The Still Sane Podcast

Balormage joins the Still Sane Podcast to discuss just how far Path of Exile 2 has come during Early Access, what's changed about his opinion of the game, and what he's expecting from the road to 1.0 and ExileCon!Balormage was once one of PoE2's more vocal critics. Now, he's genuinely enjoying the game again. So what changed? We dive into his experience with ARPG burnout, the improvements GGG has made, and why he's feeling much more optimistic about the future.We also discuss the upcoming Shadow class, potential new classes and weapons, movement speed, build diversity, asynchronous trading, game balance, and what GGG needs to deliver before Path of Exile 2 reaches full release.IN THIS EPISODE:- Balormage's journey from PoE2 critic to fan- The biggest improvements throughout Early Access- What Path of Exile 2 needs before 1.0- Shadow class and ExileCon speculation- Build diversity, balance, and movement speed- Asynchronous trading and the economy- The future of Path of Exile 1 and Path of Exile 2GUEST: BalormageYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalormageTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/balormageCHAPTERS:0:00 Balormage's setup and the Shadow teaser3:21 The Shadow is coming to PoE2!8:07 What does a full release actually mean?10:59 Will GGG surprise us at ExileCon?14:28 Could all the missing classes be coming?19:49 What will the Shadow play like?23:04 Is PoE2 TOO fast at the top end?26:03 How should movement speed work in PoE2?31:50 Traps, mines, and new archetypes35:16 Templar, Marauder, and new weapons41:01 Will PoE2's 1.0 balance be a disaster?46:27 Why Balormage changed his mind about PoE248:08 The real problem: ARPG burnout51:47 Beyond PoE: The games we've been playing57:55 Should PoE2 have a harder difficulty mode?1:01:53 Asynchronous trade was a HUGE win1:02:36 Does trading need more restrictions?1:06:48 Balormage's ExileCon predictions1:09:10 Outro► My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkativetri► My Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/talkativetri► Business Inquiries: [email protected]► My Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkativeTri► Our Community: https://discord.gg/jfZqVYeUZd#pathofexile2 #talkativetri #poe2Thanks for watching!On Talkative Tri, you'll find commentary about the games I'm most passionate about whether it's discussions about Path of Exile 2 or analysis on games like Guild Wars 3.

Path of Exile 2 1.0 is getting closer, but what does the game actually need for full release? I sit down with Snoobae85 to discuss the future of PoE2, ExileCon predictions, endgame progression, new classes, and the direction of combat.We break down the Atlas tree, fortress progression, campaign interludes, potential campaign skip alternatives, and what GGG has done well throughout Early Access. We also discuss leaked press tour details, Duelist speculation, skill infusions, and whether PoE2 has become too similar to Path of Exile 1.Plus, Snoobae shares his thoughts on the Temple, his three predictions for 1.0, and why Path of Exile 1 still keeps him coming back.Subscribe for more Path of Exile 2 news, discussions, interviews, and ARPG content!Guest: Snoobae85 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Snoobae85Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/snoobae85CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro & Snoobae's ExileCon Travel Nightmare2:40 What Is ExileCon Actually Like?7:38 Is Path of Exile 2 Ready for 1.0?9:19 The Biggest Problem With PoE2's Endgame12:57 How GGG Could Fix Atlas Progression15:04 Does PoE2 Need Better Endgame Rewards?17:48 Act 5, Act 6 & PoE2's Story20:06 The Best Moments in PoE2's Campaign24:04 Will We Miss the Campaign Interludes?26:00 Should PoE2 Have a Campaign Skip?31:14 What Has GGG Done Well in Early Access?35:44 Is the Temple Still PoE2's Best Content?44:50 Full Release Leaks: New Classes & Duelist Speculation47:36 Will Swords and Cyclone Dominate 1.0?50:11 Skill Infusions, Charges & Build Design53:10 Has PoE2 Become Too Much Like PoE1?59:54 Snoobae's Predictions for PoE2 1.01:04:05 What Keeps Snoobae Playing Path of Exile 1?1:08:57 See You at ExileCon!► My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkativetri► My Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/talkativetri► Business Inquiries: [email protected]► My Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkativeTri► Our Community: https://discord.gg/jfZqVYeUZd#pathofexile2 #talkativetri #poe2Thanks for watching!On Talkative Tri, you'll find commentary about the games I'm most passionate about whether it's discussions about Path of Exile 2 or analysis on games like Guild Wars 3.

Path of Exile 2 1.0 fast approaches. Today, I sit down with Dreamcore on the Still Sane Podcast to discuss Path of Exile 2, the latest PoE2 critique videos, Early Access problems, endgame improvements, gear power, loot, build diversity, and what Grinding Gear Games needs to fix before PoE2 1.0.We also discuss ExileCon, the future of Path of Exile 2, and revisit our original PoE2 predictions from our first creator collaboration in 2023.What does PoE2 need to change before 1.0? Join the discussion in the comments!Check out @dreamcore_gg 's channel for his analytical PoE 2 videos, the PoE Report Podcast, and upcoming coverage of 1.0 and Exilecon 2026: https://www.youtube.com/@dreamcore_ggCHAPTERS:0:00 Intro & Reuniting With Dreamcore0:38 ExileCon: PoE1 vs. PoE2 Expectations3:02 Dreamcore's Biggest PoE2 Criticisms4:00 The Problem With Gear Power6:45 Gear vs. Passive Tree Power8:30 Is Gear RNG Too Powerful?11:19 Item Rarity & The State of PoE2 Loot14:24 Early Campaign Progression Problems19:12 Looking Back at PoE2 Early Access20:50 How Much Has PoE2 Improved?24:40 Zone Size, Checkpoints & Movement27:00 Trials & Ascendancy Issues32:11 PoE2 Balance Changes & Build Diversity36:01 What We Got Wrong About Early Access41:00 Our Biggest Early Access Surprises45:00 What Should Change for PoE2 1.0?48:40 Revisiting Our 2023 PoE Predictions50:00 New Classes, Weapons & Ascendancies in 1.0???53:00 What Is Coming in PoE2's Campaign?56:00 Which PoE1 Mechanics Should Return?58:09 What Is Everyone Overlooking About 1.0?1:00:00 PoE2 Lore, Bosses & The Lich1:02:00 PoE1 and PoE2's Future1:03:00 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Dreamcore► My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkativetri► My Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/talkativetri► Business Inquiries: [email protected]► My Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkativeTri► Our Community: https://discord.gg/jfZqVYeUZd#pathofexile2 #talkativetri #poe2Thanks for watching!On Talkative Tri, you'll find commentary about the games I'm most passionate about whether it's discussions about Path of Exile 2 or analysis on games like Guild Wars 3.

Tonight I sit down with Path of Exile 2 content creator Off-Meta Michael to discuss PoE 2 patch 0.5.5, the 1.0 full launch, league starter builds, playing off-meta characters, and the initial closed beta feel of this ARPG. It's episode 96 of the Still Sane Podcast, a chill show about gaming, authentic takes, and life.Check out @off-meta-michael right here: https://www.youtube.com/@off-meta-michael.Chapters:0:00 - Path of Exile 2 Closed Beta & the Glory Days8:28 - PoE2’s Visual Clarity Problem11:49 - Looking Back at PoE2’s 0.1 Endgame14:47 - Why No Balance in 0.5 Isn’t Necessarily Bad16:16 - The Problem With Crit Jewels20:13 - Mageblood, Headhunter & Chase Uniques23:14 - Should Every Unique Have Its Own Skill?26:15 - Ascendancies Need More Identity29:01 - Smith of Kitava & Interesting Build Interactions32:01 - Are Players Too Focused on Meta Builds?33:01 - Runic Ward & Experimenting With Builds37:21 - The Problem With Broken Promises & Build Variety38:11 - Bone Shatter Is Too Fast40:12 - PoE2 Has More Broken Builds Than Broken Skills41:20 - Why Combo Builds Disappear in Endgame42:51 - Finding the Sweet Spot Between Speed & Readability46:03 - Can PoE2 Ever Actually Be Balanced?48:14 - Comet, Skill Spam & Visual Clarity49:21 - Why PoE2’s Combat Still Feels Incredible50:36 - Jonathan’s Vision for PoE2’s Readability53:47 - What Are We Playing in 0.5?56:35 - What Will Get Nerfed in 1.0?1:00:48 - Duelist Ascendancies & Weapon Swapping1:04:02 - GGG Is Reworking Old Weapon Skills1:05:33 - You Can Criticize PoE2 and Still Love It1:07:47 - Is PoE2 Replacing PoE1?1:10:26 - Passive Tree Power vs. Gear Power1:12:00 - Should PoE2 Have a Hard Mode?1:16:45 - Why ARPGs Get Easier as You Master Them1:17:32 - The Fun of Leveling New Characters1:19:25 - Why 0.5’s Full Reset Is So Exciting1:23:33 - Act 6: The Story We’ve Been Waiting For1:24:19 - Why Act 1 Is Still the Best1:25:17 - Geonor’s Secret Poetry Skip1:26:24 - PoE2’s Hidden Secrets & The Martyr1:27:32 - Final Thoughts & Goodbye► My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkativetri► My Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/talkativetri► Business Inquiries: [email protected]► My Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkativeTri► Our Community: https://discord.gg/jfZqVYeUZd#pathofexile2 #talkativetri #poe2Thanks for watching!On Talkative Tri, you'll find commentary about the games I'm most passionate about whether it's discussions about Path of Exile 2 or analysis on games like Guild Wars 3.

Path of Exile 2 has changed drastically since the start of early access at the end of 2024. SamyCaps and I sit down to discuss his journey through gaming, the evolution of PoE2, what he thought of PoE2 0.5, what might be coming in patch 0.5.5, and how excited we are for Path of Exile 2's 1.0 release.Check out @samycaps : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVfKtWMTXkR6SSut4WlsGMQ and https://www.twitch.tv/samycaps==CHAPTERS==PoE2 Pod Intro - 0:00Who is SamyCaps? - 1:48SamyCaps and His Brother - 10:48Midnight Releases and Nostalgia - 14:08PoE2 Back in 0.1 - 18:19What Expectations We Had Of PoE2 - 23:40Was PoE2 ALWAYS Supposed To Be Like This? - 28:00Did PoE2 0.5 Turn The Game Around? - 36:35We Hate The Games We Love - 42:52What's With Patch 0.5.5? - 45:52Plans and Expectations for 1.0 - 53:06Farewells! - 1:06:00

After over two weeks of amazing playtime in Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients, Raxxanterax and Talkative Tri take a seat to discuss the overall state of PoE2 patch 0.5==CHAPTERS==0:00 – Path of Exile 2 0.5 First Impressions & League Progress8:30 – New Builds, Meta Diversity & Hidden Build Tech16:05 – Martyr of the First Edict Race & Endgame Secrets19:20 – Ranking the Best Endgame Mechanics in PoE 226:20 – New Pinnacle Bosses Tier List (Arbiter, Delirium & More)37:40 – Is PoE 2's New Atlas Too Large? Endgame Critiques44:45 – Why PoE 2's Endgame Finally Feels Addictive48:05 – What GGG Must Improve Before Path of Exile 2 Launches1:01:10 – The Biggest Problems Still Facing PoE 21:17:45 – 1.0 Predictions, Future Expansions & Final ThoughtsCheck out @Raxxanterax 's channels:https://www.youtube.com/raxxanteraxhttps://www.twitch.tv/raxxanterax

At the end of Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients week 1, aer0 and Talkative Tri take a seat to discuss the state of patch 0.5, from where they currently are to how GGG's hotfixes and nerfs are good for the game.==CHAPTERS==0:00 Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5 First Week Impressions2:28 Spirit Walker Twisters League Starter Review5:39 Ritual Farming Strategy and Seven Boss Encounters9:42 Atlas Masters, Doryani, and Extra Revives12:31 Frostbolt Totem Gemling Build Theorycraft15:23 Expedition Farming vs Ritual Farming16:31 Arbiter of Divinity Boss Fight Review19:12 POE2 Lore, Storytelling, and New Cinematics22:46 Bodak Pinnacle Boss Discussion24:34 Endgame Progression, Questlines, and Atlas Design28:38 Content Bloat Concerns and Future Leagues31:27 Ritual UI Problems and Endgame UX Issues35:54 Mid-League Nerfs, Balance Changes, and Early Access40:42 Biggest Balance Issues Before 1.042:40 Sprint Movement Debate and Player Skill46:42 Racing, Economy Competition, and League Starts50:02 What POE2 Needs Most Before 1.051:48 Final Thoughts on Patch 0.5Check out @aer0 :https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrd5HgMy-KNIg2rBO8Ftzfwhttps://www.twitch.tv/aer0__Ritual Ultimate Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFSqtGmLgIM

With Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients' launch weekend behind us, I spoke to KallTorak about his league start experience, the journey through the brand new endgame, and a bunch of other patch 0.5 topics.==CHAPTERS==0:00 Ironbound Warbringer League Starter Review4:19 Ritual Pinnacle Bosses and Endgame Progression9:15 Is Ritual Farming Worth It in Patch 0.5?11:09 New Atlas Progression and Endgame Quest Length19:03 Why the New Path of Exile 2 Atlas Works20:04 Atlas Passive Tree Power, Essences, and Endgame Scaling22:40 Lineage Gems, Atlas Travel, and Discovery in 0.528:26 Waystone Sustain, SSF Progression, and Mapping Strategy30:05 Patch 0.5 Bugs, Quest Progression Issues, and Build Problems33:18 Monkey Build Meta, Companion Builds, and Balance Concerns39:01 Supporting Fire Build Guide and 1.0 League Start Plans44:39 Path of Exile 2 1.0 Wishlist, New Weapons, and Melee Concerns49:26 Life vs Energy Shield, Defensive Balance, and Future Changes55:10 Final Thoughts on Patch 0.5 and POE2's FutureCheck out @KallTorak everywhere:https://www.youtube.com/@KallTorakhttps://www.twitch.tv/kall_torakhttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/arwkqn3TI6U

With the epic release of Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients, I sat down with Scorpius to get his raw impressions of this brand new league.==CHAPTERS==0:00 Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5 First Impressions2:20 New Endgame Atlas Review and Player Onboarding7:01 Campaign Changes, Navigation Improvements, and Campaign Skip Debate13:04 Runes of Elder League Mechanic and Campaign Integration18:29 Best Monk Builds, Ascendancies, and Stone Fist Discussion25:48 Runes of Elder Rewards, Crafting, and Endgame Scaling33:16 Channeled Skill Fix, Clone Builds, and Build Experiments37:35 Pinnacle Boss Progression, Arbiter of Divinity, and Atlas Goals40:38 New Atlas Passive Tree Explained and Mapping Difficulty47:12 Player Retention, League Events, and the Future of POE255:20 Path of Exile 2 Story, Lore, and 1.0 Expectations1:00:25 Podcast Wrap-UpCheck out all of ScorpiusOfficial 's stuff:https://www.youtube.com/@ScorpiusOfficialhttps://www.twitch.tv/scorpiusofficial

Talkative Tri and Jazzarus jump on a call to discuss Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients, with topics ranging from the rarity and crafting power of runes in Runes of Aldur, how PoE2 is basically a game about gambling, and whether or not uber bosses should be aspirational content or beatable by all players.Check out the yapmaster @Jazzarus_ !https://www.youtube.com/@Jazzarus_https://www.twitch.tv/Jazzarus_The Wheel: https://jazzarus.github.io/game-wheel/==CHAPTERS==0:00 Intro + Ruins of Alder First Impressions1:14 Rune System Problems and Resistance Swapping3:16 1.0 Story Predictions and The Beast Theory5:01 Why Path of Exile 2’s Story Feels Better Than POE17:32 Rune Rarity, Economy, and Trade Concerns11:24 Hidden Secrets, Ascendancies, and Mystery Content13:40 Why Ruins of Alder Solves Multiple POE2 Problems15:54 Jazzarus League Starter Reveal for 0.519:43 Path of Exile Players Are Gambling Addicts22:24 The POE2 League Start Wheel Website28:49 Crafting Nerfs, Power Creep, and Rune Balance32:36 Uber Bosses, Pinnacle Difficulty, and Casual Players39:11 Why Count Geanor Is Peak Boss Design46:48 Item Rarity Debate and Loot Philosophy53:00 1.0 Expectations, Duelist Hype, and Final Thoughts