Path of Exile 2 Early Access Patch Notes for December: Key Fixes and Improvements

The recent early access launch of Path of Exile 2 has been marked by several technical issues, including server problems, long queues, and various gameplay bugs. However, the latest patch notes for update 0.1.0c, released on December 10, 2024, address many of these concerns and introduce significant improvements to the game.

One of the major changes involves the drop rates of various items. Campaign bosses killed after the first kill will now drop fewer currency items, replacing them with other items. The drop rate of Regal Orbs and Gemcutter’s Prisms has been significantly increased, with a single Gemcutter’s Prism now improving the Quality of a Skill Gem by +5% (previously +1%).

The patch also adjusts the drop rates of other currency items. The drop rate of Chaos Orbs has been lowered and distributed among more valued Currency Items like Regal Orbs and Exalted Orbs. Similarly, the drop rate of Artificer’s Orbs has been reduced and redistributed to Lesser Jeweller’s Orbs.

Players will also notice changes in the way rare items are disenchanting; disenchanting Rare Items with 6 Modifiers now provides 2 Regal Shards (previously 1), although the value displayed will still show as 1 until a later patch. The values of all Prefix Modifiers that can roll on Waystones have been increased, with adjustments to the chances of getting more powerful Modifiers such as increases to Rarity and Pack Size.

Monster Modifiers have been enhanced to grant higher amounts of Item Rarity and Item Quantity, particularly on Magic and Rare enemies, and also affecting Unique Enemies through various Endgame Mechanics like the Deadly Evolution Keystone. Rare Monsters in Maps now have a higher chance of having 3 or 4 modifiers and are revealed on the minimap when there are 200 Monsters remaining (previously 50).

Several bug fixes are also included in the patch. Issues such as Persistent Buff Skills not working for the Infernalist in Demon Form, inability to interact with the Map Device in The Ziggurat Refuge, and monsters not contributing blood in Blood Circle Ultimatum Encounters have been resolved. Additionally, bugs causing instance freezes, client crashes, and rare monsters not being found in the Chimeral Wetlands have been fixed.

Other notable changes include the addition of checkpoints to all entrances and exits of zones for easier teleportation, and adjustments to the dodge roll mechanics, allowing players to teleport to other checkpoints in the area and push smaller monsters while dodge rolling).