Path of Exile 2 offers an expansive main campaign complemented by a variety of side quests, allowing players to enhance their characters while exploring a rich and immersive world. However, as with any game, this journey reaches a conclusion, prompting players to embark on repeated challenges to further their progression.
Although Path of Exile 2 is currently in early access and lacking some slated content, it still provides a wealth of gameplay. After completing the available chapters of the main story, players will find themselves ready to tackle the Cruel difficulty level, which introduces a fresh layer of challenge.
Unlocking Cruel Difficulty
Unlocking Cruel difficulty is straightforward; it becomes accessible immediately after completing Act 3 of the main storyline in Path of Exile 2. This mode essentially serves as a New Game Plus experience, allowing players to revisit Act 1 with all enemies dramatically scaled up in power. You will also encounter high-level foes in earlier areas, enriching the gameplay experience.
Considering that Path of Exile 2 is still in its early access phase, Cruel difficulty may become obsolete once the later Acts (4 and beyond) are introduced. Nevertheless, the monster level scaling in these future Acts is likely to mirror that of the existing Cruel difficulty content.
Next Steps After Completing Act 3
Once you finish Act 3, it is essential to progress through all three Acts again during Cruel difficulty. There are several compelling reasons to do so:
- Enhanced Rewards: The monsters in Cruel mode are significantly tougher, providing better loot, increased experience points, and more valuable in-game currency.
- Access to Endgame Content: Currently, the only path to reach the Atlas endgame requires completion of Act 3 on Cruel difficulty.
While Cruel difficulty elevates the challenge by increasing enemy health and attack power, players who have successfully defeated the Act 3 boss on Normal mode should feel confident in their abilities. However, those using glass cannon builds may find this mode particularly punishing due to the heightened damage output of enemies.
You can easily return to Normal difficulty Acts by utilizing the waypoint system, giving you flexibility in your gameplay.
Collect Ascendancy Points
If you haven’t yet acquired Ascendancy Points from the Trial of the Sekhemas or the Trial of Chaos in Path of Exile 2, this is an opportune time to do so. Completing these trials can be challenging at their intended levels, but players who have conquered Act 3 should find these trials much more manageable now.
Farm for Superior Gear
Participating in high-level Sekhemas and Chaos runs can yield excellent gear, although these activities present their own set of challenges. Players will encounter negative modifiers that complicate runs, yet successfully completing them can result in a significant loot haul. In cases where luck isn’t on your side, players can still gain valuable currency through the disenchantment of unwanted items.
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