With “Settlers of Kalguur”, the new content update for Path of Exile was released on July 26, 2024. While the launch on consoles faced challenges, the player numbers for the hack & slash adventure on Steam exploded.
How was the launch of “Settlers of Kalguur”? The new update for Path of Exile must have been a rollercoaster of emotions for the developers at Grinding Gear Games:
- For the first time ever, a major content update “Settlers of Kalguur” was released simultaneously for the PC and console versions of Path of Exile. Serious issues occurred on PlayStation and Xbox, triggered by a hotfix implemented on short notice (via pathofexile.com).
- In addition to the significant problems on consoles, many other bugs were fixed over the weekend – a list of all hotfixes can be found on pathofexile.com.
- On Steam, the major rival of Diablo 4 set a new record thanks to “Settlers of Kalguur”: On July 26, 2024, there were temporarily 228,398 players online in Path of Exile at the same time. The old all-time high was 211,637 concurrent players from April 2023.
- It should be noted that many PC players utilize the standalone launcher of Path of Exile and do not log in via Steam. According to a post on X, the peak on PC may have been around 350,000 concurrent players – also a record for the eleven-year-old Path of Exile.
The content of “Settlers of Kalguur” in the trailer:
Hack & Slash with City Manager
What does “Settlers of Kalguur” offer? The current influx of players logging into Path of Exile is certainly related to the anticipation for Path of Exile 2. Additionally, the new content update provides good reasons to visit the dark world of Wraeclast:
- With the July expansion, the challenge league “Settlers of Kalguur” starts, where players help build a city and establish a trade route. Familiar characters like Dannig, Rog, Tujen, and Gwennen make a return.
- When building the city, you also manage it and hire workers to assist you in mining, smelting, enchanting, agriculture, and other tasks.
- In the endgame, you create maps using engineer Isla with kalguurian modifications, which assigned fighters must then complete for you.
- At the rune-smithing table, you can enhance weapons through an engraving with rune magic.
- Through the new currency market, you can trade currencies and most other stackable items with other players asynchronously.
- Three new endgame bosses hijack your trade ships or capture your workers.
- There are extensive changes for the Ascendancy class of the Gladiator and further balance adjustments.
- The new Ascendancy class of the Guardian replaces the Hunter.
- There are extensive improvements for various endgame content, the console version, as well as quality-of-life adjustments such as an increase in item pick-up range.
Even before the launch, many Path of Exile fans expressed excitement about the updates.
What does the community say about the update? On Steam, the review rating barometer from the past 30 days stands at “Very Positive”, with 89 percent positive reviews. When looking at the reviews from the last few days, one recurring statement comes up: Path of Exile is the best ARPG on the market.
Similarly enthusiastic posts can be found on X. Streamer Tri notes that he considers the current league to be the best yet (via X). Popular WoW streamer Bajheera concurs (via X): “The best league so far!”
Lucky Ghost adds (via X): “350,000 concurrent players is insane! It’s well deserved, this league is incredible. I’m enjoying every second of playing a melee character for the first time in years.”
Have you already tried the new content in Path of Exile? What is your conclusion? Are you also excited? Or do you lean more towards the Diablo 4 camp? Share your thoughts in the comments! Speaking of Diablo versus PoE: Path of Exile 2 presents a new class, showcasing what makes it better than the Necromancer from Diablo 4
