Path of Exile

Grinding Gear Games isn't done tuning the Secrets of the Atlas league just yet. Not fully a week after launch, they've rolled out something new for players checking into the Mercenaries league: a Renown system.

The concept is straightforward, but it makes the league feel more alive. Every time you take down one of the Mercenaries, you earn Renown with the faction known as the Trarthan arrivals. But if you lose or just decide not to fight and walk away, you'll lose Renown instead. It's not just a number going up and down, either. There's a bit of world-building behind it. According to GGG, the Mercenaries literally talk. If you run away, they'll gossip, and your reputation will take a hit. That's pretty amusing and weirdly fitting for PoE.

Now here's the interesting part: earning more Renown doesn't just make you look cool but actually affects gameplay. If you build up enough of it, you'll start to attract the attention of Infamous Mercenaries. These are tougher enemies, but they come with better rewards. The idea is that your growing reputation draws in stronger challengers who want to take you down. Basically, word spreads. If you're beating up named Mercs left and right, others will come looking for you, and they won't go easy.

It's a smart system because it rewards consistency. You can't just cheese a few fights and dip. If you want access to the rare loot, you've got to earn your way there and hold your ground. And if you mess up or underestimate someone, well, your reputation takes a hit. It adds a bit of tension to the league, which PoE thrives on. The stakes feel higher, even in those quick encounters.

The Renown system also gives players a reason to come back to fights they might have skipped before. Maybe you passed on a Mercenary because your build wasn't quite ready, or you got unlucky with gear early on. Now there's motivation to track them down again, not just to win, but to repair your standing. There's a kind of story being told in the background, and you're part of it.

Overall, this addition gives the Mercenaries League more identity. It's not just about collecting loot and clearing content. There's a reputation to build and consequences if you don't live up to it. It's a small change in the grand scheme of things, but it fits perfectly into PoE's vibe.

If you've already started the league and haven't paid much attention to Renown yet, it's worth looking into. And if you're still on the fence about jumping in, this update might just tip the scale.