!

Problem overview: Currently, players in Path of Exile 2 lack direct control over their minions, which can lead to frustration in situations where minions attack unwanted targets, fail to prioritize threats, or behave unpredictably. This makes minion builds feel less strategic and more reliant on AI behavior, reducing player agency.

Proposed solution: Introduce a minion control bar that allows players to influence minion behavior dynamically. This system would offer a balance between automation and player input, ensuring minion-based gameplay is engaging and strategic.

Features of the minion control bar

1. Behavior modes
Players can toggle between three distinct behavior modes for their minions:

Aggressive mode: Minions actively seek out and attack enemies within range. This mode is ideal for clearing content quickly but may result in splitting focus on weaker mobs.

Defensive mode: Minions stay close to the player and prioritize attacking enemies targeting or near the player. This mode is excellent for survivability and boss encounters.

Neutral mode (Passive): Minions do not attack unless commanded. They follow the player closely and prioritize staying alive. This mode suits precise encounters or scenarios where positioning is critical.

2. Targeting Commands

Add a button to force minions to attack a specific enemy. Players can bind this command to a hotkey or click directly on a target.
This ensures that minions can prioritize high-value targets like bosses or dangerous rare mobs during combat.

3. Summon-Specific behaviors
Allow customization of individual summon types. For example:

Skeleton warriors prioritize melee combat.

Skeleton mages (or any form of ranged) target enemies at range.

4. Leash range control

Introduce a slider to adjust the leash range of minions, determining how far they can stray from the player. Shorter ranges could benefit defensive builds, while longer ranges enhance aggressive ones.


Balancing concerns

To maintain the challenge of Path of Exile 2:

Minion control systems should remain optional.

Players who prefer the current hands-off style can continue without using these controls.

Implement these features in a way that scales with the complexity of the content.

For example, detailed controls could be introduced as players acquire advanced minion skills or engage in higher-level content.

Minion controls should not trivialize the game but instead provide tools to handle specific challenges more effectively.

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Adding a minion control bar with the features described above would greatly enhance the gameplay experience for summoner-focused builds in Path of Exile 2. These changes encourage strategic thinking, improve combat efficiency, and give players greater agency in how they use their minions while preserving the game's core mechanics.