Path of Exile 2 received a new update this week primarily focused on bug fixes and gameplay improvements. While the launch has been relatively smooth, one change in particular has sparked controversy among players: a significant nerf to the Cast on Freeze mechanic. This popular method of triggering spells repeatedly has been effectively neutralized, leaving many players scrambling to adapt.
The patch notes, released Wednesday night, detail numerous changes, but the key adjustment for Cast on Freeze users lies within the “Trigger Gems and Energy Gain” section. Grinding Gear Games, the developer, explained that energy gain is now tied to monster power. Stronger monsters yield more energy, while weaker monsters provide significantly less. The patch notes state: “This means that it’s far easier to trigger skills from Unique Monsters than it is from normal monsters, but you also hit many more normal monsters when fighting.”
While specific numbers weren’t given, players have quickly analyzed the impact, and the results are bleak for Cast on Freeze builds. A Reddit post comparing pre- and post-nerf setups clearly demonstrates the drastic reduction in effectiveness. This change has forced players to reconsider their builds, requiring costly respecializations if they wish to remain competitive.
One player lamented, “Add me to that list. My build is basically bricked. Cast on Freeze is useless now.” The previously positive reception to Grinding Gear Games’ planned changes has soured for those reliant on this mechanic. Players unaffected by the nerf will likely see little difference, but those who utilized Cast on Freeze are now urged to explore alternative strategies.
The complete patch notes are available below for a comprehensive overview of the latest changes.
General Improvements and Changes
- Passive Block chance now applies to blockable hits from all directions.
- Player size is zero units during dodge rolls.
- Some smaller monsters can be pushed while dodge rolling.
- Inscribed Ultimatums and Djinn Baryas now display Ascendancy Skill Point rewards.
- Removed extraneous World Map Pins.
- Improved attack-in-place behavior.
- Rain of Arrows and Firestorm have a hit-rate limit for large bosses.
- Leech has been buffed.
- Boneshatter now hits targets more reliably.
- Armour Break duration increased to 12 seconds.
- Incinerate now creates circular ignited ground.
- CTRL+Click shortcut added to open Currency Exchange.
- Added button to travel to the Trial of Chaos on the world map.
- Added art for Close Combat Support.
- Added 2D art for Defiance of Destiny Unique Amulet.
- Added “Ascendancy Skill Points” keyword.
- Added search functionality for Gemcutting and vendor inventories with controller.
- Added Gemcutting restrictions option for Gamepad.
- Added suggested Supports for Time of Need and updated Bonestorm suggestions.
- Added option to open the Trade website from console main menu.
- Increased Rune vendor sell price.
- Updated art for Reserved Life and Mana.
- Updated Rune descriptions.
- Auras and Curses display resistance values in the Skill popout panel.
- Adjusted audio for certain pets.
- Updated wording for Invoker’s Ascendancy Passive Skill.
- Updated Hexblast description.
- Updated Fiery Death Support description.
- Reduced Magma Barrier monster defense.
- Rare Walking Goliaths no longer use suicide attack.
Trigger Gems and Energy Gain
- Trigger gem energy gain is now based on Monster Power and ignite strength. This addresses issues with balancing trigger frequency during boss fights and clearing.
Ultimatum Changes
- Improved overall balance of Ultimatum monsters, bosses, and modifiers.
- Increased consistency of Ultimatum encounter monster density.
- Fixed various issues with object spawning during Ultimatums.
Bug Fixes
- Fixed a bug related to Stun and Electrocute priming in parties.
- Fixed a bug affecting Gemling Legionnaires’ Skill Slots.
- Fixed a bug with party member reviving distance.
- Fixed a bug with Waystone tier upgrades on the Atlas Passive Tree.
- Fixed a bug with Audio Mix settings not saving.
- Fixed a bug in the Fleshcrafter Passive Skill cluster (may require tree reset).
- Fixed a portal bug in The Riverbank (Cruel difficulty).
- Fixed a bug with Zalmarath, the Colossus’ skills persisting after death.
- Fixed a bug with disenchanting and full-screen panels.
- Fixed a bug with fire spells and Raging Spirits.
- Fixed a bug with “Buffs on you expire Slower” affecting Debuffs.
- Fixed a bug with non-reviving Minions and Grim Feast.
- Fixed a bug with Infernalists and Pyromantic Pact.
- Fixed a bug with the Candlemass world map icon.
- Fixed a bug with Gem upgrading and Adaptive Capability.
- Fixed a bug with Fiery Death Support damage calculation.
- Fixed a bug with Infusion Support Gems and Herald skills.
- Fixed a bug with Expedition encounters in the Decay Map.
- Fixed a bug with Quality affecting Sacrifice Skill.
- Fixed a bug with the Trial of the Sekhemas exit portal.
- Fixed a bug with Skill names in the controller interface.
- Fixed a bug with Elemental Storm placement.
- Fixed a snapshotting bug with the “Loads an Additional Bolt” modifier.
- Fixed a bug with Contagion not spreading Poison.
- Fixed a bug with Tempest Bell visibility.
- Fixed a bug with NPC name labels in Hideouts using a controller.
- Fixed a bug with guest accounts and friend lists on PlayStation 5.
- Fixed a bug with Hideout access on PlayStation 5.
- Fixed eight instance crashes.
- Fixed six client crashes.
- Fixed a client crash on Xbox.
- Fixed three client crashes on PlayStation 5.
