POE 2 Dawn of the Hunt Faces Criticism for Balance Issues
- Ray Kasen
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
The latest update for POE 2 Dawn of the Hunt has sparked significant controversy and criticism from both players and streamers alike. The update, which introduced a new class, the Huntress, along with a plethora of new skills, ascendancy classes, and endgame improvements, was highly anticipated. However, the reality of the update has fallen short of expectations, leading to a wave of dissatisfaction within the community.

Difficulty and Balance
One of the most glaring issues with the POE 2 Dawn of the Hunt update is the significant increase in difficulty. Players have reported that the game has become incredibly hard, with player characters feeling severely underpowered while monsters deal ridiculous amounts of damage. This imbalance has made progressing through the campaign a grueling task, leading many players to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. The lack of adequate playtesting before the patch went live is evident, as players struggle to overcome even basic encounters.
The new class, the Huntress, has also been criticized for underperforming. Despite the hype surrounding its introduction, the Huntress fails to stand out among the other classes, and no class seems to excel in the current meta. This lack of differentiation has left players feeling that their character choices are inconsequential, further dampening the overall experience.
Player Feedback and Community Reaction
The community's reaction to the POE 2 Dawn of the Hunt update has been overwhelmingly negative. Players have taken to forums, social media, and streaming platforms to express their dissatisfaction with the current state of the game. The consensus is that the update has made the game unnecessarily punishing, with little reward for the increased effort required to progress. This has led to a significant drop in player morale and enjoyment, with many considering quitting the game rather than waiting for hotfixes to address the issues.

Impact on Game Popularity
The controversy surrounding the POE 2 Dawn of the Hunt update poses a serious threat to the long-term popularity of Path of Exile 2. With players struggling to overcome the campaign and feeling disillusioned with the game's balance, the risk of a mass exodus from the player base is high. If Grinding Gear Games does not act swiftly to address these issues, the game's community could dwindle, leading to a loss of interest and engagement.
Call to Action for Grinding Gear Games
In light of the current issues plaguing Path of Exile 2, it is crucial for Grinding Gear Games to take immediate action. The developer needs to prioritize buffing player powers and nerfing monster damage to restore balance to the game. This will not only alleviate the frustration felt by the community but also ensure that the game remains enjoyable and engaging for both new and veteran players.
The Dawn of the Hunt update had the potential to revitalize Path of Exile 2, but its poor execution has led to a wave of criticism and dissatisfaction. By addressing the core issues of difficulty and balance, Grinding Gear Games can salvage the update and maintain the game's popularity. The community is eagerly awaiting a response, and the developer's next steps will be critical in determining the future of Path of Exile 2.
In conclusion, the Dawn of the Hunt update for Path of Exile 2 has been met with significant controversy due to its increased difficulty and poor balance. Players are struggling to progress, and the new class has failed to impress. Grinding Gear Games must act swiftly to address these issues and restore the game's enjoyment, or risk losing a substantial portion of its player base. The community's calls for buffs to player powers and nerfs to monster damage are loud and clear, and the developer's response will be crucial in shaping the game's future.