The Current State of Towers in Path of Exile 2

Towers in Path of Exile 2 are a unique feature in the endgame mapping system. These structures allow players to place Way Stones and run maps with specific layouts. While Towers add a layer of complexity, they come with notable downsides. Players must navigate a convoluted system of five randomized layouts to complete a Tower map. Once completed, a precursor tablet can be placed in the Tower to enhance surrounding maps, adding content like breaches, additional bosses, or improved item drops.

The issue arises when players attempt to optimize their pathing through the Atlas. Reaching Towers efficiently requires careful planning to avoid wasting high-value maps. Players must balance the need to reach Towers with reserving the best maps for later upgrades—a frustrating process that detracts from the core appeal of blasting through content. For many, Towers feel like an unnecessary puzzle in a system that should prioritize action and fun.

Changes Introduced in the 0.2.0 Patch

The upcoming 0.2.0 patch introduces changes to Towers that theoretically aim to improve their functionality. According to teasers, Towers will now:

– Require the same completion conditions as regular maps (e.g., killing all rares and map bosses).
– Spawn with additional content, such as rituals or map bosses.
– Allow content from precursor tablets to be applied to other Towers in range, increasing their "juice."

On the surface, these updates might seem like an improvement. However, they exacerbate the existing problems players encounter when interacting with Towers in the mapping system.

Why These Changes Make Towers Worse

While the changes add content and complexity to Towers, they also introduce new challenges. For instance, requiring players to kill all rares and bosses to complete Towers is a significant drawback for maps with poor layouts. In layouts like "Lost Towers," navigating the map to find missed enemies often leads to tedious backtracking, further detracting from the gameplay experience.

Another major issue is how precursor tablets interact with Towers. Since tablets can now add content to nearby completed Towers, players must carefully plan their route to avoid "juicing" bad layouts. Imagine adding breaches to a Tower map with a layout ill-suited for such mechanics—it’s a waste of both time and resources.

Examples of Layout Challenges

As shown above, some layouts are inherently better suited for additional content than others. The reliance on precursor tablets to "juice" maps means players must navigate an increasingly complex system to avoid wasting resources.

The Impact on Player Experience

For many players, the appeal of Path of Exile lies in its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay. The current implementation of Towers—and the changes in patch 0.2.0—run counter to that philosophy. Instead of encouraging players to engage with content, Towers impose a layer of logistical planning that feels out of place in an action RPG.

Players who fail to defeat map bosses in Towers face additional hurdles. If a boss cannot be beaten, the player must downgrade their Way Stone to a lower level, effectively nullifying any upgrades or bonuses present in the map. This creates a lose-lose scenario where weaker players are punished for content they cannot complete.

Suggestions for Improvement

To address these concerns, Grinding Gear Games could consider the following adjustments:

By simplifying the system and reducing logistical hurdles, these changes could make Towers a more enjoyable part of the mapping experience.

The changes to Towers in Path of Exile 2's 0.2.0 patch highlight a fundamental disconnect between the feature’s intended complexity and the player base’s desire for engaging, straightforward gameplay. While the idea of adding more content to Towers is appealing, the execution leaves much to be desired. For now, players can only hope that future updates address these concerns and make Towers a more seamless part of the mapping system.