Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) is known for its deep and complex gameplay, where trading is an integral part of progressing and improving your character. As the game evolves and introduces more items, mechanics, and ways to interact with the economy, learning the art of trading becomes essential for survival and growth. In this article, we'll walk you through the basics of buying and selling items, the currencies involved, how to use the trade website effectively, and even a handy tool to help you with price checking.
The Currency of Trading: Exalted Orbs
One of the first things you'll encounter when you begin trading in Path of Exile 2 is understanding the primary currency used for most trades: Exalted Orbs. These items serve as both a currency and a means to upgrade your gear with powerful modifiers. However, when you're playing in a trade league, Exalted Orbs will mostly be used to purchase gear from other players rather than for crafting.
How to Get Exalted Orbs
Exalted Orbs can be found throughout your journey in Path of Exile 2, and you'll most likely come across some during your campaign. Keep pushing forward through the acts, and you'll eventually get your hands on these valuable items. However, you can also acquire them by trading other in-game resources or through various crafting mechanics.
At the time of this guide, exalted orbs are one of the most commonly used currencies in PoE2's trading ecosystem. While they are primarily used for upgrading rare gear with additional stats (via the crafting bench), they are equally as important for purchasing high-quality items from other players.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Items in PoE2
Now that you understand the role of Exalted Orbs, let's dive into the process of buying gear in PoE2. This guide will use boots as an example, but the steps can be applied to virtually any item in the game.
1. Prepare Your Exalted Orbs
Before you start browsing for gear, make sure you have enough Exalted Orbs in your inventory. As mentioned earlier, these are the primary currency used in PoE2's trade economy. For example, if you want to upgrade your boots, you'll need to have the necessary Exalted Orbs to afford them.
2. Visit the PoE2 Trade Website
To begin browsing for items, you'll need to visit the official PoE2 trade website. Bookmark this site, as you'll use it frequently when looking for upgrades or selling items.
Log Into Your Account
Once you're on the site, you'll need to log into your PoE2 account. Ensure you use the correct credentials to access your account and start browsing items that suit your needs.
Set Your Filters
Once logged in, you'll need to refine your search to find the right item. For instance, if you're looking for boots, type "Boots" in the item category and filter by the level of your character. This is important because you don't want to search for items that are too high-level to equip just yet. For example, if you're level 52, ensure you select a maximum level of 52 in the search filter.
3. Refine the Item Search
Now that you're looking for boots that match your character's level, it's time to refine the search further with more specific attributes, such as:
Movement Speed: If you're upgrading your boots, you'd likely want an increase in movement speed. You can filter for boots with a minimum of 25% increased movement speed.
Life and Resistances: As you progress in PoE2, you'll need boots with not only high movement speed but also defensive stats like life and resistances. Make sure to filter for these attributes (e.g., minimum 60 life, resistances for lightning, cold, or fire).
4. Review Listings and Send a Whisper
Once your filters are set, you'll get a list of boots that meet your requirements. Browse through the listings to find an item that fits your budget and preferences. When you find something suitable, you can use the whisper function to contact the seller. Simply click on the item, and you'll see the option to send a direct whisper to the seller.
If the item is available, the seller will invite you to their party. Once invited, you can teleport to their hideout, where the trade will take place.
5. Trade and Complete the Purchase
When you're in the seller's hideout, you'll be presented with the trade window. Make sure to place your Exalted Orbs in the trade window, along with the item the seller is offering. After confirming everything is in order, hit accept, and the transaction is complete. Enjoy your new gear!
How to Sell Items in PoE2
Now that you know how to buy items, it's time to learn how to list your own items for sale. This is how you can turn your extra loot into currency, allowing you to upgrade your character even further.
1. Get a Premium Stash Tab
In order to sell items, you will need to purchase Premium Stash Tabs. These are special stash tabs that allow you to list items for sale and set prices. You can purchase these tabs through the shop in PoE2 using points. Once you have a premium tab, right-click on it, select "Make Public", and set it to allow you to list prices.
2. Set Your Item's Price
When you want to sell an item, simply drag it into the premium stash tab. Right-click on the item, select "Set Price", and then input the price in Exalted Orbs (or other currencies, if preferred). Make sure the price is reasonable to attract potential buyers, but also consider what others are asking for similar items.
3. Completing the Sale
Once your item is listed, buyers will be able to see it on the PoE2 trade website. When someone decides to buy it, they will send you a whisper. You can then invite them to your party, head to your hideout, and complete the trade in the same manner as when buying.
Price Checking: How to Find the Value of Your Items
Determining the price of an item can be tricky, especially for unique or high-level items. To make this process easier, there is a helpful tool called Sidekick that can assist with price checking.
How to Use Sidekick for Price Checking
Download and Install: Visit the official Sidekick website and download the tool. Follow the installation instructions provided.
Activate Sidekick: Once installed, ensure your game is running in Windowed Mode (full-screen mode won't work with this tool). While in the game, hold Ctrl + D over an item to activate the Sidekick price-checking interface.
Refine Your Search: Sidekick will analyze the item's stats (such as damage per second or attack speed) and search the PoE2 trade website to find similar items listed for sale. It will give you an idea of how much your item is worth compared to others.
Adjust Search Parameters: You can refine the search further to filter by item level, stats, and other important factors, giving you an accurate estimate of your item's value.
Example: Price Checking a Crossbow
Let's say you want to sell a crossbow. Using Sidekick, hover over the crossbow and press Ctrl + D. The tool will search for other crossbows with similar damage and attack speed. If the average price for such a crossbow is 1 Exalted Orb, that's a good indicator of your item's value. You can then list it for sale at that price (or adjust based on demand).
Conclusion
Mastering the trading system in Path of Exile 2 is essential for anyone looking to progress efficiently. Whether you're upgrading your gear or selling items for profit, understanding the game's economy will help you get the most out of your time in the world of Wraeclast. Using Exalted Orbs as currency, browsing the trade website, and employing tools like Sidekick for price checking can make the process much smoother.
While the lack of an in-game auction house may seem inconvenient at first, the web-based trading platform in PoE2 provides a streamlined and effective system for buying and selling gear. As you become more familiar with the game's trade mechanics, you'll find it easier to navigate the market and secure the best deals to enhance your character's power.
Happy trading, and may your loot be plentiful in Path of Exile 2!
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