Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) has been highly anticipated by fans of the series, with numerous changes and improvements being promised. One of the most significant updates in PoE 2 is the shift in crafting mechanics. In this article, we will explore how the evolving crafting metas in PoE 2 are expected to influence the game’s currency flow, and how players can adapt to these changes to maximize their in-game wealth.

Understanding Crafting Metas in PoE 2

Crafting in Path of Exile has always been a crucial part of the game's economy. Over the years, the crafting meta has evolved, and in PoE 2, it is poised to undergo even further changes. Crafting refers to the process of creating powerful or rare items by combining different materials, including orbs, essences, and fossils. These items can greatly impact a player’s progression and overall strength in the game.

In PoE 2, crafting has become more complex and versatile, with new crafting systems being introduced. The crafting system now offers more control over the final product, allowing players to fine-tune items to their exact needs. This increased customization will likely lead to a shift in how currency is used and earned.

How Crafting Metas Influence Currency Flow

1. Increased Demand for Crafting Materials

With the new crafting systems in PoE 2, there will be a higher demand for specific crafting materials, such as orbs, essences, and new PoE 2-exclusive items. As players attempt to craft the best possible gear, these materials will become more valuable, which will, in turn, affect the currency flow.

For example, materials that can guarantee certain affixes or add specific properties to items may see a sharp rise in price. Similarly, rare and hard-to-find crafting resources will become the focal point of trade, meaning that PoE 2 currency will flow primarily through these high-demand materials.

1. Market Specialization

The introduction of more sophisticated crafting will also likely encourage market specialization. Players may choose to focus on specific types of crafting, such as endgame gear crafting or specialized items like weapons, armor, or accessories. These niche markets will have their own economic ecosystems, driving PoE 2 currency to specific areas of the economy. As players specialize in these areas, the price of their crafted items will depend heavily on their skill and the demand for that type of gear.

For instance, a player who specializes in crafting high-end weapons may find themselves in a position to charge significant amounts of PoE 2 currency for their crafted items, especially if they can guarantee a high degree of customization.

1. The Role of Crafting Bench

The crafting bench, a staple of PoE’s crafting systems, is evolving in PoE 2 to offer even more customization and control over crafting outcomes. This system allows players to add or modify affixes with the right materials. However, the introduction of additional crafting options means that more resources are required to achieve optimal results, increasing the need for currency to purchase or trade for the necessary materials.

As a result, the crafting bench system in PoE 2 may create a more stable and reliable currency sink, drawing PoE 2 currency from the broader economy. Players will need to decide whether they want to invest in crafting items themselves or purchase pre-crafted items from other players.

1. Crafting as an Investment

As crafting in PoE 2 allows for a higher degree of customization, players may begin to view crafting not just as a means to upgrade their own gear, but also as an investment. Crafting powerful, highly sought-after items can yield a substantial return, especially if players are able to create endgame-tier items that are in high demand. These crafted items will become valuable assets that players can sell for large sums of PoE 2 currency, providing a new avenue for wealth generation.

With the introduction of PoE 2's more advanced crafting systems, players who can create high-quality, highly desired gear will find themselves in a position to capitalize on the economy. This could potentially create an entirely new market focused around crafted items, and as a result, currency flow will be influenced by the value of these items on the market.

In PoE 2, crafting metas are set to have a significant impact on the game’s currency flow. With the introduction of more complex and customizable crafting systems, the demand for specific materials will increase, leading to shifts in currency usage. Additionally, the increased specialization within the crafting market will create new ways for players to earn and spend PoE 2 currency.

For players who want to maximize their wealth, understanding the evolving crafting metas and adapting to changes in crafting demand will be crucial. The crafting changes in PoE 2 present new opportunities, but also challenges. Keeping an eye on the market and investing wisely in crafting materials and crafted items will be key to succeeding in the new economy.