Feedback for the Devs

After ~180 hours, I’m taking a break from POE2 to play another ARPG. Before I go, here’s a little feedback in the hope it and other feedback leads to improvements that will draw me back to the game.

The Good

POE2 is easily one of the best ARPGs as it stands. I really like the new skill-gem approach, along with the mapping system, with its new visuals, diversity and the ability to really customize my encounters. I also love my Ice Strike Invoker Monk, which is one of my favorite classes in any game.

The Bad

1. The Labyrinth is one of the things that drove me to quit POE1, and the new ascendancy system, while improved, will probably do the same. I did the first four points with little difficulty, but the Trial of Sekhemas really turned me off. I so hate traps, in any game, and apparently have developed a mental block to even attempting them with any degree of calm enjoyment, that I failed repeatedly and finally said “No thanks.” Absent any improvements, this will be one of the things that permanently drives me away.

2. The archaic trading system, aside from the currency exchange, which I really like, is still a huge pet peeve for me. I understand you’re working on some improvements, and I truly hope they’re instituted in the near future. If they are and we have an in-game auction house, or similar, that will help draw me back.

3. Punishment and adding insult to injury. When playing POE1, I often got the feeling that the goal of the devs was not to provide the utmost in player enjoyment, but the upmost in player torment. While I appreciate challenge, including all the amazing new boss encounters, there comes a time when rubbing dirt in my wounds is too much to take. I speak specifically of subtracting XP when a character dies in endgame. Seriously? I put in the time an effort, lost a valuable map and upgrade mats, and you choose to rub some dirt in my wounds by taking away the XP I should have earned, plus a bit more? Please, please, please tell me how this approach adds to my enjoyment of your game? If this is not changed, it will definitely drive me away.

4. Crafting. I imagine you know this and I am hopeful you’re working on it. Because there really is no crafting ATM. There’s just a gambling system that makes it incredibly difficult, costly and time consuming, without targeted, deterministic crafting, to get the proper affixes on gear. Fixing this is a must.

5. Loot. While I appreciate the changes which have already been made, I’m still truly underwhelmed by the quality of the loot drops. While I’ve gotten a boatload of uniques, including multiple duplicates, I’ve yet to get one that I could use on my main character. And the rares seem incredibly underwhelming for my level-80 character.

That’s my two cents. Hope it helps make POE2 as outstanding a game as it can be.