Grinding Gear Games has launched a new expansion for Path of Exile, titled Settlers of Kalguur. This latest update brings a slew of new features and enhancements, leading to unprecedented player engagement on Steam. The expansion was released last Friday and has already achieved remarkable success, capturing the interest of both new and veteran players alike.
New Town-Building System
Settlers of Kalguur introduces an innovative town-building system, enabling players to aid in constructing Kingsmarch, a future location in Path of Exile 2. Players can gather resources, assign workers, and establish trade routes while defending the town from enemy attacks. This new feature adds a strategic layer to the game, expanding its depth and engagement.
Gameplay Overhauls and Enhancements
The expansion also includes a comprehensive melee combat overhaul and a rework of the Gladiator class, incorporating new skills that promote the use of blocking. The Warden Ascendancy has been introduced, along with various improvements tailored for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S players. Additionally, new encounters in Tier 16 and 17 maps have been added, enriching the end-game content.
Despite the positive reception, some features, like the new Currency Exchange Market, are limited to the Settlers of Kalguur expansion. The developers are monitoring its performance and evaluating its potential for future standard leagues.
Past expansions of Path of Exile have often focused on enhancing core gameplay mechanics and introducing new leagues to diversify player experiences. However, the scale of content and quality-of-life improvements in Settlers of Kalguur have surpassed previous updates. The inclusion of a town-building system and major class reworks marks a notable departure from the game’s typical expansion formula.
Previous updates have also seen significant player spikes, but Settlers of Kalguur has set a new benchmark by reaching the highest number of concurrent players on Steam. This trend suggests an increasing player base and heightened engagement driven by substantial content additions and gameplay refinements.
Grinding Gear Games’ efforts to innovate with the Settlers of Kalguur expansion have clearly paid off, as evidenced by the record-breaking player numbers. This update not only enhances the game’s complexity with new systems but also revitalizes existing mechanics to keep the gameplay fresh. Players now have more to explore and enjoy, from the strategic elements of town-building to the revamped combat systems.
As the developer continues to observe the performance of the new Currency Exchange Market, future expansions might incorporate more such features based on player feedback. The ongoing success of Path of Exile suggests a promising future with continuous growth and innovation, ensuring that the game remains a compelling option for its community.
