During my time playing Path of Exile 3.26, I noticed two player-run events that were so large that the official team took notice and adjusted their plans, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm for these events.
Let’s first talk about the limited-release events on consoles. These are something console players have been eagerly anticipating for countless times, and this release has finally given them even more to look forward to.
Specifically, limited-release events mean that console players can experience content previously only available on PC, which is incredibly meaningful for console players.
Next, let’s talk about the private leagues run by players during Settlers of Kalguur. These events were incredibly popular. They were so large that the official team had to organize additional events, such as the private league in May and Legacy of Phrecia event in April.
Going back further, another event worth mentioning is Gauntlet. Players can earn a large number of POE Divine Orbs by defeating bosses. Due to its generous rewards, it has been a top-tier player-run event since its inception.
What Is Gauntlet?
Simply put, Gauntlet is the extremely difficult mode in POE 3.26, with extremely strict rules. Players must play solo, completely forfeiting their chance. Looking for teamwork? No chance, you’ll have to fight on your own.
When the area reaches level 45, which is the first few acts of the game, mod maps are introduced. Their effects are quite complex, as follows:
- Monster damage taken is reduced by 20%, but at the same time, the damage dealt by monsters is increased by 20%, forcing players to remain vigilant in combat and never let their guard down.
- Monsters’ spellcasting, attack, and movement speeds are increased by 10%, requiring even faster reactions.
- Monsters gain two additional projectiles, increasing their attack variety and making evasion more difficult.
- Monsters have 20% elemental penetration, which means players’ elemental defenses face a greater challenge.
This completely changes the gameplay. Players no longer have to build super-powerful characters to withstand monsters head-on or dodge large enemies. Instead, it’s a bit like the old arcade game Gauntlet, where players must constantly be on guard against the various monsters that come their way.
Many players, while thrilled during Gauntlet, breathe a sigh of relief when returning to normal mode afterward. However, they undoubtedly experienced a unique level of fun in the process.
Furthermore, this event has become increasingly popular, attracting 30,000 to 50,000 players each time, far exceeding the number of participants in other private league events.
Thanks to Gauntlet’s immense popularity and influence, the official private league system was expanded to 10,000 players for the first time. Later, it was separated from the private league system and operated as an event league, which continues to this day.
How Can Console Players Experience Gauntlet?
Now, there’s good news for console players: they too can experience Gauntlet.
However, it’s important to note that the prize pool is exclusive to PC. Because the funds were crowdfunded by the creators of POE 3.26 and are limited in quantity, only PC players have the opportunity to compete.
But console players, don’t despair. If you simply want to experience the unique gameplay mechanics of Gauntlet, you can finally do so on console.
If you’ve never participated in a Gauntlet before, I highly recommend giving it a try. Don’t approach it with a competitive mindset; instead, consider it a personal challenge to see how far you can go in this challenging mode.
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If you feel like you’re not having fun, you can quit at any time, but if you still find it interesting, keep playing. Of course, there are certainly many competitive gamers, and for them, the generous prize pool of Gauntlet is a real thrill.
Gauntlet events are also incredibly entertaining to watch. You can watch numerous players compete fiercely and learn from their skills and strategies.
Finally, POE 2 is coming soon. Based on the release schedule for POE 2’s 0.3.0 patch, it’s likely we’ll see the first trailers for the official POE 2 release around the end of the POE 3.26 Gauntlet and the conclusion of the story. If you’re planning on participating in the gauntlet, good luck! May your characters perform spectacular feats in the game!
