Elon Musk has repeatedly found himself in gaming headlines that generate discussion. In late 2022 he claimed to have beaten Elden Ring and even shared his build, triggering memes and lively debates online. The backlash faded over time, but a fresh episode around his approach to Path of Exile 2 sparked new conversations. What exactly unfolded this time?
What you need to know about Path of Exile 2
The game entered early access on December 6, 2024, generating strong interest even without Musk’s involvement. In ARPG terms, Path of Exile 2 is seen as a major release and a serious competitor to Diablo 4, a title that attracted many players as well. Grinding Gear Games has pledged ongoing updates based on player feedback while keeping the core strengths of the original. PoE2 features deep gameplay systems that let players customize their build, and it maintains a high difficulty, especially on hardcore where death is permanent.
The community recognized the game’s entry barrier and nonetheless circulated talks that Musk not only played Path of Exile 2 but rose toward the top ranks on hardcore mode, a claim that sparked skepticism among seasoned players.
Have you played Path of Exile 2 yet?
How it all started
On December 17, 2024, Musk held his first livestream on PoE2. The most viewed broadcast appeared on January 7, when the billionaire showcased a hardcore character named Kekius_Maximus, demonstrated gear, and cleared several milestones. As of January 2, Kekius_Maximus ranked 163rd on the global ladder for the game.
Observers quickly flagged gaps between Kekius’ progress and Musk’s publicly stated understanding of the game. Musk asserted that his play was fair and that no outside boosts affected the character, yet questions surfaced about his grasp of core mechanics. He reportedly did not know how to fast travel across the map, forgot to use mana elixirs, and found it hard to justify why his gear was effective. Even though Kekius_Maximus wielded a powerful staff, attention shifted from weapon quality to perceived level thresholds. In practice, item level does not always translate into combat effectiveness in PoE2.
PoE2 community attacks
On the r PathOfExile2 subreddit, Musk’s thread was subjected to close analysis and became one of the most discussed posts with thousands of upvotes. Commenters pointed to gaps in knowledge and to questions about how his skills were used. Conspiracy theories emerged suggesting the character had outside support to boost the game’s visibility.
Famous streamers analyzed the broadcasts and suggested that earning Kekius’ level would require many hours of focused play, casting doubt on the idea that Musk progressed entirely by himself.
Counterarguments
Not everyone joined the backlash. Some fans proposed possible cooperation with other players who supplied items, while others argued that Musk is familiar with the game’s details but was simply tired or unfocused during a long stream. There were opinions that the final outcome matters less than the attention the event drew to Path of Exile 2, given its massive audience. The presence of a creator with a global following amplified exposure.
Why is all this important?
The controversy highlights two hot topics in modern gaming. First, many players question influencer-led promotion, doubting whether a single, brief take can reflect the quality or fit of a game. Second, there is worry about how public perception shapes the fate of online titles. When a public figure appears to misrepresent gameplay, it raises questions about the example set for others and how skill and effort are interpreted.
Whether Musk misstated his level of understanding or not remains unclear. Should new information surface from the streamer, the player, or Grinding Gear Games, the update will be shared here with attribution to the source.
Opinions about the hype surrounding Musk and Path of Exile 2 vary. Some readers may be indifferent, while others have strong views about the game’s community and its marketing landscape.
Did Musk manage the character’s progression without outside help? The debate continues as fans weigh evidence and context.
Notes from the field indicate that the conversation around this topic will continue to evolve as more insights emerge from players and developers alike. If new developments surface, they will be covered with clear attribution to the original sources.