With the expansion Echoes of the Atlas, the hack and slash Path of Exile (PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S) receives some balancing changes – especially for the Ascendancies.
What changes are there? With Patch 3.13 “Echoes of the Atlas” balancing changes will be implemented for the three classes Elementalist, Inquisitor, and Deadeye. These are intended to make the Ascendancies even more interesting.
These are the changes for the Ascendancies
We present the most important adjustments for the Ascendancies:
Simplification of the stats: The Ascendancy classes are to be slightly simplified but made more exciting. “Passive skills” have fewer stats, which will become more important.
For example, the “Quartz Infusion” of the Raider allows you to have Phasing at all times starting with version 3.13. Previously, you had to meet certain conditions, such as killing monsters, to have a chance of activating Phasing.
Notables: The notable skills are being revised to simplify the choice between them.
For instance, with “Master of Metal,” an additional Impale hit and the chance to Impale have been removed, as the “Passive” was too strong with them.
Optional strategies: Through a rebalancing of the powers in the Ascendancies, players should obtain optional strategies by choosing skills that were previously not very useful.
For example, players chose the skill node “Masterful Form” of the Slayer rather rarely, as it was not strong enough even for characters who had invested in “Frenzy Charge.” Therefore, it now grants +1 to “Maximum Frenzy Charges” instead of modifiers for charge duration.
Redistribution of the Ascendancy passives: The values between the Ascendancy passives will be redistributed and the layout or bonuses of the Ascendancies will be changed where it would make them more attractive for a broader range of character builds.
For instance, the Chaos-/Cold Damage over Time Multiplier on “Withering Presence” and “Frigid Wake” of the Occultist grants more Chaos-/Cold Damage, making this skill node more useful for hit-based Chaos and Cold builds.
What do players think about the changes? The community is predominantly excited about the balancing adjustments for all three affected classes.
- ottoginc writes on reddit: “This redesign of the Occultist is sooooo cool.”
- kfijatass says: “Deadeye’s Occupying Force is really very interesting.”
- Rossmallo explains: “As much as I love the Elementalist and am thrilled that he is getting buffed… the removal of the Herald Mana Reduction really hurts.”
What do you think about the balancing changes Path of Exile is getting? Are you excited about it?
Path of Exile’s already announced sequel is among the 8 new hack and slashes coming in 2021 while you wait for Diablo 4.
