Path of Exile 2 Trading System Review

       by        Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide       

Path of Exile 2 is known for its deep and complex gameplay, but one area where many players find friction is in the trading system. Trading in Path of Exile 2 remains a topic of hot debate, especially for those new to the game or coming from other ARPGs like Diablo or Last Epoch. Let's take a look at how trading currently works and where there is room for improvement.

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Current Trading Mechanics

In Path of Exile 2, trading involves setting up items in specialized trading tabs where you can assign a price. Once listed, these items appear on the game's trade website, allowing other players to initiate a trade with you directly through in-game whispers. This system, reminiscent of older MMOs like EverQuest, where players turned into makeshift shops, has its charm but also significant drawbacks:

Practicality: Many players are often AFK or not ready to trade, leading to a tedious process where you might whisper dozens of players only to find none respond, which can be especially frustrating on consoles where accessing the trade site isn't as straightforward.
Scammer Risks: Direct player-to-player trading opens up opportunities for scams, such as the "cancel scam," where traders might change the items in a trade mid-process to trick you into accepting less valuable items.
Valuation Challenges: New or casual players might struggle to understand the true value of items, leading to either overpricing or underpricing goods, which can skew the market dynamics.

Developer Insights and Community Feedback

Jonathan Rogers, the game director, has expressed concerns about making trading too easy, fearing it might diminish the game's intended challenge. However, he also acknowledges the community's frustration with the current system. In interviews, he's hinted at considering changes, especially as other games such as Last Epoch have managed to implement effective, user-friendly trading systems. 

The introduction of gold in Path of Exile 2 as a non-tradable currency could be a key to balancing an instant buyout system by requiring players to farm gold to cover trade fees, thus adding a layer of gameplay to the trading process without making it overly accessible.

Potential Improvements

Instant Buyouts: Allowing for an immediate purchase with a gold fee could streamline trading, reducing the need for direct player interaction and thus minimizing scam opportunities.
Enhanced Search Functions: Better search capabilities on the trade site would help players find exactly what they need, reducing time spent and increasing satisfaction.
Gold as a Balancing Factor: By making gold a necessity for trading, the game could maintain its challenge while offering a more accessible trading experience, ensuring players still need to engage with the game's content to progress.

Thanks for Reading

While immediate changes might not be on the horizon for the Early Access phase, the dialogue around trading indicates that Grinding Gear Games (GGG) is listening to player feedback. The community's hope is for a system that respects the core gameplay of Path of Exile 2 while making trading less of a chore.

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