A week into Fate of the Vaal, Path of Exile 2 has that old “don’t blink” energy again, and I’m not mad about it. The first time I saw Atziri sitting in her own era, not as a memory but as a living threat, I actually slowed down and listened to the room. That doesn’t happen often in an ARPG. If you’re stocking up on poe 2 currencies to keep your craft attempts rolling, this update gives you a real reason to spend them because the temple loop finally feels worth the effort.
Beacon Runs That Punish Sloppy Play
The glowing Vaal Beacons are the real “okay, focus up” moment. You spot one, you know the pack’s about to turn into a mess, and you clear it like you mean it. Do that six times and you’re in, but the run can still fall apart fast. People rush the pacing, then wonder why they’re limping into the temple with no rhythm. Take a breath between packs, reset your flasks, and don’t pretend you can face-tank everything just because it’s only the opening loop.
Console Planning: Stop Drawing Mazes
The Temple Console is where you either look smart or you waste your own time. The decay mechanic doesn’t care about your “one more side room” idea. Keep your route clean, keep it direct, and build like you’re trying to reach the Architect with a shaky timer hanging over your head—because you are. I’ve watched Tier 3 rooms rot because I zigzagged for a shiny option that didn’t even pay off. Straight lines win. Detours are for runs where you’ve already got room security sorted and you’re feeling lucky.
Room Targets That Actually Pay
Upgrades matter more than sheer clears. I still chase the Thaumaturge Lab whenever it shows up, since a double-corrupt gem can flip a build from “fine” to “why is everything melting.” The Spymaster’s Study is another one I don’t ignore, mainly for the Juatalotli Medallion. Locking a key room against decay changes how greedy you’re allowed to be. Since 0.4.0c, medallions feel less stingy, so you’re not stuck doing ten mediocre runs just to protect one good idea.
Atziri: Clean Movement Or You’re Toast
Atziri’s fight is the kind of encounter that exposes habits. Phase one is readable if you keep your feet moving and don’t panic-roll into corners. Phase two is where the run gets loud: big Flameblasts, adds that demand attention, and those blood spear moments that delete you if you’re late by half a second. I learned to burn the adds early, even if it feels like you’re “wasting” damage, because control is the real DPS. And yeah, the chest pops and rare drops are a rush, but if you’d rather skip the dry streaks and keep your crafting plans on track, checking the poe2 market can be a practical way to stay geared while you focus on actually learning the fight.
