Path of Exile (PoE) is well known for the complexity of its gameplay mechanics and the depth of its systems. Nonetheless, even experienced exiles were surprised by the increased level of difficulty within Acts 6 and 7 in Affliction League. This guide will help you navigate these treacherous waters successfully.

• Difficulty Curve
• Penalty on Elemental Resistances
• Tweaking Your Build
• The Pantheon System
• Heist League Mechanics

↖ Difficulty Curve

In most cases, each act in PoE introduces new challenges as you progress through it. However, some players feel that there is a huge difference in difficulty between Act 5 and Act 6; it is like hitting a wall. This means that your once unbreakable character can be hit more easily, with enemies also dealing more damage on top.

This comes about because many players don't pay attention to one important attribute: right after Kitava –the final boss to conquer Act V- gets defeated, all elemental resistances suffer permanent reduction including having a harsh chaos resistance penalty.

↖ Penalty on Elemental Resistances

After fighting Kitava, element resistances are cut by thirty percent for each type present. For instance if your maxed resistances were at seventy-five percent before they have now dropped to forty-five percent thus making you extremely susceptible to elemental damages. Chaos resistance experiences a bigger fall going down by thirty percent leaving you highly susceptible to chaos damage.

↖ Tweaking Your Build

1. Inspect Your Gear: Ensure that your items supply enough elemental defenses for counterbalancing those penalties imposed on gear by the game designers. Hence use crafting materials or find equipment which has higher resistance values to improve your current stuff’s resistances.
2. Passive Tree Reassessment: As such, moving passive skill points into defense can be helpful here though if increasing elemental or chaos resistances in larger amounts would save your life or not just get one shot.
3. Rely on Flasks: At times, flasks that offer elemental ailment removal or resistances for a short period are lifesavers in complex encounters.
4. Balance Damage and Defense: It may be tempting to focus entirely on damage but that will not work in acts 6 and 7. You need to be able to take some hits with such a build.

Boss Strategies

Act 6 reintroduces players to familiar locations but with a twist. Stronger enemies appear while new tactics seem from bosses like Brine King which require quick reaction time and strategic positioning.

• Learn Patterns of Attacks: Every boss has a pattern of moves they go through. By knowing it, you will anticipate what they do thereby enabling you to avoid taking any damage in the process.
• Keep Running: This includes staying away from taking up much space as real estate investment is made possible by finding movement skills where such as Flame Dash or Shield Charge help evade lethal attacks.
• Adds First!: Some other summon adds so make sure you clear them out quickly before becoming overwhelmed by others and reduce their power at the same time.

↖ The Pantheon System

Introduced during Act 6, the Pantheon system grants players powers upon defeating gods. These powers are passive bonuses that can be switched depending on circumstances.

• Choose Wisely: There is usually one god for each Power offered hence choose those that supplement your current needs or match your build.
• Upgrade Your Pantheon: Defeating certain map bosses allows you to upgrade your chosen powers for added benefits.
• Strategic Swapping: Considering which Pantheon power offers the best advantage prior to a difficult fight should be done by anyone.

↖ Heist League Mechanics

The Heist league adds another layer of complexity with its unique mechanics. Engaging in heists can offer great rewards but also pose considerable risk.

• Manage Alert Levels: The level of alertness goes up when chests are opened during a heist. When it becomes too high, the guards will notice you.
• Choose Your Team: Different thieves have varied talents, so choose a team that can actually perform the job.
• Know when to Flee: Better sometimes to leave with something than risk all for more.

Conclusion

Acts 6 and 7 of The Path of Exile form a milestone in the game's difficulty. You can utilize this understanding to align your strategy by considering mechanics such as resistance penalties and Pantheon system. Stay alert, change your setup, take lessons from every encounter, and remember that every exile has faced it. With perseverance and correct information, you will be able to surmount it also go on with your journey through Wraeclast.