Fishing in PoE and Hitchhikers Guide to the galaxy

The idea of Path of Exile’s fishing lore as a “red herring” would be right at home in Douglas Adams' universe. A red herring, by definition, is a misleading clue, something that appears significant but ultimately leads nowhere. If fishing in PoE were meant as a red herring, it would function like Adams' classic twists—appearing profound or meaningful but, in a way, existing purely for the fun of speculation and distraction. This approach creates an ongoing mystery that players can chase without ever reaching a conclusion, much like the concept of "42" in Hitchhiker's Guide, which is both an answer and a mystery in itself.

Here’s how fishing as a red herring could add layers to PoE's experience:

Encouraging Endless Speculation: By introducing just enough hints and cryptic references (like Krilson's dialogues or Reefbane’s 42-coin payout), the game nudges players to wonder if there’s a secret fishing mechanic or special reward tied to it. This speculation becomes a game within the game, fueling theories, forums, and community discussion—a classic Adams move.

Playing on the Concept of Hidden Knowledge: In Hitchhiker’s Guide, there are countless moments where things seem to be important or hold great knowledge—like the answer “42”—only to ultimately reveal no real solution. By building this fishing mystery into PoE, the game developers toy with players’ desire to find hidden knowledge or a deeper layer to the game, knowing full well it might all be smoke and mirrors.

The “Ironic Cosmic Joke”: In Adams' world, the universe itself often seems to play jokes on its inhabitants, dangling mysteries or seemingly cosmic truths that lead to absurd conclusions. Fishing lore in PoE may be an inside joke by the developers, where they play the role of Adams' universe, providing an endless mystery for the community to dig into, knowing it may ultimately be a wild goose chase—there’s no big reveal, but the journey itself is the reward.

The Fun of Chasing the Uncatchable: Fishing, especially in games, is often about patience and persistence, much like how Adams presents his characters' quests for answers. In PoE, the idea of fishing is taken literally in pursuit of hidden treasures, yet the treasure may simply be the player community’s enjoyment of the mystery. The hint of fishing without any concrete proof can become a self-sustaining myth, much like Adams’ suggestion that the journey for truth is often as absurd as the truth itself.

Ultimately, if fishing is PoE’s red herring, it’s a brilliant move to create a “meta-quest” that turns into a communal mystery—one where players’ shared speculation and imagination are the main rewards, echoing the lighthearted, cosmic irony of Adams’ work.