Players Are Not Happy About Path of Exile 2's New Microtransactions

By Pinkrepack | April 13, 2025

Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to Grinding Gear Games’ acclaimed ARPG, has found itself in hot water with its community. While the game is still in early access, recent developments surrounding microtransactions have ignited widespread frustration, casting a shadow over what many hoped would be a polished successor to the original title.

A Community Already on Edge

The controversy began brewing after the release of the Dawn of the Hunt patch, which many players criticized for significantly slowing down gameplay. The result? A noticeable dip in player satisfaction, a shrinking player base, and a decline in Steam reviews—from “Mixed” to “Mostly Negative” in a matter of days.

This environment of dissatisfaction made Grinding Gear Games' decision to roll out a wave of new premium cosmetics feel like salt in the wound to many fans. Instead of celebrating the additions, the community reacted with disbelief and disappointment, calling the timing "perfect"—but only in the most sarcastic sense.

Backlash Against Premium Cosmetics

The new cosmetics include items like premium Skill Effects, which would normally generate excitement. However, in a time when fans have been pleading for gameplay fixes and balance adjustments, the introduction of microtransactions came across as tone-deaf.

Steam’s post announcing the new items garnered over 700 comments, most of them negative. Strikingly, the post received almost no likes, a clear signal that the majority of players were unhappy. Comments ranged from outrage at the pricing to disappointment in the game's current state.

Mixed Reaction on Twitter

While the reaction on Steam was overwhelmingly negative, Twitter users offered a more nuanced take. Some fans admitted the cosmetics looked impressive, even calling them “hard to resist.” Others, however, expressed frustration at the high prices and the perceived prioritization of monetization over gameplay improvements.

One sliver of good news came with the announcement of a new feature allowing players to respect their Ascendancy classes, a long-requested change that shows the developers are still listening to feedback—at least in part.

Grinding Gear Games' Response

As of now, Grinding Gear Games has not directly responded to the backlash about the cosmetics. However, the studio has stated that it remains committed to improving the game and addressing player concerns. With Path of Exile 2 still in early access, there’s time for course correction. But whether the developer will act fast enough to rebuild trust is another matter entirely.

The Road Ahead

Path of Exile 2 has a lot riding on its full launch. While early access is meant to be a time for iteration and community feedback, repeated missteps can sour even the most dedicated fan base. The current uproar over microtransactions may serve as a wake-up call for Grinding Gear Games.

At Pinkrepack, we’ll continue to track updates and reactions from the community as this story unfolds. One thing is clear—players want more than just flashy cosmetics. They want a game that lives up to the legacy of its predecessor.