As the release of Path of Exile’s 3.25 update, titled Settlers of Kalguur, approaches, players are on the brink of one of the most transformative experiences in the game’s history. Grinding Gear Games has meticulously crafted this update to introduce innovative mechanics, overhaul existing systems, and offer a wealth of new content. This guide serves as an exhaustive resource for understanding and mastering every facet of this update, ensuring that you can navigate the new challenges and opportunities with ease.
The World of Kalguur: A Journey into the Unknown
Welcome to Kalguur: The New Frontier
The Settlers of Kalguur league introduces players to the enigmatic region of Kalguur, a previously unexplored territory within the Path of Exile universe. Kalguur stands as a testament to the game’s ever-expanding lore and offers a fresh environment brimming with unique challenges and rewards. At the heart of this region lies Kingsmarch, a burgeoning settlement that players must build and develop.
Settlement Building: The primary feature of this league is the settlement-building mechanic, a first for Path of Exile. Players are tasked with founding and expanding Kingsmarch by gathering resources, constructing buildings, and managing their burgeoning community. This mechanic not only introduces a strategic layer to the gameplay but also significantly alters the pace and progression of the game.
Resource Gathering and Management
Exploration is key in Kalguur. As players venture through the newly discovered nodes scattered across maps, they encounter a variety of resources and minerals essential for settlement development. Once enemies are cleared from these nodes, players can tag deposits for mining. These resources are then transported back to Kingsmarch, where they serve as the building blocks for various structures.
Key Buildings and Structures:
- Resource Depot: A storage facility that allows for the accumulation and management of resources.
- Harbor: Establishes trade routes with other settlements, enabling the exchange of goods and providing players with substantial rewards, including valuable currencies and rare gear.
- Worker’s Quarters: A living space for workers, essential for maintaining a steady workforce.
The settlement-building mechanic not only offers a sense of ownership but also introduces a continuous goal, encouraging players to revisit and improve their settlements as they progress through the league.
Transforming the Trading Ecosystem: The Currency Trade Market
A New Dawn for Trading
One of the most significant changes in the Settlers of Kalguur update is the overhaul of the trading system with the introduction of the Currency Trade Market. Historically, trading in Path of Exile was cumbersome, relying heavily on third-party tools and external websites. The Currency Trade Market streamlines this process, allowing players to buy and sell currency and stackable items directly within the game.
This system is akin to an Auction House found in other MMORPGs, but with the added flexibility that Path of Exile players require. The market operates asynchronously, meaning that players can post offers and receive trades even while offline, a feature that greatly enhances the convenience and accessibility of trading.
The Introduction of Gold: A Game-Changer
In tandem with the Currency Trade Market, the update introduces a new in-game currency: Gold. Gold is a versatile currency that serves multiple functions within the game. It can be used for recruiting workers, constructing buildings, and engaging in core mechanics such as gambling and respeccing. The introduction of Gold simplifies various in-game transactions, making it easier for players to manage their resources and advance their progress.
Major Class Reworks and Balance Changes
Revamping the Gladiator and Warden Classes
The 3.25 update brings with it substantial changes to Ascendancies, particularly the Gladiator and Warden (formerly the Raider) classes. These reworks are designed to enhance the viability of these classes, providing players with more robust and diverse build options.
Gladiator Rework:
- New Passive Skills: Focus on Bleeds and Blocks, offering a more defensive playstyle with added offensive capabilities through Retaliation skills.
- Enhanced Synergy: Improved synergy with bleed-based builds, making the Gladiator a formidable force in both offense and defense.
Warden Ascendancy:
- Elemental Attacks: The Warden introduces a focus on Elemental Attacks, providing a unique playstyle centered around Barkskin for damage mitigation and Tinctures, an upgraded form of Flasks.
- Repositioned in Meta: With these changes, the Warden class is expected to carve out a distinct niche in the meta, offering competitive alternatives to traditional builds.
Endgame Enhancements: Expanding the Horizons of Challenge
New Map Devices and Endgame Content
The Settlers of Kalguur update doesn’t just stop at early and mid-game content; it also brings significant improvements to the endgame. A new 6th Map Device Slot has been added, expanding the strategic options available to players as they tackle the game’s most challenging content.
Tier 16 and 17 Maps:
- New Encounters: These high-tier maps now feature new encounters that push players’ skills and strategies to their limits.
- Currency Interaction: Tier 17 maps, in particular, can be affected by map currency items like Chisels and Scarabs, providing additional layers of strategy and reward potential.
Reworked Mechanics:
- Blight and Ritual: Popular mechanics such as Blight and Ritual have received reworks, enhancing their rewards systems and making them more competitive with other mechanics like Heist and Expedition.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Path Ahead
The Settlers of Kalguur update represents a monumental shift in Path of Exile’s gameplay and mechanics. With its innovative settlement-building feature, streamlined trading system, and comprehensive class reworks, this update promises to offer an unparalleled experience for both new and veteran players. As the update rolls out across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation on July 26, 2024, we encourage all players to dive deep into the new content and explore the myriad possibilities that await in the land of Kalguur.
Prepare yourself for the journey ahead, as Settlers of Kalguur is set to redefine what it means to conquer the world of Path of Exile.