Path of Exile 2 is an epic, sprawling ARPG that can feel overwhelming to newcomers. With its deep mechanics and brutal difficulty, getting through the campaign smoothly takes some know-how. Whether you're diving into the Dawn of the Hunt update or just starting fresh, these 10 tips will help you survive, thrive, and maybe even enjoy the chaos. While we're at it, keep us bookmarked and swing by our PoE2 store—whatever you're dreaming up, we've got it locked down. Let's dive in with a mix of practical advice and a dash of personality - after all, who says grinding can't be fun?
1. Check Vendors After Every Level-Up
Every time your character levels up, vendors refresh their stock. This is your chance to pick up upgrades like weapons with more damage or armour with more health and resistances. Early on, prioritise boots with movement speed - it's a game changer when it comes to dodging attacks and speeding through zones. Don't sleep on open sockets either; they're perfect for runes or salvaging later. Make it a habit: level up, portal back, browse the wares.
2. Watch for New Base Types
As you progress, new weapon and armor base types unlock with higher stats. For example, a Wrapped Quarterstaff (7-12 damage) pales next to a Gothic Quarterstaff (16-26 damage) at level 11. Keep an eye on these breakpoints and hit the vendor when they unlock. A solid base of decent mods can triple your damage output overnight. Start noticing patterns - it's like a treasure hunt with stabbing rewards.
3. Upgrade Your Flasks Regularly
Flasks are your lifeline, and their base types improve every few levels. A Lesser Life Flask might heal 50 at the start, but by the middle of the campaign you'll want something like a Greater Life Flask, which restores 450. If you're dying too often, check your flasks - modifiers like increased recovery or faster recharge can turn a tough fight into a walk in the park. Don't let weak flasks hold you back, upgrade them!
4. Save Currency for What Matters
Orbs like
Transmutation,
Alchemy, and
Exalted are your crafting lifeline, but they're easy to waste. Early in the campaign, focus your spending on weapons - good damage will keep you alive more than fancy armour. Save rarer orbs (Alchemy,
Regal,
Artificer's) for big upgrades when you're stuck. You can farm lower zones for drops if you need to, but blowing all your currency on a mediocre helmet? That's a rookie trap.
5. Master Rune Management
Runes are your secondary crafting layer, adding boosts like extra life or elemental damage. Don't waste them on junk you'll replace in an hour - save them for a solid piece that needs that final push. A Gothic staff with a
Storm Rune and a
Desert Rune will see you through like a champ. Also check the vendors for socketed gear; it's rune-ready and budget-friendly.
6. Balance Gold and Salvaging
Gold is precious—use it wisely. Salvage socketed or quality items from the bank for materials such as Artificer's Shards (10 = 1 orb) or
Blacksmith's Whetstones to boost weapons. Disenchant rares from vendors for Regal Shards if you're low on orbs, but weigh up your needs. Need gold for a respec or that perfect vendor weapon? Sell instead. It's all about what's in short supply: gold or crafting juice.
7. Avoid Gambling (IMPORTANT! Unless Desperate)
Gambling with vendors sounds tempting, but it's a gold sink with shaky odds. Save it for emergencies - when drops, vendors and crafting fail - or when you're rolling in gold. For early uniques like Ghost Wraith, farm Bayer in Clearfell, sell loot, and then gamble on a low-level alt. It's a long shot, but it's better than blowing your stash on a whim.
8. Hunt Permanent Buffs
Scattered across the campaign are permanent buffs like +2 skill points or resistance boosts. Check your map for skulls with a '+' symbol - these are your targets. Killing bosses such as Bramblegast will also give you guaranteed drops (such as a level 2 uncut gem). In Act 3, pick up the Lesser Jeweller's Orb from Sandsweep Marsh for a free support gem socket. These power spikes are too good to miss.
9. Pick Your Playstyle—Guide or Freestyle
New to PoE 2? Following a build guide can speed up your learning curve. Sites like Mobilitics offer solid options - read them, understand the 'why' behind the choices, and ask questions if you need to. Rather go rogue? That's fine too. Complete every zone, experiment, and take 50 hours if you want. The only rule: have fun. It's your journey, not a race.
10. Practice Makes Perfect
Want to blitz the campaign like a pro? Study layouts beforehand - written guides and videos can shave hours off your run. Knowing where to go feels like cheating, but it's just smart preparation. If that sounds like overkill, no worries - just dive in and enjoy the ride. The endgame will still be there when you get there.
Thanks for Reading
These tips should give you a solid edge in Path of Exile 2's wild world. From vendor tricks to rune hacks, it's all about making your campaign smoother and more enjoyable. Keep exploring, tweaking and killing - stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more adventures!
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