Grinding Gear Games has released hotfix 13 for Path of Exile 2's 0.4.0c patch, introducing diminishing returns to Vaal Temple room modifiers and restricting room locking to tier-three only. These changes aim to address server performance issues and repetitive layouts but have sparked player backlash over potential imbalances. The update affects the ongoing The Last of the Druids league.
The latest update to Path of Exile 2 targets exploits in the Vaal Temple mechanic, a core feature of the new The Last of the Druids league. This league mechanic evolves from the original Path of Exile's Incursion system, allowing players to build custom temple layouts for farming gear and currency. However, certain strategies had led to overpowered dungeons generating excessive rewards, prompting Grinding Gear Games (GGG) to intervene with hotfix 13, released on January 3, 2026.
Key changes include diminishing returns on modifier values from rooms, which activate after four or more of the same type, starting with lower-tier rooms. GGG described this as a response to "drastic server performance problems," while also curbing high-value runs that could yield hundreds of Divine Orbs. Early tests show affected runs now produce around 20 Divine Orbs, a significant reduction.
Additionally, GGG swapped rooms influenced by the Golem Works and Spymaster mechanics to encourage layout variety. The developer noted that interactions between the Spymaster and Legion Barracks had caused repetitive setups, such as the 'Spymaster Snake' strategy popularized by streamer 'Milkybk_'. This approach involved chaining rooms to avoid destruction from destabilization.
A third alteration limits the use of Juatalotli's Medallion to lock only tier-three rooms, preventing lower-tier protections. Players have voiced strong opposition on the official forums and Reddit, arguing it disadvantages those still building temples without impacting established farmers. While GGG could reset layouts, such a move might unfairly penalize dedicated players. The studio's history of responsiveness suggests potential reversals based on feedback.
Overall, the hotfix balances top-end economy inflation but risks widening the gap between veteran and new players in the league's endgame.
