Key Takeaways:
- In Path of Exile 2, you can choose a difficulty level during character creation, with four unique settings: Standard, Hardcore, Solo Self-Found (SSF), and Hardcore Self-Found.
- The difficulty system scales challenges according to performance and progress, adjusting to your preferred style of play.
- Using Waystones and Orbs, endgame features such as the Atlas of Worlds allow for even more customization of difficulty.
- Once you select a difficulty during character creation, it cannot be changed, but gameplay decisions can indirectly adjust challenges.
Path of Exile 2 offers a unique approach to difficulty settings that can adapt to all player’s preferences. The game allows you to select a difficulty level when creating your character, regardless of your level of experience.
In addition, the game dynamically modifies the challenges according to your progression and play style. It ensures that you get a fresh and engaging experience throughout your journey.
In this guide, we will talk about the difficulty settings, explain how the system works, and tell you how you can change the difficulty level in Path of Exile 2.
Difficulty Settings Available During Character Creation
When you start a new game, you’ll be asked to choose from four difficulty settings. Each offers a unique gameplay experience customized to different playstyles:
1. Standard
- Recommended for new or casual players.
- Dying has minimal consequences, making it more forgiving.
- Perfect for gamers who want to enjoy the gameplay and learn the story without a lot of stress.
2. Hardcore
- Offers a single-life, high-stakes experience.
- If your character dies, they are demoted to the Standard League.
- Ideal for gamers looking for a challenge that will make them sweat.
3. Solo Self-Found (SSF)
- Designed for players who prefer to play alone.
- Disables trading and social features.
- Ideal for those who want a personal journey.
4. Hardcore Self-Found
- Combines the Hardcore and SSF modes.
- One life and no external assistance.
- Perfect for most serious and hardcore gamers.
Note: Once you select a difficulty mode, it cannot be changed. Your experience is locked into the chosen mode for that character.
How to Change Difficulty Level in Path of Exile 2?
While there is not any traditional way or settings that allow you to choose the difficulty level between the game, you can dynamically adjust the challenge based on your playstyle. Here’s how it works.
- If you skip weaker enemies or rush through areas, the game will increase the difficulty. You will face tougher obstacles and enemies in your way, forcing you to adapt.
- Consider going over areas you have missed, farming weaker monsters, or upgrading your equipment through in-town shopping or crafting if you are having trouble with a particular area. These activities can help you grow stronger and tackle tougher enemies.
- Similarly, if you find yourself breezing through enemies, make sure to move on to unexplored zones. There you will find more difficult challenges.
- Conversely, if you spend more time in zones, eliminate monsters, and improve your build, it will make the challenges easy.
How to Adjust Difficulty with the Atlas of Worlds
Once you’ve completed the first three acts of the game, the difficulty increases further with the introduction of the Atlas of Worlds. Here’s what happens:
- After completing the first three acts, you’ll unlock Cruel difficulty.
- In Cruel mode, you replay the first three acts with tougher enemies and increased stakes.
- Completing Cruel difficulty allows you to access the Atlas of Worlds, which is the gateway to the endgame.
- The Atlas let you change difficulty levels by modifying maps with Waystones and Orbs.
How to Customize Difficulty in the Atlas
Waystones:
- Waystones allow you to access different maps. Each map has a baseline difficulty, which increases as you progress deeper into the Atlas.
Using Orbs:
- Orb of Augmentation: Adds minor modifiers to a map to make it better and a little harder.
- Orb of Transmutation: Transforms a map into a magic-tier map with stronger modifiers. It gives you greater rewards and tougher challenges.
Strategic Mapping:
- Carefully select maps and modifiers based on your build and playstyle.
- Experiment with different configurations to adjust the difficulty as you like.
How to Handle Difficulty in Path of Exile 2?
- Choose the right builds that suit your playstyle and excel in your chosen difficulty mode.
- Balance offense and defense to deal with tougher enemies.
- Don’t rush your progression. Spend time farming for better gear or crafting powerful items.
- Understand the enemy mechanics and attack patterns to tackle them easily.
- Connect with the Path of Exile 2 community on forums and Discord to gain insights and tips from experienced players.
Conclusion
Path of Exile 2 provides a unique and flexible difficulty system. You can choose any of the four distinct modes during character creation, and it will evolve dynamically as you progress through the game.
Although there is no official way to change the difficulty level in Path of Exile 2, endgame mechanics like the Atlas of Worlds can enhance your experience and also customize the difficulty.
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