Path of Exile enthusiasts are in for a treat with the upcoming 3.23 update, set to bring about one of the most significant metagame shifts in the game's history. Scheduled for an early December release, the new Affliction league introduces over 100 skill gems to the Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG), promising a thrilling experience for players collecting PoE Divine Orbs and those seeking a fresh challenge.

In a recent conversation with Mark 'Neon' Roberts from Grinding Gear Games, RPGStash gained insights into the exciting dynamics that Affliction brings to the table. Set in the Viridian Wildwood, players will face a "vile affliction" engulfing the overgrown forest in darkness. This league not only introduces three new Ascendancy classes, expanding build options, but it also unleashes a plethora of over 100 new 'transfigured skill gems.' These gems redefine the landscape of character builds, adding a layer of complexity to the game.

Affliction mode plunges players into the Viridian Wildwood's darkened realms, creating an eerie atmosphere. Sacred Wisps accompany players, burning away the darkness in close proximity, aiding navigation through the forest's dense blackness. Neon explains that monsters within the darkness won't engage players, creating a claustrophobic feel, especially for melee characters. Ranged characters, although monsters exist in the darkness, face increased difficulty in combat, with reduced incentives for defeating enemies hidden in the shadows.

The game's innovative design discourages mindless shooting from ranged characters, emphasizing a balance between melee and ranged playstyles. Neon suggests that being close to the monsters, even for ranged characters, is strategically advantageous.

To add to the challenge, certain formidable monsters, like bosses, trigger reactions in the wisps, indicating their presence and potential danger. This system serves as a warning, allowing players to make informed decisions about their path through the darkness.

Upon completing the journey through the Wildwood, players return to their starting point, infusing collected wisps into nearby monsters and bosses. This enhances their stats while also influencing item quantity, rarity, or currency drop rates. Additionally, players encounter three Azmeri wanderers in the cursed forest, offering opportunities to gain additional Ascendancy options.

The new Ascendancy classes include the Warden of the Maji, specializing in powerful Tinctures applied to weapons; the Warlock of the Mists, with dark arts that provide advantages against specific enemy types; and the Wildwood Primalist, allowing customization of the Ascendancy tree through special charms, creating a hybrid class.

Beyond the Affliction league, the introduction of transfigured skill gems marks a major shift in the game's core mechanics. These gems, with over 100 planned for the 3.23 patch, significantly modify existing skills, offering a fresh take on familiar abilities. The Divine Font in the Eternal Labyrinth serves as a gem crafting device for transfigured gems, introducing randomness into skill modifications.

For players looking to enhance their Path of Exile experience, the option to Buy Path of Exile Currency at rpgstash.com provides a strategic means to strengthen their in-game endeavors. The 3.23 update, launching on December 8, promises an immersive and challenging experience, continuing to uphold the game's reputation for engaging and dynamic content. As with the base game, the update will be accessible to all players for free, with cosmetic items and supporter bundles available for purchase. Stay tuned for an exciting journey into the realms of Affliction and the evolution of Path of Exile.