A Shift in the Meta: Farewell to Current of u4gm

[lalo]

Crafting is always a hot topic. My first prediction is the return of a powerful, deterministic crafting mechanic, but with a significant twist. GGG has been wary of systems that allow players to bypass the RNG inherent in item acquisition. This time around, expect a mechanic that is deterministic within a limited scope. Perhaps a system that lets you guarantee specific modifiers within a very narrow range or on items with specific base types. The goal? To inject more player agency into the crafting process without completely invalidating the value of drops. This controlled crafting could become a significant avenue for generating valuable items and, consequently, PoE Currency.

A Shift in the Meta: Farewell to Current Powerhouses?:

It's a safe bet that the meta will shift. My prediction is that we'll see substantial nerfs to some of the currently dominant builds and skills. While GGG doesn't like to completely invalidate entire playstyles, expect some key passive skills, support gems, or even ascendancies to be rebalanced. We might see a re-emergence of previously underused skills or builds, creating new demands in the PoE Currency market as players scramble to acquire the necessary gear.

League Mechanic Focused on Targeted Item Acquisition:

GGG has experimented with league mechanics that allow players to target specific item types before (e.g., Heist). I predict we'll see something similar in 3.26, but perhaps with a stronger emphasis on influencing the modifiers on those items. Imagine a mechanic that allows you to "imbue" a chest piece with a higher chance of rolling specific resistance affixes, or influence weapon to roll certain damage types. This would create a direct path for players to acquire specific items they need and influence the prices of those items within the broader PoE Currency economy.