I've played a decent amount of the new Beast of Winter DLC so far, and it really is great in many respects.  Interesting combat, detailed lore, intriguing map layouts.  And, yes, nice items.

 

However there is one thing, and I can't even call it irritating because that's a strong word, but annoying is also too strong.   One has to go through multiple map zones to get anywhere, including getting back to the main town of the DLC.

 

It's a minor thing, I know, but when I want to get back to base, as it were, run run run, load screen, run run run, load screen, run load run load, run run run, load ain't my idea of a good time.

 

Now, don't get me wrong, I can see why this is the way it is.  At least two of the zone transitions are governed by scripting interaction challenges, and others are part of a dungeon area.  And that's not even getting to the titular Beast of Winter areas.

 

But, I dunno.  Maybe have some sort of shortcut unlocked eventually?  Even the Endless Paths in PoE1 had the stairway shortcuts.

 

It is true that I haven't completed the DLC yet, so maybe there's some sort of mechanic later on.  But I'm at the Shattered Passage where the game is splitting off into several different zones, and I'm not exactly hopeful at this point.     And realizing I had to make six map transitions to get from the Shattered Passage back to Harbinger's Watch triggered my admittedly minor complaint, which had already been gnawing at the back of my noggin.

 

And, yes, it is a minor complaint.  But a complaint nonetheless.

Edited August 4, 20187 yr by Zap Gun For Hire

The game will let you quick skip to Harbinger's Watch after you've concluded your business with Rymrgand, but that's about it.

The game will let you quick skip to Harbinger's Watch after you've concluded your business with Rymrgand, but that's about it.

Meh.

 

I mean, that's something at least.   But...

 

Meh.