Auto aim with gamepad / no such option with keyboard + mouse

Controller Auto-Targeting vs. M&K Precision: The Ranger's Dilemma in Path of Exile 2

Introduction and Core Problem

There is a significant imbalance in targeting efficacy between Controller (Gamepad) and Mouse and Keyboard (M&K) controls in Path of Exile 2, especially for ranged classes like the Ranger.

As a Ranger, my core gameplay relies on precise positioning and efficient kiting (attacking while moving away). While I inherently prefer the M&K setup, I am currently forced to switch to a Controller for combat because it offers a vital targeting functionality that the M&K scheme lacks. This creates a frustrating need to constantly swap input methods just to manage the Stash and inventory, severely damaging the flow of gameplay.

Detailed Issue with Mouse and Keyboard (M&K)

The M&K scheme is currently disadvantaged by two key factors regarding ranged combat:

Lack of a True "Attack Closest Enemy" Option:

While Path of Exile 1 featured the "Always Attack Without Moving" option, this is insufficient in PoE 2.

The M&K ideal: We need a dedicated option for ranged skills (like Arrows) that would allow the skill to automatically target the closest enemy within range when the key is pressed, overriding the exact cursor position. This would replicate the speed and reliability of the Controller.

Unreliable "Soft-Lock" with WASD:

The current pseudo-auto-aim (soft-lock) that occurs in WASD mode for M&K is often unpredictable. Skills frequently lock onto the nearest enemy instead of firing precisely at the cursor location, which prevents critical advanced tactics like aiming at environmental objects (traps, barricades) or deliberately shooting past a target.

This lack of complete cursor precision defeats the biggest advantage of using a mouse.

The Advantage of Controller (Gamepad)

For a Ranger, the Controller provides mechanics that significantly streamline combat and create an effective advantage over M&K:

Fluid Kiting: The Controller allows for simultaneous movement (Left Stick) and aiming/attacking (Right Stick), or the use of skills with a reliable, built-in Auto-Targeting that consistently selects a logical target.

High Attack Efficiency: This automation of aiming dramatically increases reaction speed and the reliability of ranged attacks, which is crucial for high-level survival and damage output.

Proposed Solution for GGG
To balance the control schemes and eliminate the need for players to constantly swap inputs, I propose two crucial options for M&K users:

Per-Skill Option: "Auto-Target Closest Enemy"

A toggle in the skill menu (next to "Always Attack Without Moving") that, when enabled, forces the skill to always target the closest enemy within its range upon keypress. This would provide M&K players with the combat reliability currently enjoyed by Controller users.

General Option: "Disable All Target Soft-Lock"

For players who require absolute mouse precision, this option should ensure that every skill fires exactly where the cursor is pointing, with zero in-game correction or target-snapping.

Implementing these options would allow M&K players to choose between mouse precision (for AoE placement) or auto-aim convenience (for kiting), thus removing the current dilemma and allowing for a consistent, preferred play experience.

Add to the list that with controller target acquisition CoC works much much better and doesn't miss while KBM have the cast on cursor and could easily miss.

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AverBeg7#1689 wrote:

Settings>Interface
scroll down
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Cursor
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"Enable Click Cursor"
"Enable Hover Cursor"

If on click, click a monster and it will aim it until dead or another is clicked.

On hover, keep your cursor on/around the target.

Both are made more lenient with a larger default cursor size.

I believe they made some changes to how targeting works because it was a bit sticky, but increasing the cursor size and enabling whichever option you prefer should fix your problem.

If you have trouble with aiming where you don't want to, then do the opposite. Turn off those options, or keep on hover and reduce cursor size.

I always considered it a point of pride that Mouse + Keyboard doesn't have aim assist.

Esp when I've seen plenty of console players turn it off in shooters. Good for them.

I play Monster Hunter Wilds holding the Aiming key the whole time because screw that auto targeting. It's a bit jank when you try to block though which is unfortunate. I do want there were more source of Projectile Speed in PoE2 though. I usually like Projectile weapons in games because they often have a high reward for leading and arching shots but that's not a thing here.

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Xzorn#7046 wrote:

I always considered it a point of pride that Mouse + Keyboard doesn't have aim assist.

Esp when I've seen plenty of console players turn it off in shooters. Good for them.

I play Monster Hunter Wilds holding the Aiming key the whole time because screw that auto targeting. It's a bit jank when you try to block though which is unfortunate. I do want there were more source of Projectile Speed in PoE2 though. I usually like Projectile weapons in games because they often have a high reward for leading and arching shots but that's not a thing here.

True. But here gamepley differnce is not just about better aim but more fundamental (at least as I understand it). I reference this vid (a little old tho). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFfMy5RiuwI
Correct me if I'm wrong but that sounds like a pretty big difference.
Also on WASD layout if you hold skill button the game won't acquire new target after killing previous one. Gotta release the skill first.

The difference is indeed pretty big from controller to mouse and keyboard, especially for single target skills

The comparison to shooters doesn't make sense because on shooters what you get is aim assist for controller. On shooters you actually need to move your right stick close to the target, while on poe2 what you get for controller is a flicker and lock to the target without you having to aim anything. It's like some old aim bot where you flicker instantly and headshot

This might not be that massive of a difference for big aoe skills, but for single target it's night and day. I easily go from completing a map on 5 minutes while on mouse and keyboard to 2 minutes on controller

You can literally just afk brain mode, push left stick forward and hold your skill button down while the character keeps doing 360 and flicking aim from target to target

It's not too much to say that controller is close to a cheat mode

I would like aim assist to be toggleable. I don't like having it on controller.
Makes certain skill force you towards mobs.
As someone who uses resonating shield, I want to face any direction I want with the right stick.

If you hold your rmb\lmb while attacking and don't let it go, the attack hits the chosen target. If you need to cast smth else, hover over the target and cast.

What's the problem? Why not asking for the "clear the lvl and collect the chosen loot". Oh I forgot. You already asked. Item filters, Rare icons, breach\delir splinters collected in packs etc...

The game is as trivial as it can be, why ask for more?

Mouse and keyboard aim shouldn't be buffed, but controller snap aim should get nerfed. It should be aim assist and not the aim bot it is right now. I honestly don't even know how this thing got through test phase

Controller is fine. There are still skills that basically don't function with it, for example killing palm. You can't realistically target specific mobs with controller.

I think the cast on critical effect should be fixed for m & K (and any other effect similar to that) but otherwise, M & K has the advantage of being able to target more precisely AND much better inventory management.

Seriously if controller were worst, I don't think I would play this game at all.