In Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), currency is more than just a tool for purchasing items or trading with other players. It is a dynamic and ever-changing economy that players can navigate to maximize profits. While most players are familiar with common trading methods such as selling items directly or flipping currency, there are lesser-known strategies that can lead to hidden profit opportunities. One such opportunity lies within the Crafting Bench, a key feature in POE 2 that many players overlook as a source of significant profit. By understanding how to use the Crafting Bench effectively and exploring its potential in conjunction with the currency market, players can gain a competitive edge and increase their wealth in the game.
Understanding the Crafting Bench and Its Potential
The Crafting Bench in POE 2 is a powerful tool that allows players to modify items with specific affixes using various currency items. By combining a base item with certain currency types, players can craft unique items with specific properties that are highly valuable on the market. Crafting Bench modifications can range from simple additions of resistances or life to more complex changes such as adding valuable modifiers like increased damage or attack speed.
What many players do not realize is that the Crafting Bench can be a goldmine for players who understand the underlying demand for certain crafted items. For instance, certain item mods can make common items much more desirable to endgame players. These crafted items, when optimized for high-demand builds, can fetch impressive prices on the trade market. Additionally, crafting can often be more cost-effective than relying solely on random drops, which can be unreliable and time-consuming. By crafting specific items that are in high demand or enhancing an item’s affixes in ways that align with popular builds, players can unlock hidden profit opportunities.
Currency Types and Their Crafting Applications
Various types of currency in POE 2 can be used to enhance items at the Crafting Bench, and each currency has a distinct purpose. One of the most common crafting currencies is the Orb of Alchemy, which upgrades a basic item to a rare one. This is often used on high-demand bases, such as weapons with high potential for crafting damage mods. The Orb of Scouring is used to remove all mods from an item, allowing players to start fresh with a base that can be re-rolled into a highly valuable crafted item. The Orb of Exaltation, which adds a random affix to a rare item, is often used in crafting endgame gear for players looking to create high-tier equipment.
When using these currencies, it’s crucial to understand the demand for specific mods. For example, crafting an item with a powerful damage modifier that aligns with the meta can significantly increase its value. Similarly, players crafting gear with essential defensive mods, such as resistances or life, can often create items that are in high demand by other players working on their endgame builds. By staying in tune with the current meta and identifying which modifiers are sought after, players can maximize their crafting efficiency and profit.
Flipping Crafted Items for Profit
Once a crafted item is complete, the next step is determining its value on the market. Flipping crafted items is a common and profitable strategy that requires a keen understanding of market trends and player demand. After crafting an item, it’s important to compare its stats with other similar items available for sale. If the crafted item is superior in terms of the mods it offers or if it provides a unique combination of affixes, it can often be sold for a higher price than what it cost to craft.
Flipping can be done at various price points. For example, crafting a high-value item with popular mods can allow you to list it at a price that exceeds the cost of the currency used for crafting. Conversely, crafting cheaper but essential items for mid-level players can also yield profits, as many players in the game may be looking for affordable upgrades. Understanding the player base’s needs and crafting accordingly can significantly increase the likelihood of successfully flipping crafted items for a profit.
Leveraging the Crafting Bench with Market Knowledge
The key to successfully utilizing the Crafting Bench for profit lies in market knowledge. Players who are aware of the current build trends, popular modifiers, and sought-after item bases have a significant advantage when crafting. By staying up-to-date with POE 2’s changing meta and understanding which mods are in high demand, you can strategically craft items that align with player needs. Additionally, it’s important to monitor the currency market as well, as currency values can fluctuate, impacting the cost-effectiveness of crafting.
Ultimately, combining a solid understanding of crafting mechanics with market insight allows players to identify hidden profit opportunities in POE 2. Whether you are crafting items for endgame players or flipping gear for mid-level users, the Crafting Bench provides a valuable avenue for earning currency and boosting your wealth in the game. The key is recognizing its potential as a strategic tool, rather than just a method for enhancing your own gear. By crafting items that cater to the demands of the wider player base and flipping them for profit, players can create a steady stream of income and secure their place in POE 2’s dynamic economy.