While many players experience the game solo, Path of Exile features a surprisingly robust - and often underutilized - multiplayer system. Whether you want to farm efficiently with friends, level together, or tackle endgame bosses as a team, co-op play brings a whole new dynamic to the game.

In this guide, we'll explore how multiplayer works in Path of Exile, how loot sharing functions, the pros and cons of group play, and some tips for playing efficiently in co-op - especially with the upcoming changes in Path of Exile 2.

1. How Multiplayer Works in Path of Exile

a. Party System

In Path of Exile, up to six players can team up in a party. You can form a group by:

Inviting friends via the in-game friends list.

Right-clicking a player's name in chat and selecting "Invite to Party."

Using the in-game Party Board in towns and hideouts to find public groups (used less often in current leagues).

Once in a party:

You'll see each member's health and mana bars.

You can follow them through zones.

Players can enter each other's hideouts and maps.

The leader of the party controls major interactions, like map device usage and boss portals.

2. Co-op Gameplay and Synergy

a. Combat Synergy

Multiplayer in PoE isn't just about numbers - it's about build synergy. Smart party compositions can greatly enhance efficiency.

Some popular co-op roles:

Aurabot: Focuses on stacking auras to buff allies (e.g., increased damage, energy shield).

Cursebot: Applies powerful curses to enemies, softening them up.

Carry: The main DPS, optimized for killing mobs fast.

Support: Combines crowd control, healing, flask charges, or defenses for the team.

b. Shared Progression

Players in a party share:

Experience gains (as long as they are near each other).

Quest progression (generally synced if in the same area).

Waypoint unlocks.

This makes co-op leveling viable, though balancing damage and survivability can be tricky.

3. How Loot Sharing Works

Unlike many ARPGs, Path of Exile does not have a gold-based economy or group loot rolls. Instead, it relies on loot instancing systems, and party loot rules, which can change how items are distributed.

a. Loot Allocation Modes

PoE offers several loot-sharing options for multiplayer:

Free-for-All (FFA)

All drops are visible and lootable by everyone in the party.

No instancing or delays.

Can lead to ninja-looting; not recommended for public groups.

Short Allocation (default)

Items are assigned to nearby players for a short time (a few seconds).

After this window, anyone can pick them up.

Balances fairness with flexibility; most common in co-op.

Permanent Allocation

Items are assigned to players who contributed to the kill and can only be picked up by them (for a longer duration or permanently).

Best for trusted groups and private parties.

Reduces loot theft and confusion.

Party leaders can set these modes at any time by clicking the party settings icon.

4. Party Play Loot Mechanics: What You Need to Know

a. Currency and Item Drops

In multiplayer, loot quantity and rarity increase per party member present in the instance. This makes it more likely to find:

Rare and unique items.

Path of exile currency drops (Chaos, Exalted, Divine Orbs).

Maps, scarabs, catalysts, and other valuable items.

However:

Loot is still not duplicated - the quantity increases, but each item only drops once.

Some drops may be locked to a specific player depending on allocation mode.

b. Map and Fragment Costs

If a player opens a map or uses fragments to open portals (e.g., for Atziri, Shaper), they pay the cost. However, all party members can enter and benefit from the encounter.

It's customary in serious parties to rotate costs or split valuable drops fairly (especially for bosses or Uber encounters).

c. Sharing Valuable Drops

If an item drops under Permanent Allocation, it cannot be picked up by anyone else unless dropped voluntarily.

Some teams use third-party tools (like PoE Overlay or Discord) to track loot and assign drops fairly during co-op sessions. Trust is essential here - especially with big-ticket items like Magebloods or Mirrors of Kalandra.

5. Leveling in Co-op: Pros and Cons

Pros:

Faster clear speed with combined DPS.

Aura/Curse synergy for smoother boss fights.

Shared map progression and waypoint unlocks.

Great for new players learning from veterans.

Cons:

XP is split and scales down if players are too far apart in level.

Loot isn't duplicated, so not everyone profits equally.

Mob scaling: Enemies have more health and deal more damage in parties.

Lag or desync issues are more noticeable in larger groups.

Best Practice: Level in co-op with players at similar skill and progression levels. Designate one player as the "carry" and others as support for optimized results.

6. Co-op in Endgame: Maps, Bosses, and More

a. Mapping Together

Players can run maps together using the party leader's map device. Benefits:

Faster clears (especially with AoE builds).

Shared loot potential.

Combined map mods for high risk/reward runs.

Use caution when:

Running dangerous map mods (e.g., "No regen" or "Reflect").

Fighting bosses that can quickly wipe unprepared players (e.g., Metamorphs or Maven encounters).

b. Bossing in Co-op

Bosses scale in health and damage in parties, but certain mechanics make them harder in co-op (e.g., Sirus beam or Maven memory game).

Ensure your team understands boss mechanics and has the right roles:

One player can taunt/distract.

Another can provide regen or flask charges.

The carry focuses on DPS.

c. Delirium, Breach, and Legion Content

These dense encounters benefit greatly from multiplayer:

Delirium fog moves slowly in parties, giving more time to kill.

Legion enemies are easier to unlock quickly with multiple players.

Breachlords and Blight maps are faster with focused roles.

7. Tips for Efficient Multiplayer

Use voice chat: Discord or in-game voice makes co-op smoother.

Designate roles: DPS, support, looter, map runner.

Optimize your hideout: Everyone can use the leader's crafting bench, stash, and portals.

Craft item filters for co-op: Hide less valuable loot to reduce screen clutter.

Use party loot trackers: Helps prevent loot arguments.

You can also buy POE currency to improve yourself.

8. Will Path of Exile 2 Change Co-op?

Yes - Path of Exile 2 is expected to bring several enhancements to co-op play:

Shared loot is being reworked to offer better group play incentives.

Skill animations and synergy are designed to be more visually readable in groups.

Improved performance for smoother large-party content.

Possible matchmaking features for bossing or trading.

GGG has stated that co-op and controller support are core development focuses in PoE2 - meaning group play will be more accessible and rewarding than ever.

Conclusion

Multiplayer in Path of Exile offers a unique and rewarding way to explore Wraeclast. From leveling with friends to clearing high-end maps or farming bosses as a team, co-op can make the brutal grind more manageable - and more fun.

But with its deep loot mechanics, party scaling, and trust-based loot sharing, it's not your average ARPG co-op system. Success in multiplayer means mastering communication, planning builds for synergy, and respecting loot etiquette.

Whether you're a solo exile bringing friends into the fold or a hardcore six-man team speed-farming maps, Path of Exile multiplayer is as deep and strategic as the game itself.

Happy hunting, and may your parties be strong and your loot be legendary!