U4GM - POE 2: Maximizing Your First Hour of a League for Currency
When diving into the world of POE 2 (Path of Exile 2) for the first time or starting a new league, it's crucial to make the most out of your initial hour in the game. This is the time when you set the tone for your entire league journey. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new player, optimizing your first hour can set you up for a significant amount of POE 2 currency. Here are some effective strategies to maximize your earnings right from the start.
1. Focus on Early Farming Areas
During your first hour, your primary goal should be to farm the early areas efficiently. In the beginning stages, mobs tend to drop a lot of basic items like Scrolls of Wisdom, Orb of Transmutation, and other low-tier currency. These may seem insignificant at first, but they add up quickly. Also, farming these areas allows you to level up and progress to more rewarding zones faster, where you'll start seeing more valuable drops. Make sure to explore different areas as you go to collect different types of currency.
2. Prioritize Quick, Efficient Clear Speed
In POE 2, clear speed is crucial, especially early on. The faster you clear enemies, the more loot you will get, and the quicker you'll be able to level up. Choose a build or weapon that offers solid clear speed for the early game. If you're not sure which build to start with, look up some recommended beginner builds that prioritize fast farming, as they often come with budget-friendly gear and abilities to help you clear areas quickly.
3. Sell Low-Tier Currency and Items
In the first few hours of your league start, the economy is flooded with low-tier items. Take advantage of this by selling any extra currency or low-tier items you gather. Items like Orbs of Transmutation, Alteration, and Wisdom scrolls can be traded for POE 2 currency. Even basic rare items that don’t fit your build can be sold to vendors for some extra currency. Use the Trade website to list your items if you want to maximize your profits, or simply sell them to NPC vendors if you're in a rush.
4. Identify High-Demand Crafting Materials
Keep an eye out for materials that are in high demand at the beginning of a new league. Crafting materials like Orbs of Alchemy, Chaos Orbs, and Vaal Orbs are highly sought after during the early stages of a league because players are busy crafting and optimizing their gear. By gathering these materials, you can either use them for your own upgrades or sell them for POE 2 currency to other players.
5. Participate in League-Specific Mechanics
Every league in POE 2 introduces a unique mechanic. These mechanics often provide additional ways to earn currency through completing specific challenges, unlocking rewards, and crafting opportunities. Be sure to spend some time early on familiarizing yourself with the league mechanics and taking advantage of them to maximize your currency gains.
6. Use Your Currency Wisely
While it’s tempting to spend your early POE 2 currency on fancy items or upgrades, it’s better to focus on saving your currency for essential upgrades or investments that will help you progress faster. Look for essential items such as gear upgrades that provide resistances, life, and damage boosts. Save your Orbs of Chaos for high-value crafting or trading.
7. Join Trade Networks
A great way to maximize your currency gains is by joining active trade networks. Many communities form around the start of each league where you can trade items and currency quickly. These networks give you access to a larger pool of players, increasing your chances of selling items and currency for a better price.
8. Farm Currency-Friendly Endgame Bosses
Once you have progressed past the initial hour and have a solid foundation of items and currency, start focusing on farming endgame bosses or areas that drop high-value loot. Bosses like Shaper or Elder in previous POE versions have historically been great sources of currency, offering rare drops that can be sold for a lot. Keep in mind that farming these areas requires higher-level gear and a bit more time commitment, but once you reach this stage, you’ll be reaping substantial rewards.
In conclusion, maximizing your first hour in a POE 2 league requires focus, quick farming, smart sales, and a strategic approach to gearing up. Whether you're gathering small currency items or focusing on crafting materials, every little bit helps when trying to build your currency reserves. By following these tips, you’ll set yourself up for success and be on your way to building a strong economy throughout the league.