Path of Exile 2 has recently garnered feedback from its player base regarding map sizes, particularly expressing frustration with the extensive areas in Act 3. Many players felt overwhelmed by the sprawling maps, which often seemed to drag on indefinitely. Although some of these expansive designs were intentional, accommodating specific game mechanics such as boss placement, the development team has acknowledged the critique and plans to implement adjustments.
In an official forum announcement, the developers detailed that several Act 3 maps are set for revisions in response to player input following their recent update. Here’s an overview of the maps that will be reworked in the forthcoming updates.
Improvements Coming to Act 3 Maps in Path of Exile 2
The Dawn of the Hunt update for Path of Exile 2 has received mixed reactions, prompting developers to seek player feedback for enhancements. Among the anticipated changes, adjustments to map sizes are a prominent topic of interest.
However, it’s important to note that not all maps are being downsized; some will see modifications aimed at streamlining item acquisition, effectively reducing the overall length of player journeys through these areas.
While no specific release date has been provided for these changes, the developers have indicated that they will roll out “within the next few days” as of April 7, 2025. The following maps are set to undergo notable revisions:
- The Drowned City: Previously featured a dead end leading to an inaccessible door. This section will be removed to alleviate backtracking and streamline navigation.
- Utzaal: Similar to The Drowned City, this map has redundant dead ends that will be addressed to enhance the flow of exploration.
- The Apex of Filth: Originally designed in a spiral shape to accommodate the boss arena, this area will be resized for improved accessibility.
- The Azak Bog: This map’s boss location variability made navigation cumbersome. It will now feature a rectangular layout for quicker access to the boss without the need to explore every corner.
- Infested Barrens: This area complicates pathfinding due to a waypoint necessity for returning to Chimeral Wetlands. Changes aim to simplify this process.
- Jungle Ruins: The entrance leading to the Infested Barrens will be made more visible, with adjustments to the checkpoint for better navigation.
- Chimeral Wetlands: This area will see entrances for the Temple of the Chaos and Machinarium moved closer together to minimize backtracking.
- Jiquani’s Machinarium: An additional Soul Core will be included to simplify the search process, reducing time spent in this area.
- Jiquani’s Sanctum: Like the Machinarium, an extra Soul Core will be added to aid players in their search.
These updates could significantly streamline certain side quests in Path of Exile 2, such as the task of finding Mushrooms in the Apex of Filth, which currently demands tedious searching. Completion of this task rewards players with a valuable Life and Mana potion (Magic/Blue rarity). Similarly, improvements may impact main story quests like the Legacy of the Vaal, potentially making gameplay less cumbersome.
As these changes unfold, players will inevitably discover whether the adjustments cultivate a more enjoyable experience, particularly concerning the pacing of the main campaign maps.