A Long-Awaited Lore Fulfillment
The Mysterious Boat League has been an intriguing piece of hidden lore in the Path of Exile community for over a decade. From “redacted” forum posts to in-game fishing lore that was later removed, the playerbase has eagerly anticipated its introduction. The former community manager Bex often hinted at it, stoking excitement and curiosity.
The Settlers of Kalguur League
With the latest league, Settlers of Kalguur, Path of Exile has finally answered the call. Released with the 3.25 patch last week, the excitement is palpable. Grinding Gear Games has reported a record peak of 350,000 players, and the feedback from content creators and players alike has been overwhelmingly positive.
One of the most significant changes is the massive rebalancing of skills. Overpowered meta builds like Detonate Dead have been adjusted, and melee skills have received notable buffs. Another major change is the replacement of the Raider ascendancy with the new Warden, which focuses on enhancing elemental ailments and utilizing tinctures. This has reinvigorated the game and provided fresh challenges for players.
A New Game Mechanic
The Settlers of Kalguur league introduces an almost entirely new gameplay experience centered on city building. Players start by interacting with Johan, the King’s Hand, in Act 1. From there, they establish their city, Kingsmarch, by completing events and maps to gather resources. These resources can be used to construct buildings, harvest ore, disenchant items, and partake in boat voyages to trade for loot.
Gold as a New Currency
One of the most debated changes is the introduction of gold as a currency. Unlike currency orbs, gold is not tradeable between players and is solely for interacting with the league mechanic. Players earn gold in maps and use it to upgrade buildings, pay citizens, and manage the exchange. This integration of gold keeps players engaged in the core gameplay loop, ensuring that the primary mechanics of Path of Exile remain relevant.
The Settlers of Kalguur league offers something new and enriching for every player. Whether you’re excited about the skill rebalancing, the unique city-building mechanic, or the innovative introduction of gold, there is something in this league for everyone to enjoy.
