The latest patch notes for Path of Exile 2 unveil a series of balance changes for Season 3, aptly named The Third Edict. Among the myriad updates, a particularly noteworthy addition is the introduction of a ‘grace period’ for the newly implemented sprint feature, aimed at alleviating the frustration of accidental deaths that players have encountered. For those who have experienced the pitfalls of this feature, the adjustment is a welcome relief, ensuring that players can sprint without the fear of being abruptly incapacitated.
Significant Enhancements and Gameplay Improvements
The recent update has left a positive impression, especially with the fourth chapter of the campaign, which stands out as one of the most engaging acts in the ARPG genre in recent memory. The interludes serve as an excellent substitute for the previously removed cruel difficulty, while crafting mechanics are evolving to feel more player-centric and rewarding. The endgame content continues to expand, signaling that Grinding Gear Games is on the right path to solidifying the sequel’s place alongside its predecessor in the competitive landscape of games akin to Diablo.
With the introduction of numerous features, some challenges have emerged, prompting the release of Path of Exile 2 patch 0.3.0c. The most significant change addresses the sprint mechanic: “There is now a short grace period at the start of a sprint where being hit will not heavy stun you. This is equal to the minimum sprint duration, so you can now never be stunned out of an accidental sprint. The minimum sprint duration has been increased slightly to support this change.” This adjustment is particularly crucial, as the sprint feature, while exhilarating, has also posed risks of vulnerability during gameplay.
The sprint allows players to engage in high-speed movement, facilitating faster navigation and escape from adversaries. However, the previous risk of being knocked down upon taking damage while sprinting could lead to dire consequences, especially in the heat of battle. With this new grace period in place, players can now enjoy the thrill of sprinting without the looming threat of sudden defeat.
In addition to the sprint adjustments, the patch brings a host of balance improvements and enhancements to audio and visual cues for specific attacks. Players utilizing the Raise Specter skill will find it now applies to a wider array of creatures in act four, though it has been temporarily disabled for Boulder Ants. The Ancestral Warrior Totem will now correctly utilize the assigned weapon set, and skills that offer a chance to conserve crossbow ammo will now apply to each bolt fired, rather than just once per skill activation.
Furthermore, the character selection screen has been updated with a new button that mimics the ctrl-click function, allowing players to log into the nearest town or hideout instead of their last visited area. This feature is particularly useful in precarious situations. Additionally, players should note that the positions of the regular player stash and guild stash have been swapped in the Ziggurat, a small but significant change for inventory management.
Path of Exile 2 patch 0.3.0c is now live, and players can explore the comprehensive list of changes provided by Grinding Gear Games, which includes various adjustments and bug fixes, such as a solution for the issue preventing dodge rolling out of a sprint under certain conditions.
For those interested in optimizing their gameplay, our updated ranking of the best Path of Exile 2 classes is now available. Dive in before determining your next builds in this immersive world.
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