Path of Exile has long been known for its complex and deep in-game economy, and with the upcoming release of Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), many players are curious about how the currency system is evolving. While POE 2 builds upon the foundation of the original game, there are some important differences in how currency functions between the two versions. In this article, we’ll explore the key changes and what they mean for players who want to get ahead in the new economy.

Core Similarities and New Direction

Both POE 1 and POE 2 continue to use a currency system that avoids traditional gold. Instead, they rely on a variety of orbs and crafting materials that serve both as money and tools for modifying gear. This core philosophy remains unchanged in POE 2, but Grinding Gear Games has introduced several adjustments that change how players interact with the economy.

POE 2 Currency Overhaul

The biggest difference in the POE 2 currency system lies in the streamlining of crafting items. In POE 1, players have to deal with a wide range of currencies like Chaos Orbs, Exalted Orbs, Orbs of Alchemy, and more. While POE 2 retains many of these orbs, it introduces new currencies and rebalances the usage of old ones.

For example, the importance of Chaos Orbs may be slightly reduced in POE 2 due to new vendor recipes and crafting options. Meanwhile, new orbs have been designed to serve more specific crafting needs, reducing randomness and increasing player agency.

Loot Distribution and Currency Drops

Loot drops in POE 2 have also been revamped. The game focuses more on targeted farming, where players can have more control over the types of items and currencies that drop based on the content they engage with. This is a shift from the more RNG-heavy approach of POE 1, where players often had to rely on luck or the market to get the exact item they wanted.

This change affects the value of POE 2 currency in the trade market. As more deterministic crafting methods are introduced, the demand for specific currencies may fluctuate in different ways compared to POE 1. Traders and crafters will need to adapt quickly to these new dynamics.

Impact on the Trade Economy

The introduction of new currencies and crafting systems in POE 2 is likely to reshape the economy in significant ways. POE 1’s economy often centered around a few key currencies that held stable value across leagues. In contrast, POE 2 currency could see more volatility as players learn the optimal uses of new orbs and the market adjusts.

Furthermore, the UI and trade systems are also getting updates, which could improve accessibility for new players while providing more control for veteran traders.

Conclusion

While POE 2 maintains the familiar feel of Path of Exile's item-based currency system, its updates bring a fresh layer of complexity and strategy. With more targeted loot systems, new crafting currencies, and adjusted drop mechanics, the POE 2 currency system is designed to offer players more control and customization in how they build their characters and manage their resources. As the game develops further, keeping an eye on the economy will be crucial for anyone looking to master the world of Wraeclast.