When questioned about suspicions of using a “Chinese driver” to level up his Path of Exile 2 account, Musk didn’t deny the claims. Instead, he doubled down on humor, quipping, “Yes, his name is Yilongma, and he’s amazing. I rely on him for everything.” Musk even reiterated this on X, formerly Twitter, with a tongue-in-cheek declaration: “I love my Chinese alter-ego.”
The meme-worthy response came during a broadcast from Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club on January 15, where Musk showed off gameplay featuring his hardcore-mode character, Percy_Verence. Hardcore mode in Path of Exile 2 is no joke—players risk losing their characters permanently upon death. Yet, despite Percy_Verence ranking among the top 15 hardcore accounts, Musk’s live gameplay raised eyebrows.
Actions Speak Louder Than Memes: The Evidence Against Musk
Viewers scrutinizing Musk’s stream quickly pointed out inconsistencies between his supposed rank and his in-game behavior. From struggling with basic mechanics like inventory management to misidentifying critical items, Musk’s gameplay didn’t scream “top-tier gamer.” These mishaps cast doubt on his ability to achieve such a high rank without external help.
One social media user summed up the sentiment bluntly:
“Cute. But it is uber cringe that you are pretending to know anything about POE besides running around and button mashing on characters you didn’t level.”
Criticism like this isn’t new for Musk. In 2022, the Elden Ring community roasted his inefficient and chaotic character build. More recently, he claimed an unverified sub-two-minute clear in Diablo 4’s Artificer’s Pit—a feat many suspect he outsourced.
Asmongold Challenges Musk to Prove His Skills
Even Twitch streamer Asmongold, known for his hot takes and controversies, weighed in on Musk’s gaming credibility. He issued a bold challenge: if Musk can prove he personally leveled Percy_Verence to 97, Asmongold promised to stream exclusively on X for an entire year. So far, Musk has yet to take up the offer, leaving fans and critics alike waiting for a showdown.
Why Does It Matter? The Integrity of Gaming
Musk’s playful dismissal of the accusations might seem harmless, but for the gaming community, it strikes a deeper chord. Hardcore gaming achievements, especially in titles like Path of Exile 2, are often viewed as badges of honor, reflecting countless hours of effort and mastery. By allegedly outsourcing his progress while flaunting these accomplishments, Musk risks alienating a community that values authenticity.
For some, this is just another example of Musk’s tendency to troll and entertain. For others, it’s a frustrating display of privilege, where even the grind in gaming—something many take pride in—can be bypassed with money and influence.
The Verdict: Troll or Tryhard?
Whether Musk’s high-level gameplay is genuine or outsourced, one thing’s clear: the billionaire thrives on stirring the pot. From his infamous Elden Ring build to his latest PoE2 escapades, Musk’s gaming endeavors seem less about proving his skills and more about entertaining his audience.
So, is Musk the real deal or just another meme king? The jury’s still out, but one thing’s for sure—if Musk does respond to Asmongold’s challenge, the internet will be there with popcorn in hand.