Path of Exile 2's challenging endgame has sparked debate among players, prompting a response from the developers. Co-directors Mark Roberts and Jonathan Rogers defended the difficulty in a recent interview, emphasizing the importance of meaningful consequences for death. They argued that the current system, which includes the loss of experience points in the Atlas of Worlds, prevents players from progressing too quickly beyond their skill level. Rogers stated, "If you’re dying all the time then you’re probably not ready to keep going up the power curve."

While acknowledging player concerns, the developers affirmed their commitment to maintaining a challenging endgame experience. They highlighted that altering core mechanics, such as the number of portals, would fundamentally change the game's feel. The team at Grinding Gear Games is currently reviewing the various elements contributing to the endgame's difficulty to ensure a balanced and authentic experience.

Path of Exile 2, launched in early access in December 2024, features a revamped skill system with 240 active skill gems and 12 character classes. After completing the main story, players unlock the challenging endgame, navigating the intricate Atlas of Worlds and facing formidable bosses and complex maps. The recent 0.1.0 patch addressed various bugs and performance issues, particularly on PlayStation 5. Future updates, including the anticipated 0.1.1 patch, are planned to further refine the gameplay experience.

Despite the availability of advanced strategies and guides focusing on high-Waystone Tier maps, gear optimization, and portal usage, many players still find the endgame excessively difficult. The Atlas of Worlds, unlocked after completing the main campaign on Cruel Difficulty, presents a series of interconnected maps teeming with high-level challenges designed for experienced players. These challenges include demanding bosses, intricate map layouts, and the necessity for meticulously crafted builds.