Trials are too difficult and they are killing player progression
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I believe that Trials in Path of Exile 2 are currently too difficult and not properly balanced. For certain classes, they become nearly impossible to complete, making progression feel frustrating rather than rewarding. One of the biggest draws of this game is its progression system—unlocking new skills, items, and ascendancy points keeps me engaged and motivated to continue playing. However, the way Trials are designed at the moment is demotivating, as they create a major roadblock in that progression.
The Main Issues with Trials 1. Excessive Difficulty & Class Imbalance - Even at level 85, with one of the strongest Monk builds available, I am unable to complete a level 75 Chaos Trial—the easiest variant for my build. - This is not due to a weak build; my character is powerful. The main issue stems from the poorly designed penalty system, which often creates situations that are nearly impossible to overcome. 2. Harsh Penalty Design - The penalties imposed in Trials are not well-balanced and can lead to unavoidable failures. - The difficulty of a Trial is often determined by luck rather than skill. If the penalty choices are particularly bad, the run is essentially doomed before it even begins. 3. Trial Length and Accessibility - Trials are too long, making repeated attempts exhausting and discouraging. - Access to Ultimatums and Baryas is too limited, further reducing the opportunities to engage with Trials effectively. Impact on Player Retention and Leagues - As a casual player, the current design makes it highly unlikely that I will ever experience a full 8-point Ascendancy build, which is incredibly discouraging. - With the introduction of Leagues and resets, the issue will only get worse. If Trials remain this inaccessible, many players will avoid making new characters, as the grind to unlock all Ascendancy points will feel insurmountable. - Personally, I will not continue playing once Leagues and resets are introduced unless Trials become more accessible. The thought of restarting a character and facing the same frustrating process over again makes it feel like all my hard-earned progress will be wasted. Suggested Improvements - Adjust the penalty system to make it more strategic rather than completely luck-based. - Reduce the length of Trials so that failing does not feel like an overwhelming setback. - Improve accessibility for casual players by either scaling difficulty more effectively or providing alternative ways to earn Ascendancy points. If these issues are not addressed, I believe many players will quit long before the official release. Trials should enhance the experience of progressing through the game, not hinder it to the point of discouragement. Making them more accessible will help maintain player engagement and encourage long-term investment in the game. Last edited by Pojinko#4559 on Mar 24, 2025, 1:32:48 PM Last bumped on Mar 28, 2025, 6:38:24 PM
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" They obviously didn't have enough time to do this right. What makes the Trials ridiculous is that it's not balanced and optimized to provide challenge specifically to the character undertaking challenge. It's just an RNG clusterf##k where you literally just need to get lucky with the choices presented per stage in order to clear the Trials. Either that or you RMT enough currency to copy OP builds. All in all, a perfectly designed and balanced game /s |
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+7
Fuck that bird in Trials of Chaos! Last edited by Aulyx#1181 on Mar 24, 2025, 3:48:12 PM
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+90
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Trials are pretty easy after the first time.
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+110
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" Stop lying, you lying liar! No, but seriously, that's straight up false. |
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Can't really argue with this.
They took one of the most rng parts of the first game and thought it was a good idea for an ascendancy trial cos apparently Izaro's every changing labyrinth just wasn't random enough for GGG. Things like this should never be left up to chance, imo, as they can load other systems and mechanics up with all the random chance they want but a core gameplay mechanic that your character relies on to progress? Yeah, it's just.. bad design. |
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" I'm not. They're very easy. Haven't had an issue since week 2 of EA. 5 toons 90+ and a level 100. Trials are easy af. |
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Quoted wrong post this is meant at OP
If you struggle with trials come back to them when higher level. I used to feel the same but now farm them happily later on. It is really a temporary set back initially. I really believed unlocking the 8pts of Ascendancy would never happen. Chaos can be brutal sometimes if RNG hates you that run....same with Sek. For the most part eventually you will be the bully in the event. Last edited by rhalbhub#0570 on Mar 25, 2025, 2:35:51 PM
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