Path of Exile 2 0.5.2 First Look | Delirium Toned Down, Endgame Playability Upgraded

Recently, Path of Exile 2 released its second patch for Return of the Ancients - 0.5.2. Today, we'll take a detailed look at the patch notes and see what surprises this patch brings.

Endgame Changes

In the endgame changes, we can see the addition of an On the Wind multichoice Keystone Atlas Passive, specifically designed to enhance Azmeri Spirits. However, it's a choice between two effects: increasing its movement speed by 50% or allowing it to persist even when no players are nearby. Players can choose the appropriate effect based on their character's strength.

A new item called Necrotic Catalyst has also been added, which can improve the quality of Minion Modifiers on rings or amulets. Additionally, there is a Refined Necrotic Catalyst. Both Catalysts can only be obtained from Genesis Tree. Given the significant benefits they will provide later, players are advised to stockpile as many as possible early on when they are relatively easy to obtain. Otherwise, by the time everyone realizes their value, a large amount of POE 2 currency will be needed.

Next is the Mysterious Rites Atlas Passive, where Queen's Rituals now have 10 additional Omens added to the first set of Favours. This will significantly enhance the effects of these specific rituals. Mysterious Rites Atlas Passive will now also describe all other bonuses previously associated with Queen's Rituals. Previously, players were often unaware of some hidden bonuses in PoE 2; this change will make the specific effects of Queen's Rituals more transparent.

Mortuary Map can now only be unlocked through Jado Atlas Master option in Unexpected Missions. You can now also replace Limbs here, previously only available as a reward in Atziri's Temple. However, to experience this mechanic, you must first defeat  Map Boss.

In addition, a new feature for controller players has been added to Endgame Map - a shortcut menu to enhance the gaming experience. Hold down the X button after opening the map to view this menu.

Delirium Changes

The previous Delirium felt like it only added too much danger without providing many rewards. Therefore, Delirium will be undergoing a series of changes.

First, Toughness gained from Unique Enemies in Delirium will be halved. Toughness is a multiplier of a monster's effective health, but it is reflected as damage reduction. For example, if your Toughness reaches 100%, it's equivalent to having 100% extra health.

Next is the most important change in Delirium - Increased Damage gained from Normal, Magic, and Rare Enemies in Fog in Delirium Encounters will be halved. This means these monsters won't become as powerful as before. They will still be more durable than without Fog, but it will take a considerable amount of time for them to recover to their previous danger level.

Additionally, Delirium Shards on Bar will no longer spawn as early as before; they will only appear when the player reaches a specific depth. Their spawn locations have also been optimized, preventing them from appearing directly in front of the player.

Finally, Delirium Mirror Shards spawned by hitting depth targets after Delirium Encounters will no longer appear.

Runes of Aldur Changes

The most significant change to Runes of Aldur is the increased rewards for Remnant Encounters in high-tier PoE 2 maps (Tier 14 and above), while removing most of the 3-slot runic inscriptions from these maps. Their spawn rate also decreases starting from Tier 10 maps.

Next, regarding Remnant Encounters, Runefather's Alloy and Runebinder's Alloy (currently very rare) can now be found in Encounters as rewards for 8-slot runic inscriptions.

Bond Runes in Remnant Encounters have also been changed. Rare monsters still transfer their Modifiers upon death, but their numbers have decreased. Even though the number of Modifiers they can possess will gradually increase with each wave, the nerf to Rare monsters is a foregone conclusion.

Next is a gear change - Runemastered Ornate Ringmail Body Armour basetype. Its Armor and Energy Shield stats have almost tripled, and Ward has also received a significant buff: from 210 Armor, 60 Energy Shield, and 112 Ward to 725 Armor, 206 Energy Shield, and 130 Ward.

Monster Changes

In addition to the above changes, Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.2 also nerfed many monsters. For example, Faridun Prince's dash will no longer deal damage twice and will no longer damage melee targets, a change that was previously considered unfairly strong for this monster.The following monsters have all been weakened to varying degrees:

• Tendril Sentinel Monster
• Cecilian Ravager
• Runic Monster
• Krelll Skull Crawler
• Starlid Harvester
• Cultist Archer
• Blackblooded Elite Abyss Monster

However, the most noteworthy Monster Change is the significant nerf to Chaos Beam from It That Hates Breach Monster. This Chaos Beam is said to have caused one million character deaths. It was the most dangerous monster in PoE 2 outside of bosses, and this nerf is a complete overhaul; without the powerful Chaos Beam, players no longer need to fear it.

Overall, 0.5.2 is an update prioritizing player experience. Delirium monsters are no longer overpowered, and the new hotkeys for Endgame maps and the nerf to Chaos Beam make map clearing smoother. By the way, exiles, keep an eye out for the new drops from Genesis Tree, especially Necrotic Catalyst - they are likely to become one of the new core currencies in Path of Exile 2.