Path of Exile 2 is known for its complex and rewarding economy, which forms a central pillar of the game. The in-game economy revolves around a variety of currencies that players use to trade, upgrade gear, craft items, and enhance their characters. For new players diving into this world, understanding how the economy works is crucial to progressing effectively and maximizing your in-game wealth.

This guide will walk you through the basics of Path of Exile 2's economy, focusing on currency tips and strategies that will help you navigate trading, crafting, and making the most of the resources at your disposal.

What Are Currencies in Path of Exile 2?

In Path of Exile 2, currency items are used to perform a variety of tasks, such as crafting, upgrading items, and trading with other players. Unlike traditional RPGs where currency is generally represented by gold or a similar form of money, Path of Exile uses a vast array of different currency items, each serving a specific purpose.

These currencies include:

Orbs: These are the primary crafting materials and are used to modify items. For example, the POE 2 Orbs of Transmutation can be used to upgrade a normal item to a magic item, while the Orb of Chance can convert a normal item into a rare item.

Scrolls: Primarily used for item identification, such as Scrolls of Wisdom, which allow you to identify unknown items.

Fossils: Used in crafting to add specific modifiers to items, such as Synthesis Fossils or Essence Fossils.

Exalted Orbs: One of the most valuable currencies in the game, used to add an additional modifier to a rare item.

Divination Cards: These cards act as another form of currency and are turned in for specific items or rewards. They are often collected and traded by players.

These currencies are not just tools for improving your own gear but also form the backbone of Path of Exile 2's economy, driving player trading, crafting, and item enhancements.

Understanding the Path of Exile 2 Economy

The economy in Path of Exile 2 is largely player-driven, meaning that supply and demand influence the value of various currency items. Unlike games with fixed values for items, Path of Exile 2's economy is highly dynamic. The prices of currency items and crafting materials can fluctuate based on player demand, the availability of certain items, and the progression of the game's leagues.

Here are a few key aspects of the economy:

Currency and Crafting: Players often use currency items to modify their gear, which can result in powerful items that are valuable to other players. For example, using Exalted Orbs to add an extra modifier to a rare item may make the item significantly stronger and more valuable in the marketplace.

Trading and Bartering: Trading plays a major role in the economy. Since Path of Exile 2 doesn't rely on traditional gold-based transactions, players typically trade currency for items they need, whether that's a powerful weapon, armor, or crafting material. The trade system is one of the main ways players acquire high-value items.

League and Endgame Content: As players advance through different leagues, they encounter unique items and mechanics that may affect the value of certain currencies. For instance, league-specific currencies and mechanics might drive up the value of certain crafting materials or change how items are obtained and traded. Understanding the current league's influence on the economy is key to making smart decisions about when to craft, upgrade, or trade items.

Currency Tips for New Players

As a new player in Path of Exile 2, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of currency items and the complexity of the economy. But don't worry! By following a few key tips, you can easily start navigating the economy, improving your character, and building up your wealth.

1. Focus on Early Currency Generation

In the early stages of the game, your goal should be to generate currency efficiently so that you can craft better gear and eventually trade for powerful items. Here are some strategies for getting started:

Identify and Sell Valuable Items: Early on, you may come across magic and rare items that are worth something on the market. Look for items with useful stats, high-quality bases, or powerful mods. Use Scrolls of Wisdom to identify items and check their worth.

Farming Currency in Acts: In the early acts, focus on farming areas that are known to drop valuable currency items. For example, Exiled Bosses, Loot Chests, and specific high-tier areas can be sources of crafting materials and other valuable currency.

Use Divination Cards: Divination cards are a great way to farm specific items. Some Divination Cards reward you with high-value currency items like Exalted Orbs, Fossils, or rare gear. Collect and trade Divination Cards for quick profits.

2. Master the Crafting System

Crafting is an essential part of Path of Exile 2's economy, and understanding how to craft effectively can help you generate wealth and improve your gear. There are several crafting techniques that can be profitable:

Using Orbs: Orbs like Orb of Transmutation, Orb of Alteration, and Orb of Augmentation can be used to reroll or modify magic and rare items. While some Orbs are common and inexpensive, others like the Orb of Exalted are valuable and can add an additional modifier to an item.

Fossil Crafting: Fossils are items that allow you to craft specific types of modifiers onto items. Using Delve to farm fossils can be a very profitable venture, especially when you craft powerful items for yourself or other players.

Essences: These are special crafting items that guarantee a specific affix on an item. For example, Essence of Horror guarantees a cold damage affix. This can be useful for crafting items for specific builds, and high-tier Essences can be traded for a significant amount of currency.

3. Be Cautious When Using Exalted Orbs

Exalted Orbs are one of the most valuable currencies in Path of Exile 2, used to add an extra modifier to rare items. While they can create incredibly powerful gear, they can also be risky to use, especially early in the game when you don't have access to the best crafting bases or items.

Don't Waste Exalted Orbs on Low-Tier Gear: Early in the game, avoid spending Exalted Orbs on low-value or low-tier items. Instead, use Exalted Orbs on high-level gear or rare bases with desirable item affixes.

Use Exalted Orbs to Improve Trading: If you aren't crafting for your own gear, use Exalted Orbs to improve rare items for resale. Sometimes, the ability to add a desirable modifier can drastically increase the value of an item, making it easier to trade for other valuable resources.

4. Understand the Value of Items and Currency in the Current League

The value of items and currencies can shift significantly during different leagues and events. In Path of Exile 2, each league introduces new mechanics that can affect the economy. For example:

League-Specific Currency: Some leagues introduce special currencies that are only available during that league. These currencies might be worth a lot early in the league but lose value as the league progresses and more players gain access to them.

Current Meta and Build Trends: If certain builds or item types become popular due to league changes or patch notes, items related to those builds may become more valuable. For example, a powerful skill gem or item base might see its value skyrocket if it's favored by the current meta.

Watch Market Trends: Pay attention to the Trade Market and observe how the value of certain currencies, crafting materials, or items shifts over time. This allows you to capitalize on high-demand items or materials and make smarter trading decisions.

5. Trade Smartly and Use the Trade Market

The Trade Market in Path of Exile 2 is a vital tool for any player looking to maximize currency and items. You can use it to list your items for sale or buy powerful gear from other players.

Price Check: Use the Trade Market to check how much certain items, currencies, or crafting materials are worth. This can help you avoid overpaying for an item or underpricing your own items.

Barter and Negotiate: Trade offers often involve negotiating prices or bundling items together. If you're buying or selling, try to barter to get the best deal possible. Offering multiple items in exchange for a single high-value item can be a good way to secure deals.

Conclusion

The economy of Path of Exile 2 is one of its most complex and rewarding features, and mastering the use of currencies, crafting, and poe2 trade is key to progressing efficiently and building wealth. As a new player, you'll need to start with the basics, focusing on farming, crafting, and understanding the value of different items and currencies.

By focusing on early currency generation, crafting, and smart trading, you'll soon find yourself navigating the economy like a pro. With time, you'll accumulate valuable Exalted Orbs, Fossils, and other high-demand items, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a master of Path of Exile 2's ever-evolving economy. Happy trading and crafting