How to Trade in Path of Exile 2

Trading is an essential part of the Path of Exile experience, and in Path of Exile 2 Trade, it continues to play a major role in player progression, build optimization, and wealth generation. Unlike many modern ARPGs that feature gold-based economies and auction houses, Path of Exile uses a barter-based system centered on currency items and direct player interaction. In PoE2, this system has been enhanced to better support the game’s evolving structure while retaining the complex and rewarding mechanics veterans love.

Whether you're a newcomer to Wraeclast or a veteran returning for Path of Exile 2, this guide will teach you how to trade efficiently, where to find good deals, and how to avoid scams — so you can build wealth, min-max gear, and compete at the highest levels.

1. How Trading Works in Path of Exile 2

No Traditional Currency

There is no gold or central currency in Path of Exile. Instead, all trades revolve around currency items like:

Chaos Orbs

Exalted Orbs

Divine Orbs

Orbs of Alteration, Alchemy, and Fusing

Scrolls and Fossils

And more specialized crafting materials

These items not only function as currency but also have utility in crafting or modifying gear.

Direct Player-to-Player Trading

PoE2 follows the same direct trade model as the original game: players must find others who have what they need and propose a trade manually. There is no in-game auction house, but players can use third-party trade sites supported by GGG's official API.

2. Accessing the Trade System

Step 1: Use the Official Trade Site

The easiest way to search for items in PoE2 is through Path of Exile's official trade site. You can:

Search for gear by base type, stats, modifiers, sockets, and more.

Sort by price or seller availability.

See the seller's in-game name and message them directly via copy-paste.

Step 2: Use In-Game Trade Board (Controller/Console Only)

For console players or those using controller input, Path of Exile 2 will likely continue to support an in-game trade board — though it's more limited and slower than using a browser.

Step 3: Use Trade Chat (Less Efficient)

There’s a trade chat channel, but it’s mostly spammy and inefficient. It can be useful in the early game or while leveling, but it’s not the best for precise item shopping.

3. What Can You Trade?

Path of Exile 2 allows players to trade a wide range of items, including:

Rare and unique gear

Crafting currency

Skill gems

Divination cards

Fragments and maps

Jewels, flasks, and cluster jewels

Fossils, essences, and catalysts

Influenced or fractured items

Some items, like quest rewards, corrupted items, or certain league-specific gear, may have restrictions or no trade value.

4. How to Value Items

Valuing items in PoE2 can be tricky, especially with new or unknown modifiers introduced in the sequel. Here’s how to approach it:

Use Trade Site Filters

On the trade site, enter your item’s stats, item level, and any modifiers. This gives a price range of similar items.

Check Meta Trends

Watch build guides and patch notes to see which builds are popular. Items that support meta builds are usually worth more.

Use Third-Party Tools (If Available)

Community tools like Awakened PoE Trade or PoeStack help evaluate items, but their PoE2 integration may take time post-launch.

5. Step-by-Step: Buying Items

Let’s walk through an example of how to buy a specific item.

Step 1: Go to the Trade Website

Visit https://www.mmoexp.com/Poe-2/Currency.html and log into your account.

Step 2: Search for Your Desired Item

Use filters:

Base type (e.g., "Vaal Regalia")

Specific modifiers (e.g., "+#% to spell damage")

Socket colors or links

Price range (e.g., under 50 Chaos)

Step 3: Message the Seller

Click “Whisper” to copy a formatted message. Paste it in-game to message the seller.

Example message:

css

复制

编辑

Hi, I would like to buy your Vaal Regalia listed for 50 Chaos in Necropolis (stash tab "~price 50 chaos"; position: left 4, top 2)

Step 4: Wait for an Invite

The seller will invite you to their hideout. Right-click their name and choose “Visit Hideout.”

Step 5: Complete the Trade

Put your payment (Chaos Orbs, etc.) in the trade window and verify the item before clicking “Accept.”

6. Step-by-Step: Selling Items

To sell, you’ll need a premium stash tab with pricing functionality.

Step 1: Get a Premium Tab

Buy a Premium Stash Tab or upgrade a normal tab. You can now price items in the stash.

Step 2: Set Item Prices

Right-click an item in the premium tab.

Choose “Set Price” and enter a value (e.g., "50 chaos" or "1 exalted").

Step 3: List for Trade

The item becomes searchable on the official trade site instantly.

Step 4: Respond to Buyers

When someone messages you, invite them and complete the trade.

Tip: Use trade macros or in-game hotkeys to streamline invites.

7. Tips for Trading Success

a. Keep Your Prices Competitive

Check similar listings to avoid overpricing. Underpricing slightly can lead to quicker sales.

b. Trade During Peak Hours

More players are online during weekends and evening hours, making sales faster.

c. Bulk Trade Currency

You can sell large stacks of currency (like 500 Chaos) for better rates. List bulk items in specialized trade sections.

d. Don't Panic Sell

Hold items during early-league scarcity. Prices of some uniques or crafting mats skyrocket later.

e. Avoid Trade Scams

Always double-check items before clicking “Accept.”

Don’t drop items on the ground during trades.

Be cautious of name-swapping scammers.

8. Advanced Trading Strategies

Flipping

Buy undervalued items and resell them for profit. Requires market knowledge and patience.

Crafting-to-Sell

Use harvest, fossils, or spirit-crafting systems to create desirable rares, then list for premium prices.

Bulk Trading

Buy items in small batches and repackage them as bulk listings. Often used with scarabs, essences, or map fragments.

Niche Markets

Specialize in:

High-end Cluster Jewels

Build-specific uniques

Influenced bases

Meta skill gems (20/20s)

These markets have lower competition but require more expertise.

9. Trading vs Crafting

One common question in PoE2 is: Should I trade for gear or craft it myself?

Trade When:

You need gear fast.

You're unfamiliar with crafting mechanics.

You're playing SSF (Solo Self-Found) in trade mode.

Craft When:

You have specific modifier needs.

You enjoy the process.

You’re pursuing mirror-tier gear or Spirit-Crafted rares (Necropolis League).

Both playstyles are valid — the economy needs crafters and traders.

10. Trading in Solo Self-Found (SSF)

In SSF, you cannot trade with other players. You’ll rely entirely on drops and crafting. However, playing SSF can be a fun, challenging alternative that builds self-reliance and deep knowledge of the game.

Conclusion

Trading in Path of Exile 2 is more than a simple exchange — it’s a core gameplay pillar that shapes your journey through Wraeclast. Mastering the market can lead to faster progression, better gear, and the power to craft god-tier builds. While it may seem complex at first, the learning curve is part of what makes PoE’s economy one of the most exciting in any ARPG.

Whether you're buying your first 5-link, flipping your way to buy POE 2 Currency, or selling rare fossils, trading offers endless opportunity — if you know how to use it.

Stay sharp, watch the market, and trade wisely — exile.