Early Access Feedback - Trials are too difficult and they are killing player progression - Forum

+1 Trial 1 and 2 are extremely unfun but they're doable, but 3 and 4 are really problematic, they take too long to complete and the difficult is too high for any build that isn't in the meta	Posted by Vyend#2601 on Mar 25, 2025, 2:50:37 PM Quote this Post
skill issue tbh IGN: Steelmage	Posted by Steelmage#5874 on Mar 26, 2025, 8:02:18 AM Quote this Post
They are not hard, they are just not mindless. This is the way the entire game should be. If you want mindless easy objectives go back to poe1 or le or even better d4. Those games have catered to that mentality. They're easy etc. But PoE2 is here for a different reason and I really hope GGG doesn't give in to the vocal people who are always asking everything to be faster and easier. You guys already have other games for you. Please let us people who want a gritty, engaging, moment to moment game to have one for ourselves. On launch, when they were even harder, it took me 2 or 3 attempts at each trial the first time then I basically never failed them again. I still had to pay attention and I still got scared some times. I only trivialized them once my build was insane clearing top tier content like it's nothing. On the next characters I created (after nerfs to trials difficulty) I always completed every trial on first try. So in my opinion, they are exactly where they should be. Engaging, scary, but not too hard. And if you can't do it right now, just level up a bit more and come back later, you really do need to be in a hurry to get ascendancy points.	Posted by DeathfulDan#0498 on Mar 26, 2025, 8:54:49 AM Quote this Post
" Pojinko#4559 wrote: I believe that Trials in Path of Exile 2 are currently too difficult and not properly balanced. For certain classes, they become nearly impossible to complete, making progression feel frustrating rather than rewarding. One of the biggest draws of this game is its progression system—unlocking new skills, items, and ascendancy points keeps me engaged and motivated to continue playing. However, the way Trials are designed at the moment is demotivating, as they create a major roadblock in that progression. The Main Issues with Trials 1. Excessive Difficulty & Class Imbalance - Even at level 85, with one of the strongest Monk builds available, I am unable to complete a level 75 Chaos Trial—the easiest variant for my build. - This is not due to a weak build; my character is powerful. The main issue stems from the poorly designed penalty system, which often creates situations that are nearly impossible to overcome. 2. Harsh Penalty Design - The penalties imposed in Trials are not well-balanced and can lead to unavoidable failures. - The difficulty of a Trial is often determined by luck rather than skill. If the penalty choices are particularly bad, the run is essentially doomed before it even begins. 3. Trial Length and Accessibility - Trials are too long, making repeated attempts exhausting and discouraging. - Access to Ultimatums and Baryas is too limited, further reducing the opportunities to engage with Trials effectively. Impact on Player Retention and Leagues - As a casual player, the current design makes it highly unlikely that I will ever experience a full 8-point Ascendancy build, which is incredibly discouraging. - With the introduction of Leagues and resets, the issue will only get worse. If Trials remain this inaccessible, many players will avoid making new characters, as the grind to unlock all Ascendancy points will feel insurmountable. - Personally, I will not continue playing once Leagues and resets are introduced unless Trials become more accessible. The thought of restarting a character and facing the same frustrating process over again makes it feel like all my hard-earned progress will be wasted. Suggested Improvements - Adjust the penalty system to make it more strategic rather than completely luck-based. - Reduce the length of Trials so that failing does not feel like an overwhelming setback. - Improve accessibility for casual players by either scaling difficulty more effectively or providing alternative ways to earn Ascendancy points. If these issues are not addressed, I believe many players will quit long before the official release. Trials should enhance the experience of progressing through the game, not hinder it to the point of discouragement. Making them more accessible will help maintain player engagement and encourage long-term investment in the game. i just ignored trials and played to L92 clearing anything .... trials suck like so much of this game is done wrong...	Posted by tuccos#0181 on Mar 26, 2025, 9:22:51 AM Quote this Post
" Steelmage#5874 wrote: skill issue tbh this is why i don't watch any streamers. they're all toxic players	Posted by Jezie#4328 on Mar 28, 2025, 4:39:42 PM Quote this Post
rue is a cat	Posted by Kennymasters#0519 on Mar 28, 2025, 4:40:41 PM Quote this Post
" Steelmage#5874 wrote: skill issue tbh STEEL!!! :O	Posted by Aulyx#1181 on Mar 28, 2025, 5:15:40 PM Quote this Post
couldn't agree more. I plan at having 4 ascendancy points, playing until get bored, abd dropping. I wish it were different, but at least LE is dropping 2 weeks later, about right timing.	Posted by Gutock#7804 on Mar 28, 2025, 6:07:52 PM Quote this Post
The entire game is too punishing and unrewarding to play. Just stop playing. It's the only thing they'll listen/react to.	Posted by whowe1#7244 on Mar 28, 2025, 6:24:43 PM Quote this Post
I literally leveled from level 80-90 doing almost entirely sekhemas trials. They're not hard. You just need to get 75% honor resist and as much +max honor on relics and it's a cakewalk.	Posted by yummysushipjs#7638 on Mar 28, 2025, 6:28:59 PM Quote this Post