“Stick to the road?” A small plea from campaign enjoyers

First, I'd like to thank you for the recent updates aimed at reducing frustrating backtracking. I’d like to offer an alternative viewpoint regarding the reduction of area sizes.

Reducing zone sizes might seem like a straightforward solution, but perhaps there's a more immersive approach, one that maintains smooth pacing while preserving the joy of exploration. For some of us, the campaign itself is the heart of the game. We thrive on exploration, willingly getting lost as we step off the main path, discovering hidden corners, and appreciating the game’s beautifully designed world.

Rather than adding explicit checkpoints or shrinking zones, what if POE2 guided players more naturally, through subtle visual cues integrated into the landscape? POE1 already includes many great examples of such "soft navigation": roads, rivers, torches lighting a trail, and subtle clues like abandoned caravans or monster tracks pointing you in the right direction.

These visual hints could become even more impactful if complemented by a clearly enhanced overview on the Quest page. Act 1 offers a perfect example, presenting recognizable landmarks that help players mentally map their journey. Why not take that idea further? Clearly highlighting these landmarks both in-game and in the quest overview could allow players to naturally find their way, eliminating the need for artificial checkpoints.

I completely understand the desire of many players to rush through the campaign, complete their league challenges quickly, and collect their rewards. That style of play is entirely valid. But let’s not forget another type of player, the ones for whom the campaign is a genuine adventure.

We’re the ones who methodically explore every area, appreciating every detail: be it stone, tree, or monster, as we journey through. Not because we have to, but because we enjoy it. We appreciate the story, lore, and intricate details hidden within each zone. While efficiency-driven players deserve their streamlined paths, explorers deserve their richly detailed detours. Why not offer rewards to players who choose to stray from the beaten path, rewarding their curiosity with hidden lore, unique loot, special encounters, or experiences unavailable on the main road?

I’d love to see future acts featuring larger, more diverse areas, with real incentives for exploration. Consider rare secret dungeons, unique mini-bosses appearing only under certain conditions, hidden lore interactions, environmental puzzles, temporary buffs found off the main path, or even paths that appear randomly, giving each journey a sense of discovery and uniqueness.

These kinds of thoughtful details make exploration feel fresh and rewarding, without forcing anyone into it. Players who prefer speed can still take the shortest route, while those of us who enjoy exploring can savor a richer, more immersive journey.

When I first started playing POE1, my friend gave me just one piece of advice: "Stick to the road." I didn't listen. I wandered, got lost, backtracked and enjoyed every moment of it.

GGG, the steps you're taking with Path of Exile 2 are undoubtedly moving in the right direction. But please continue to keep the world vast, mysterious, and slightly untamed for those of us who cherish exploration.

Let the road-runners have their efficient journeys, but please, don’t forget the explorers. We’re still out here, happily clearing the campaign: one stone, one chest, one hidden corner at a time.

TLDR: GGG's changes to reduce backtracking are great, but shrinking zones isn’t ideal for everyone. Please keep areas large and immersive, clearly guiding speedrunners with visual cues such as roads, and reward exploration for players who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.