XP Loss on Death Kills SSF Solo Fun + System Confusion for Casual Players

Hi GGG and PoE 2 community,

I’m a casual player with over 1000 hours in PoE, and I absolutely love the solo experience of Path of Exile 2 in Solo Self-Found (SSF) mode. Exploring Wraeclast on my own, building my character without trading, and tackling challenges at my own pace is what makes this game special for me. However, the XP loss on death mechanic is ruining my enjoyment, and I believe it should be removed entirely. I’m also struggling with some game systems as an SSF player, and I’d love clarity from GGG or tips from the community. Here’s my feedback, and I hope it sparks some discussion!

Main Issue: Remove XP Loss on Death Entirely for SSF Solo Players
The XP loss on death is a massive frustration for me as an SSF player who loves solo exploration. I enjoy diving into new areas, experimenting with builds, and taking on tough bosses or content on my own, but every death feels like a punishment for having fun. Losing XP makes me feel like I’m wasting my time, especially when I’m trying something new—like testing a skill setup or exploring a high-level zone in SSF. In SSF, where I can’t just trade for gear to recover from setbacks, this penalty hits even harder and discourages me from taking risks.

I get that PoE is built on challenge, and I respect that for hardcore or trade-league players, XP loss might add tension. But for casual SSF players like me, who play solo for the self-reliant journey, it just feels unfair and demotivating. It stops me from enjoying the exploration and experimentation that make SSF so rewarding. My suggestion: completely remove XP loss on death in non-hardcore SSF modes. This would let solo players like me embrace the game’s depth without feeling penalized for every mistake. Has GGG considered this for SSF specifically? I’d love to hear from other SSF players—does XP loss bother you as much as it does me?

Minor Issues: SSF Struggles with Game Systems
As a casual SSF player, I’m finding some systems confusing or hard to navigate without trading. I’d really appreciate better in-game explanations or community advice for solo players:

1. League Mechanic (Fate of the Vaal Temples): I’m lost with the new league mechanic. I think it involves temples or altars, but I don’t understand how to engage with it or what rewards I can get in SSF. The game doesn’t make it clear, and I feel like I’m missing out. A simple in-game tutorial for solo players would help me figure out how to use this mechanic without relying on trade.

2. Endgame Progression: I’ve reached endgame in SSF, but I don’t know how to progress efficiently on my own. Should I focus on Monoliths or specific content to gear up? The systems are complex, and I need a clear path for SSF players who can’t buy gear. A solo-friendly roadmap would be a game-changer.

3. Crafting System: Crafting in SSF is intimidating. I’m trying to make my own gear, but I don’t understand how to get the right modifiers or use materials effectively. I’m worried about wasting resources I’ve grinded for solo. Could we get more in-game tooltips or a beginner guide for SSF crafting?

4. Target Farming Unique Items: In SSF, farming specific Unique items is a big goal for me, but I have no idea how to target them. Is there a way to increase my chances for certain Uniques through specific content or bosses? Clearer info on SSF-friendly Unique farming would give me something to work toward.

Final Thoughts
PoE 2’s solo SSF experience is incredible, and I want to keep exploring Wraeclast on my own terms. But the XP loss on death mechanic makes every mistake feel like a setback, especially in SSF where I’m fully self-reliant. Removing it entirely in non-hardcore SSF would make the game so much more welcoming for casual solo players like me. The lack of clarity around league mechanics, endgame, crafting, and Unique farming also makes SSF harder than it needs to be. I hope GGG can add more solo-friendly explanations or tweaks to help players like me thrive.

Thanks for reading, and thanks GGG for listening to feedback! I’d love to hear from other SSF players—how do you deal with these issues? Any tips for a casual solo player? Looking forward to the conversation!

Cheers,
Woofeliwow