[Feedback] PoE2: Dawn of the Hunt League – Thoughts Pre/Post Patch 0.2b

So yeah, even though Dawn of the Hunt didn’t launch super clean or fully polished, I was still hyped. I’d put in some practice runs before league start and felt ready to push to endgame fast.

But through the late patch notes leading up to the league, I realized a bunch of builds especially the ones I’d practiced got hit with serious nerfs. Some skills felt gutted, and a few classes borderline unplayable without creative workarounds. Still, I played with the hand I was dealt.

One thing I loved back in 0.1 (not sure if this is something inherited from PoE1) was how much theorycrafting and class flexibility mattered. For example, leveling a Monk with a bow and quiver until around level 14, then transitioning into Ice Strike with a physical staff it felt clever, unique, and honestly fun. I don’t know of any other ARPGs that encourage that kind of flexibility. I really hope they keep that.

That said, I also wish every class could be more viable using its own kit from start to finish. I want to play a Monk as a Monk and still do okay even if it’s not meta. I’m not asking for every class to be equally strong, just that they should feel functional and fulfilling on their own.

Now about difficulty: I actually enjoy the slower, more punishing combat. That Soulslike weight? I’m all for it. I don’t think PoE2 needs to be PoE1 it should stand as its own thing. GGG said they’ll support both games, and I think that’s the right call. If some people aren’t into the slower, heavier vibe, they’ve still got PoE1.

Now post-0.2b patch, I did notice improvements monster life was reduced from levels 8–64, Rogue Exiles got a 40% nerf, minion life was rolled back, ailment thresholds adjusted. Huge props to the devs for acting that fast it genuinely helped with pacing.

But there’s still room for improvement:

Mob chase speed is a bit intense kiting and repositioning can feel stressful in ways that don’t feel fair.

Projectile spam from some enemies, is over the top and doesn’t give you much breathing room.

The reward system is still lacking. Whether it’s magic mobs, rares, whispers, exiles, or bosses the loot too often feels irrelevant. Even if it’s not BIS gear, it should feel like something. In a game with this Soulslike tone, getting through tough fights should feel rewarding, not just exhausting.

I don’t need a loot shower. But I do want that feeling of progression. When I hit a synergy node in my passive tree, I want it to feel impactful. When I beat a boss or open a chest, I want even a small dopamine hit something that says, “Hey, you're on the right path.”

For context: I’m not a PoE1 vet. In fact, I’ve never played it. I’ve got around 200 hours in PoE2, and maybe I still have things to learn. Maybe I’m just venting. But when Dawn of the Hunt first dropped and I reached the end of Act 1, I was doing almost no damage. I felt like I had mastered the mechanics timing, positioning, cooldowns but my damage didn’t reflect that, and the fights dragged on. After ten tries on the Act 1 boss, I quit. No dopamine, just frustration.

The combat? Satisfying. The visuals? Gorgeous. The tone? Exactly what I want personally in an ARPG. But the feeling of reward just wasn’t there.

Props to GGG again for being so fast with updates. I can tell they’re listening. I want to love this game. I just need a little more payoff for the pain.

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WinterSoldier#7911 wrote:

I just need a little more payoff for the pain.

Any example..?

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chobo999#2010 wrote:

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WinterSoldier#7911 wrote:

I just need a little more payoff for the pain.

Any example..?

With all due respect, I think my post covered plenty of examples. Feel free to give it another read. All the best!

All good my guy