Path of Exile 2 player willingly deletes level 100 character to become world first martyr, buffing everyone in the game: ‘That was the coolest thing I’ve seen in a videogame in a very long time’
A Path of Exile 2 player named Carn made headlines by deliberately deleting their level 100 character to unlock a mysterious game mechanic that benefits the entire playerbase. The discovery came following Grinding Gear Games’ Return of the Ancients update, which introduced new hidden chambers and powerful secret items to the action RPG.
Carn, a Path of Exile 2 streamer, had spent considerable time during the current league grinding to reach level 100—an achievement that relatively few players attain due to the time investment required. Upon discovering an ominous chamber in an empty room, the player faced an unusual decision: interact with the chamber at the cost of deleting their high-level character.
Instead of preserving their significant progress, Carn chose to sacrifice the character, becoming what the community refers to as the game’s first “martyr.” The trade-off resulted in an in-game buff that applies to all players, making the sacrifice worthwhile from a community perspective. The moment resonated strongly with players and observers, with participants describing it as among the most memorable experiences they’ve witnessed in gaming.
The incident highlights the emergent storytelling that can occur in live-service games, where meaningful player choices can have server-wide consequences. Grinding Gear Games’ design of this secret mechanic encouraged exploration and risk-taking, rewarding a dedicated player for discovering and activating a hidden system that benefits the wider community rather than just the individual.