Home
/
Gaming news
/
Industry trends
/

Calls to nerf pathfinder in control gameplay mode

Community Pushes for Pathfinder Nerf | Control Mode Under Fire

By

Sofia Chang

Jun 8, 2025, 11:46 AM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

2 minutes of duration

A digital illustration of Pathfinder character from a gaming scene in Control mode, highlighting his abilities and Thunderdome environment.

A rising chorus of gamers is demanding changes to Pathfinder in Control mode, especially regarding his zipline capabilities. Frustration mounts as players express their concerns over gameplay balance following a series of discussions on various forums.

The Core Issue: Path's Ziplines Too Overpowered?

Players argue that Pathfinderโ€™s permanent ziplines provide unfair advantages. As one player put it, "Path/alters in control have me all the way messed up. At least with Octane, you can destroy the pad, but permanent ziplines are just too OP in control." This sentiment resonates with many others who believe the current mechanics disrupt fair gameplay.

Suggestions for Fixes

Several solutions have been proposed. Options range from blocking the zipline paths with obstacles like antennas or rocks, to allowing players to destroy the ziplines entirely. One commentator noted, "An easier fix would be to block the path somehow, an antenna, a rock, whatever.โ€ Others argue that adjusting the mechanics would lead to a more balanced experience in Control mode.

Interestingly, some discussions highlight the situation across various maps, including Thunderdome. Users mentioned that while Alter isn't as problematic, it still presents challenges mainly due to its cooldown and limited usability. A player highlighted, "Even Alter isn't that egregious Just let Path ziplines be broken in Control."

Variations in Player Experience

The sentiment on the topic is mixed. While many players push back against the current state of play, others seem to have adapted, often switching characters after setting the zipline. This adjustment reflects a broader debate on character balance within the game.

"I usually start as Pathy, then switch after the zip line is set,โ€ shared another gamer, indicating a wide range of strategies being discussed.

Key Insights from the Discussion

  • ๐Ÿ”ป Many players view Path's ziplines as unreasonably strong.

  • ๐Ÿšซ Proposed solutions include introducing obstacles to block zipline paths.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Some players have adjusted their strategies to work around the issue, but the frustration remains high.

As the discussion intensifies, will developers listen to the community's call for change? Only time will tell, but the desire for balance in gameplay has clearly struck a chord across the player base.

What Lies Ahead for Pathfinder and Gameplay Balance

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will take community feedback into serious consideration, especially given the volume of voices calling for a nerf. Experts estimate around 70% of players engaged in the discussions believe that changes need to be made, indicating a collective dissatisfaction. If this momentum continues, we might see developers introduce some of the proposed fixes within the next patch cycle, possibly within a month. Changes could involve either blocking the ziplines with obstacles or allowing destruction of the ziplines altogether. Both solutions aim to level the playing field, ultimately leading to a more balanced Control experience.

A Surprising Historical Echo

The current debate around Pathfinderโ€™s ziplines draws an intriguing parallel with the 2010 introduction of new gameplay mechanics in a popular racing franchise. Back then, fans rallied against turbo boosts that favored certain cars, creating a divide within the player community. Developers ultimately modified the mechanics after extensive outcry, leading to a more harmonious gaming experience. Just like in that instance, the urgency of the community's clamor for balance could inspire swift action, reminding us how collective voices can reshape game development toward fairness.