Path of Exile 2: Patch 0.2.0 News - A Controversial Tower Change
Overview
In the leadup to patch 0.2.0, Grinding Gear Games announced an upcoming change to towers, the second biggest change yet to the endgame juicing system.
For the stacking of Precursor Tablet modifiers, the 0.2.0 change now offers towers that feel more rewarding. With added mechanics such as bosses, rituals, and more content that scales alongside the tablets placed in the towers, these zones are now a more enticing part of the endgame loot pool.
The Positive Impact:
1. Increased Loot Opportunities
One of the most significant changes in 0.2.0 is the inclusion of league mechanics within Tower maps. In previous updates, towers were notoriously low-value, offering little more than basic loot and an opportunity to apply Precursor Tablets for stacking modifiers. With 0.2.0, you will now encounter league mechanics like Ritual, Delirium, Breach, and Abyss while running tower maps, much like regular maps. These additions add significant value to running towers, as players will have more events, increased loot drops, and, importantly, more chances to acquire valuable items during these runs. Players will now feel that the time spent in towers is worthwhile, especially if they can combine these events with Precursor Tablet modifiers that increase quantity or rarity.
2. Bosses in Towers: A Challenge with a Reward
While some players may see the addition of bosses in towers as a downside, others welcome the challenge. The ability to face new bosses will allow players to test their builds and improve their skills in combat. Since these bosses are designed to offer meaningful loot, they are now a part of the juicing process. A boss at the end of a tower run is likely to drop valuable loot, and defeating them will give players the satisfaction of tackling a powerful foe.
3. More Meaningful Precursor Tablet Use
Previously, Precursor Tablets were used primarily to improve the stats of zones by adding modifiers such as increased item rarity or quantity. With the changes in 0.2.0, the use of Precursor Tablets will also add league mechanics and content directly into tower maps. This means that each tower is no longer just a “side” activity, but becomes an important part of your loot-farming strategy. The variety of tablet options available to be used in conjunction with towers will now be crucial for maximizing profits.
The Negative Impact:
1. Increased Time Spent in Lost Towers
The inclusion of bosses and more monsters in Lost Towers zones means that players will spend significantly more time searching these maps, especially when navigating the maze-like structure of the Lost Towers layout. With new clear conditions demanding the killing of rare monsters and the boss, the time to clear Lost Towers can be up to 80% longer than before, depending on the density of mobs and the placement of the boss. This may lead to frustration for players who dislike the current design of the Lost Towers layout, with its narrow corridors and difficult navigation.
2. Risk of Wasted Breach Procs
With Breach tablets now being a factor in towers, players may feel pressured to choose whether to place their Breach tablet in a Lost Towers map or risk “wasting” it on a difficult layout with poor results. The narrow corridors and chaotic nature of Lost Towers do not lend themselves well to Breach encounters, which could lead to wasted opportunities for better rewards. This decision-making process adds another layer of complexity and potential frustration.
3. Boss Difficulty and Strategy Changes
Not all players may have the power to handle the bosses now present in towers, particularly if the bosses are linked to higher-tier content or have mechanics that are hard to counter. Though there are ways to bypass bosses using low-tier Waystones or other workarounds, doing so reduces the overall challenge and satisfaction. The fear of wasting resources or time running difficult bosses can result in players choosing to use less optimal or "sacrificial" approaches.
The Verdict:
In summary, the 0.2.0 changes to Towers are a mixed bag. For those who enjoy the increased complexity, the addition of league mechanics, and more loot opportunities, the changes are certainly a positive shift. However, players who dislike the idea of additional time spent navigating difficult layouts like Lost Towers or those who feel pressure from having to manage their tablets and boss fights may find the changes more of a burden.
As always, the best approach will depend on your personal playstyle. Players who thrive on challenge and loot maximization will find plenty to love, while those who prefer a more streamlined, efficient approach to juicing might find the added complexity and time demands frustrating.
Bosses introduced in Towers now drop valuable items, including unique POE 2 items and high-tier POE 2 currency. These bosses may be difficult, but if you can successfully defeat them, you'll be rewarded with top-tier loot. The 0.2.0 update will likely force players to rethink their strategies and adapt to the new dynamics, which could lead to both increased rewards and new challenges in the Tower juicing meta.