CLASS SHIFTING idea - Improving Build Diversity Access & League Retention - System Concept

Hi,
I’d like to share a system concept for Path of Exile 2 aimed at improving league retention and access to build diversity.
This is not a demand, but a discussion point.

🧠 Core Idea (Short)
Allow endgame players to change their character’s class without replaying the campaign or re-leveling, through a controlled, costly, and lore-friendly system.

⚙️ High-Level Implementation
Itemized or area-completion reward (similar to incursion itemized rewards or ascendancies)


- Character keeps the same level


- Full passive tree respec cost (gold-based)


- Additional currency cost (Divines / Exalts)


- One character becomes another - no duplication



✅ Pros

- Increased league retention


- Better access to existing build diversity


- More endgame experimentation


- Longer trade and economy activity


- Less mid-league burnout after finishing a build



❌ Cons

- Could weaken the perceived importance of class choice


- Might be seen as making the game more “casual”


- Enables optimal leveling builds followed by switching



⚠️ Challenges

- High development and QA cost


- Technical complexity and risk of bugs


- Potentially mixed community reception



I made a full video explaining the idea, reasoning, and trade-offs in more detail:
👉 https://youtu.be/yUijpftUrqc
I’m very interested in constructive feedback - both positive and negative.