Surviving the Nerf Hammer: Adapting Your Build and Currency Strategy in PoE 2
With the release of Path of Exile 2, Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has reignited excitement in the ARPG community. But as with any ambitious launch, balance is an ongoing challenge. GGG recently implemented significant nerfs to POE2 Currency several overpowered skills, signaling their intent to ensure a fair and diverse meta. While some players may be frustrated, these changes underscore a core design philosophy: every build should feel viable, not just a select few. In this new and evolving landscape, smart players are adapting both their builds and their use of PoE 2 Currency to stay competitive.
The Rise and Fall of Overpowered Skills
At launch, certain skills in PoE 2 were so dominant they skewed the entire meta. Supercharged Slam was among the first to receive heavy nerfs. Originally capable of delivering devastating damage after a brief channeling period, it quickly became a go-to choice for damage-maximizing players. GGG intervened, reducing its maximum damage by 60% and announcing further adjustments to how it builds up charges. The message was clear: no skill should be so efficient that it invalidates other options.
Another example was Magnetic Salvo, a visually impressive and explosively powerful ability. Its raw damage overwhelmed endgame content, prompting a roughly 40% reduction in explosion power. This too was a calculated strike against imbalance, meant to encourage players to look beyond the current meta and explore new options.
GGG clarified its position publicly: “We’re trying to avoid nerfing skills and builds as much as possible. However, it’s important that a wide variety of skills feel viable and fun to play.” The developer is not punishing players for having fun, but rather, recalibrating the game so that fun isn’t limited to POE 2 Currency Orbs only a few builds.
