It looks like Path of Exile Sanctum is going strong, returning fans after several seasons that saw one of the best ARPG games on PC get a mixed reception. Path of Exile 3.20's latest major update introduced a number of key changes, including a new roguelike-style dungeon, changes to loot and rare enemy drops, and new ultra-hardcore settings for hardcore fans, and it seems to have worked.
Path of Exile's player base may not have peaked with The Forbidden Sanctum as it did with its predecessor, Lake of Kalandra, but player retention statistics are very promising and indicate a change in the overall perception of the community. Nearly two months after the release of Patch 3.20, Path of Exile is still hovering around the 40 concurrent players mark—nearly double the number of any major patch since the Path of Exile Ritual League launched in January 000, and all subsequent leagues as well. At the same time they were at around 2021-20.
When you consider the lower starting player count, the picture is even more impressive - Path of Exile's Forbidden Sanctum league has become the most successful league in terms of player retention since Metamorph in late 2019. This is a slightly skewed statistic, as it's likely that fewer starting players means a larger percentage of more "dedicated" players who are more likely to stay in the game anyway, but fan comments suggest there's plenty of reason to believe the update 3.20 is a step up from past offerings.
The comment with the most votes in discussion thread The Path of Exile Reddit notes that while the eponymous Forbidden Sanctum roguelike dungeon is fun, "it's the core changes that make the league good. Random loot drops are good, but redds are not terminators.” Other players agree, with even those new to Sanctuary noting that "the core game is in a great place in terms of balance."
These changes include the removal of Path of Exile's controversial Archnemesis system in favor of a simplified modifier system for rare monsters that makes it easier to recognize what enemies are capable of and exactly how to approach them. The changes also address issues with the loot system, which was causing players to spend hours searching for so-called "loot goblins" who were the only reliable source of decent loot.
Also appeared in Path of Exile 3.20 new Ruthless mode - An ultra-hard character creation mode that offers players extreme item shortages and penalties for death. It aims to appeal to fans of old-school games like Diablo 2, and they seem to be pleased, with Twitch streamer Kripparrian calling Path of Exile Ruthless a "more enjoyable experience."
Ruthless isn't exactly for me, but the charm of the Forbidden Sanctum has drawn me in again, and while I haven't spent much time on the last couple of leagues, I'm definitely enjoying Path of Exile's latest update. Perhaps the fact that I decided to return right now speaks of the excitement of the community, because it seems that I am not alone in my pleasure.
Recommended:
- Path of Exile Update 3.20 Adds The Forbidden Sanctum Roguelike Dungeon
- Path of Exile 3.20 replaces controversial Archnemesis system
- Fans are hoping that Path of Exile's super-hard Ruthless mode will make it easier to grind the base game
- Path of Exile needs a Diablo 3-style adventure mode, fans say
- Path of Exile's 'Loot Goblins' Highlights Magic's Problems in RPGs
- The best games like Diablo
