[Game Breaking] Bug Report: Loss of Passive SP During Respec & Improved Passive Tree Transparency

Subject: Bug Report: Loss of Passive Skill Points During Respec in Path of Exile 2 + Recommendation for Improved Passive Tree Transparency

Description:

I encountered a significant issue during a full respec of my passive skill tree while transitioning from a shield-oriented build to a totem-focused one.

The process involved:

Deallocation: I removed existing passive nodes to free up points.
Reallocation: I began allocating these points into the new nodes for my totem build.

Problem: As I approached the end of the process, I realized that the allocated points seemed consistent with a level 93 character, even though I am level 82. A missing link in the tree logic allowed me to allocate these points, but upon hitting "allocate," the connected nodes disappeared. However, the points did not return to the pool.

This resulted in the loss of approximately 12 passive points, confirmed after triple-checking the allocations and comparing with a level 93 tree template.

Additional Observations:

Currently, there is no feature on the passive skill tree that clearly displays:

The total number of passive points currently available and allocated.

The total number of passive points that would be available if all mini-quest rewards (e.g., passive books or quest passives) were claimed.

The grand total of passive points that would be available at level 100 if all quests and passive books were completed.

Players often skip or miss some mini-quests and quest books, choosing to return to them later. However, there’s no on-screen indicator showing whether they’ve collected all the possible passive points for their current level.

This lack of information leads to confusion, particularly when issues like missing or seemingly lost points occur during a respec.

Community References:

Similar issues have been reported in other threads:

Thread: "POE 2 Lost Skill Points"

Players describe losing points during respecs, particularly due to pathing issues or unlinked nodes that consume points without refunding them.

A workaround was suggested to reconnect paths before refunding nodes, but this does not address the root problem.

Thread: "Passive Skill Point Bug"

Players reported discrepancies between their allocated points and what should be available based on their level, likely caused by bugs during respecs or skipped quest rewards.


Recommendations for Developers:

To address both the respec issue and improve clarity for players, I propose the following changes:

1. Fix the Respec Allocation System

Separate Deallocation and Reallocation: Ensure that removing passive nodes and adding new ones are distinct actions, each requiring confirmation.

Validation Checks: Introduce system checks to ensure the tree remains logically connected and points allocated align with the player’s current level and total possible points.

Automatic Refunds: If a node is invalidly allocated (e.g., due to missing links), the system should immediately refund the points rather than consume them.

2. Passive Tree Transparency Improvements

Add clear visual indicators and data overlays to the passive tree UI, showing:

Current Passive Point Total: A live counter of all currently available points based on the character’s level and completed quests.

Maximum Passive Point Total for Current Level: The total points the player should have if all mini-quests and books were completed for their current level.

Maximum Passive Points at Level 100: The total points available if the character reaches level 100 and completes all quest passives.

Quest Status Indicator: Add a tab or overlay that tracks unclaimed quest passives (e.g., "3 missing quest passives from Act 4").

3. Respec Point Validation UI

Before confirming a respec, show a summary screen with the following:

Total points allocated.

Total points available for allocation.

Missing points (if any), with details on whether they are from quests, books, or level differences.

Include a warning system if nodes are left unlinked or if the allocation exceeds or falls short of the expected total.

Why This Change Matters:

Improved Player Experience: Players often miss quest passives and passive books, leading to confusion during respecs when the total points don’t align. Clear UI indicators would empower players to manage their trees more effectively.

Prevention of Point Loss: The current system introduces opportunities for point loss through bugs or misinterpretation. The proposed changes would provide fail-safes and transparency.

Level Playing Field: Casual players who may skip quests initially would have better clarity on what they’re missing, leveling the playing field with more meticulous players.


Conclusion:

The respec system in Path of Exile 2 offers an excellent feature by allowing simultaneous deallocation and reallocation without incurring multiple gold costs. However, as demonstrated by my experience and reports from others, the feature currently has critical flaws that can result in missing passive points. Moreover, the lack of transparency in the passive tree regarding totals and unclaimed rewards compounds player frustration.

Implementing the proposed changes would not only resolve the bug but also greatly enhance the usability and clarity of the passive skill tree system, benefiting all players.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to seeing improvements that ensure Path of Exile 2 is as polished and enjoyable as possible.

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