Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
The latest Path of Exile 2 update, version 0.2.0, has faced significant disapproval from players. The extensive application of nerfs has alienated a considerable portion of players who appreciate action RPGs primarily for their intense monster combat, exposing a fundamental design conflict within Path of Exile 2, as noted by Russell Adderson. This situation unexpectedly created an opportunity for Last Epoch.
Last Epoch Capitalizes on Path of Exile 2 Discontent
Eleventh Hour Games, the developers behind the rival action RPG Last Epoch, inadvertently found themselves in an advantageous position. Similar to a perfectly timed comedic entrance, they strategically postponed the release of Last Epoch’s Season 2 update, “Tombs of the Erased,” to avoid being overshadowed by another launch. This delay positioned them to effectively attract disillusioned Path of Exile 2 players seeking alternative action RPG experiences.
Strategic Release Date Shift
Game director Judd “Moxx” Cobbler explained on the Last Epoch forum, “We’ve recently learned that our friends in the ARPG space have chosen a release date just a couple days after ours which would divide the player base and hinder the success of our Season 2 launch.” Consequently, the launch of “Tombs of the Erased” was rescheduled for April 17th, a move that proved highly beneficial.
Surge in Last Epoch Player Base
Data from SteamDB confirms the success of this strategic maneuver. Last Epoch witnessed a dramatic surge in its player count, jumping from a few thousand concurrent players to an impressive 150,198 upon the release of Season 2. This surge propelled Last Epoch to the 6th position among Steam’s most played games, placing it between popular titles like Bongo Cat and Baldur’s Gate 3, demonstrating its newfound popularity within the action RPG landscape.
Tombs of the Erased: A Substantial Update
Significant Content and System Overhaul
“Tombs of the Erased” represents a substantial enhancement for Last Epoch, encompassing “over 100 pages internally of patch notes.” Key features of this expansive update include:
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- Complete rework of the sentinel class.
- Introduction of a new skill for the rogue marksman.
- Addition of six novel endgame crafting methods.
- Implementation of the “Tombs of the Erased” side zones, serving as foundational elements for new endgame systems.
This comprehensive update constitutes a significant addition and refinement to the game, and the player community has widely acknowledged its positive impact, even expressing their satisfaction through online memes directed at Path of Exile 2.
Action RPG Alternatives and Player Choice
Despite the success of Last Epoch’s Season 2 update, some observers note the decision to switch from one constantly evolving live-service action RPG to another may present a similar long-term dynamic. They suggest considering alternative action RPG experiences, such as Grim Dawn, highlighting the breadth of options available within the genre for players seeking engaging monster-slaying gameplay.