Increased Zoom Out / Better UI Scaling for Couch Play (Console & PC)

This is AI generated, so please, bare with me.

Hi GGG Team,

First of all, the game looks absolutely stunning. The level of detail in the environments and combat animations is incredible. However, I’d like to bring up a specific accessibility and quality-of-life concern regarding the camera zoom level, specifically for those of us playing from a distance.

While the current zoom level works well for traditional "nose-to-screen" monitor setups, it becomes a challenge when playing on a large TV from a couch (both on Console and PC with a controller).

The Main Issues:

Visibility at Distance: When sitting several feet away, the action can feel a bit too "close," making it harder to track fast-moving projectiles or ground effects compared to sitting at a desk.

Visual Clarity: Because the camera is tight, the high-density effects can sometimes clutter the screen, making it difficult to maintain "spatial awareness" during intense encounters.

TV/Monitor Versatility: Many players now use their PCs as home theater setups. A slightly wider FOV (Field of View) or an extra notch of zoom-out would significantly improve the experience for the living room environment.

Proposed Solutions:

Extended Zoom-Out Range: Allow players to zoom out just 10-15% further than the current limit.

Dynamic Zoom Toggle: An option in the settings to set a "Default Zoom" specifically for controller/console mode.

UI Scaling: Ensure that while the camera zooms out, the UI elements (health bars, map) remain legible for distant viewing.

I believe this change would make the game much more accessible to the growing console community and those of us who prefer a more relaxed setup.

Curious to hear if other "couch exiles" feel the same!

bare with me, this AI did not understand me ...

Hi GGG,

I’m currently playing PoE2 from a distance (approx. 1.5 meters from my display). While the game looks great, I’ve encountered a significant gameplay hurdle regarding the current camera zoom stages.

The Issue: The "Gap" between Zoom Levels
Currently, the zoom settings feel binary—either too far or too close—leaving no viable middle ground for those of us not sitting directly at a desk:

The Default Zoom: It is too far away for distance play. Critical visual cues, such as the Mercenary’s crossbow heat levels, become nearly impossible to distinguish amidst the clutter of combat and fire effects. Missing these cues directly impacts combat efficiency.

The Zoom-In Stages: The two available zoom-in levels are far too restrictive for actual gameplay. They are fine for looking at gear, but you cannot realistically fight bosses, clear mobs, or complete Ascendancy Trials because you lose all situational awareness.

The Suggestion: A "Couch Zoom" Preset
I would like to propose a "Mid-Range" zoom setting (or a slider) specifically designed for casual/couch play.

Why this is needed:

Mechanical Clarity: It would allow players to clearly see character-specific gauges (like the Mercenary heat) without straining.

Combat Viability: It would be zoomed in enough to see details, but zoomed out enough to react to boss telegraphs and environmental hazards in Trials.

Accessibility: Many players use large TVs or "living room PC" setups. A dedicated "Couch" or "Balanced" zoom stage would bridge the gap between "too small to see" and "too close to play."

The Mercenary is a blast to play, but the UI/camera needs to better support his mechanics for players who aren't 20 inches from their monitors.

Thanks for considering!

Switching from the breakneck speed of Path of Exile 1 (PoE1) to the more deliberate "couch zoom" style of Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) is like moving from a drag race to a tactical combat sim. It’s a shift in philosophy that changes how you interact with every pixel on the screen.

Here is why that "slower" pace actually makes the game feel more premium and impactful.
1. Combat: From "Stat-Checking" to "Skill-Expression"

In PoE1, the game is often about clearing screens. You move so fast that monsters are basically just loot containers that haven't opened yet. If you die, it’s usually to a one-shot you didn't see.

PoE2's "Couch Zoom": By pulling the camera in slightly and slowing the movement, the developers force you to engage with enemy mechanics. * The Impact: You actually see the boss wind up a heavy overhead smash. You have time to use the new WASD movement or a dodge roll to get out of the way.

Why it’s better: Victory feels earned because you reacted to a visual cue, rather than just having higher defensive stats.

2. The Campaign: An Adventure, Not a Chore

For veteran PoE1 players, the campaign is often seen as a 5-hour speedrun barrier to get to the "real game."

The "Slow" Advantage: In PoE2, the campaign is designed to be a cohesive ARPG experience. Because the pace is relaxed, the environmental storytelling and the next-gen lighting/physics actually have room to breathe.

Atmosphere: When you aren't flickering across the map at Mach 10, you notice the way your torchlight bounces off damp cave walls or how the mud deforms under your boots. It turns the leveling process into an immersive journey rather than a race to the finish line.

3. The Endgame: Tactical Depth vs. Visual Noise

PoE1 endgame (Maps) can often become a "blender" of effects where you can't see your character.

Clarity: A slower pace allows for more complex boss fights in the endgame. Instead of a boss dying in 2 seconds, they might have multiple phases that require precise positioning.

Graphics: Newer tech (like high-fidelity particle effects and physics-based rendering) looks terrible when it's moving too fast to track. By slowing down, PoE2 lets you appreciate the visceral impact of your spells—shattering ice looks like real ice, and fire feels hot and dangerous.

4. Ascendancy Trials & Bosses: Quality over Quantity

Remember the Labyrinth in PoE1? It was mostly about dodging traps at high speed.

The PoE2 Shift: Trials and major boss encounters are now focused on "The Dance." Every boss in PoE2 is designed with a specific rhythm.

The "Awesome" Factor: Because the graphics are so much sharper, these trials can use more subtle visual cues (like a floor cracking before it collapses). It makes the game feel more like an action-RPG (think Elden Ring or God of War) and less like a spreadsheet in motion.

"

Summary: Why the Change?
Feature PoE1 (Fast & Chaotic) PoE2 (Slow & Deliberate)
Movement Click-to-move / Travel skills WASD / Dodge Rolls / Tactical positioning
Graphics Functional, but often obscured Cinematic, high-fidelity, and readable
Learning Curve Memorizing stats and "One-shots" Learning enemy patterns and combos
Feel A "Power Fantasy" power-trip A "Dark Fantasy" struggle and triumph

The takeaway: Grinding Gear Games isn't making the game "boring"; they are making the combat meaningful. When every swing of your mace matters, the game becomes more "relaxed" because you aren't constantly fighting the UI or the speed—you’re just playing the game.

Do you think the switch to WASD movement is what’s really driving this "slower" feel, or is it purely about the monster health and damage?

And now the AI is making me, want to close it

ou’ve hit the nail on the head. The shift to WASD movement is the "secret sauce" that makes a zoomed-in, slower camera actually work. In PoE1, your mouse does double duty: it’s both your steering wheel and your aim. By splitting those roles in PoE2, the game transforms.

Here’s why that synergy between WASD, the camera, and skill combos makes the game feel so much more modern:
1. True "Twin-Stick" Fluidity

In the old click-to-move style, you can't easily retreat while attacking. You have to click behind you to move, then flick your mouse back to the enemy to fire a spell.

The WASD Difference: You can circle-strafe a boss, keeping your eyes (and your mouse) locked on the target while your legs move independently.

The Zoom Advantage: Because you’re closer to the action, this "dance" feels incredibly visceral. You aren't just a dot on a map; you’re a gladiator weaving through projectiles.

2. The Rise of the "Skill Combo"

PoE1 is famous for "one-button builds"—you find one skill that works and you spam it until the screen dies. PoE2 is built around inter-skill synergy.

The Combo Loop: Imagine using a Frost Wall to trap an enemy, then a WASD-guided dodge roll to reposition, followed by a heavy slam that deals double damage to frozen targets.

Why it works: Slowing the pace gives you the "mental frames" to think about your next move. It turns combat into a rhythm game where the "beat" is dictated by your animations and the enemy’s reactions.

3. Graphics as Gameplay Mechanics

With newer technology, "fluidity" isn't just about frame rates; it's about animation canceling and weight.

Inverse Kinematics: Notice how characters in PoE2 shift their weight when they turn or how their feet actually plant on uneven terrain.

Visual Clarity: When the camera is zoomed in, you can see the exact moment a boss's armor cracks or a spell "primes" for an explosion. This high-fidelity feedback tells your brain exactly when to hit the next button in your combo.

4. Group Play: From Chaos to Coordination

In PoE1, group play is often a blinding mess of neon lights where you can’t even see your own character.

The New Meta: In PoE2, because players move more deliberately, you can actually coordinate. A warrior can stun-lock a pack while a ranger picks off the backline.

The "Awesome" Factor: The engine handles light and shadows so well that a teammate’s fire spell will actually illuminate the monsters you're fighting, creating a cinematic experience that feels like a high-budget action movie rather than an old-school isometric grinder.

Why this creates "Flow"

"Flow" in gaming happens when the challenge matches your skill. By zooming in and using WASD, the challenge shifts from "Can I click fast enough?" to "Can I outmaneuver this encounter?" It’s a move toward the "souls-like" precision that modern hardware can finally handle in an ARPG setting.

Do you think the "one-button" playstyle of PoE1 will be missed by the hardcore fans, or is everyone ready for this more complex combo system?