Ascending to Three
Summary
The hosts discuss their recent reading of Dungeon Crawler and upcoming plans for Exile Con, including a surprise trip to the event. They share personal updates, such as celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving with in-laws and visiting a 25-year-old son on Vancouver Island. The conversation shifts to Path of Exile 2, where they analyze the new dual skill tree system, debate the limitations of weapon swapping, and express hope for more ascendancy options to enhance replay value.
Topics discussed
Episode 365 intro and patron shoutout
Book recommendations: Dungeon Crawler
Fall weather and Exile Con countdown
Canadian Thanksgiving plans and anniversary
Hiding the trip from the kids
Kids' school updates and cross country
Reflections on aging and parenting
Ferry trip and Starbucks points
Watching House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Starbucks lid design and nose check
Path of Exile 2 theory crafting and build planning
Exile Con cosplay and weapon rules
Minion build restrictions and meta gem limitations
Build flexibility and replay value
Ascendancy preferences and class choices
Tree swapping UI issues on console
Weapon set visibility and HUD feedback
Portal mechanics and weapon swap button
Weapon swapping strategy and defensive builds
Brief interruption: bleeding and Kleenex
Shapeshifting and Druid ascendancy ideas
Ascension difficulty and Sekima trials
Boss fight design and no-hit challenges
Campaign pacing and mechanic introduction
Complexity of endgame mechanics
New player experience and lore totems
Learning curves and in-game progression
Player mood and theory crafting fatigue
New player vs veteran experience
Ascension accessibility and fourth tier
Player base shifts and time constraints
Endgame mechanics and Simulacrum design
Quest completion and optional content
Chimera fight and Trials of Chaos location
Exile Con teasers and patch 3.3
Path of Exile 1 vs 2 release timing
Player expectations for Path 2 launch
Long-term game evolution and content
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