Hey Path of Exile enthusiasts! PoE 3.23 update is like a witch's brew of surprises - a bit of this, a touch of that, and a whole lot of magical mayhem. Let's break down the general changes and game balances that are reshaping the world of Wraeclast. Hold on to your helmets, because things are about to get interesting!

• Transfigured Gems
• The Eternal Labyrinth's New Look
• Heist Rework
• Quality of Life Improvements
• Passive Tree & Endgame Atlas Tweaks
• Metamorph Out, Ultimatum In
• Wrapping It Up

↖ Transfigured Gems

• Out with the Old: Say goodbye to enchantments, alternate quality gems, and threshold jewels. It's time for a change!
• In with the New: Welcome the Transfigured Gems system, spicing things up with alternate effects. This league will see 1-2 transformations, but don't expect any for Auras, Heralds, and the like. And nope, Vaal versions aren't affected.
• Sample the Magic: Frost Bomb now lacks CDR and exposure but packs less punch. Detonate Dead can now only target killed corpses, but it hits harder. And there's more – Zombies falling from the sky, Blight casting Contagion, and Tornado Shot with an extra secondary projectile!

↖ The Eternal Labyrinth's New Look

• Gem Crafting Galore: The Eternal Labyrinth now offers random gem crafting options instead of enchantments. Think of it as a gem alchemist's paradise.
• Crafting Options: Transform gems into Transfigured versions, sacrifice them for treasure keys or player EXP, and even transform gems into exceptional ones. The Uber Lab is even more generous, offering two crafts and fancier options.

↖ Heist Rework

• Alternate Quality Gems: These are yesterday's news. We're moving on to bigger and better things.
• Experimented Jewellery Power-Up: Cogwork/Geodesic Rings and Simplex Amulets are getting major buffs. Plus, there are five new Replica Uniques to play with.

↖ Quality of Life Improvements

Convenience is Key: Split item stacks during trades, and easily see your character slot count at the character selection screen.

↖ Passive Tree & Endgame Atlas Tweaks

• Passive Tree Improvements: It's like giving your character's brain a workout. Expect new paths and choices.
• Endgame Atlas: Always evolving, always challenging. Keep an eye out for new developments.

↖ Metamorph Out, Ultimatum In

• The Big Swap: Metamorph is taking a backseat, making way for Ultimatum with revamped rewards and mods. Expect ten thrilling rounds and a chance to face the Trialmaster.
• Inscribed Ultimatums Are Back: They're like your favorite TV show returning for another season.
• Catalysts and More: Now offered as Ultimatum rewards, with Metamorph uniques becoming core drop uniques. Plus, your Metamorph tab has evolved into an Ultimatum tab, ready to hold all those Inscribed Ultimatums.
• Gruelling Gauntlet Keystone: This Ultimatum keystone is not for the faint-hearted – tougher challenges, no modifier choices, but oh, the rewards!
• Tainted Catalyst: This wild card applies a random Catalyst effect at a random quality percentage.

↖ Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it, folks – the lowdown on PoE 3.23's general changes and game balance updates. It's like Wraeclast went to the gym and came back buffed with new features, improvements, and surprises. Whether you're a veteran Exile or a newbie braving the wilds for the first time, there's plenty to explore, discover, and conquer. Happy hunting!