At the core of the nerfs is the Vaal Pact Keystone. “Being able to leech instantly meant that many threats were completely mitigated by high-damage fast-hitting characters with minimal leech investment,” Grinding Gear Games explains. “Vaal Pact has been changed to no longer grant instant leech, but instead doubles your character’s leech rate and maximum leech rate. This was one of the most heavily-requested nerfs in the history of Path of Exile.”
In addition to debuffs for several other skills, the game will also make leveling from 95 to 100 take significantly more playtime. GGG has further discussed how your Atlas will be affected by the patch (you may see changes to your completed maps) and just what you can win by participating in the new Abyss Challenge League, which launches alongside the expansion.
3.1.0 is due to roll out Friday; you can check out our detailed preview from November for more!
