U4GM - POE 2: How to Test a Build’s Currency Potential Before Committing
Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) offers players an expansive world filled with intricate mechanics and a vast array of character builds. As you progress through the game, one of the most crucial considerations is how well your chosen build can generate POE 2 currency. Whether you're aiming to create an efficient farming character or simply curious about the viability of a new build, testing its currency potential before fully committing can save you both time and frustration. Here are some practical strategies to assess your build’s ability to generate currency in POE 2.
1. Evaluate the Build’s Farming Speed
One of the most direct ways to measure a build’s currency potential is by testing how fast it can farm content. Currency in POE 2 is often earned through completing maps, running various content, or farming specific bosses. To evaluate this:
Test the build in different areas: Run low-level content, mid-tier maps, and endgame bosses to assess how quickly you can clear these areas. Faster clears usually translate to more currency dropped, especially if your build can efficiently handle large packs of enemies.
Consider efficiency: A build that clears quickly but requires a lot of resources or consumes too much time to sustain its performance may not be ideal for consistent currency farming. Look for a build that balances speed with sustainability.
2. Test the Build’s Survivability
While you may focus on damage and speed, survivability plays a key role in testing currency potential. A build that can easily die during farming sessions will not be as profitable as one that can sustain itself without frequent trips back to town.
Tankiness matters: Test your build in tougher areas with high monster density. Can it take hits from strong enemies without dying? A solid defense often leads to fewer deaths and more time spent farming, ultimately generating more POE 2 currency.
Consider defensive layers: Evaluate how well your build uses defensive mechanics such as dodge, block, armor, or energy shield to mitigate incoming damage. A build with high survivability typically has a better chance of sustained farming.
3. Experiment with Different Item Rarities
The type of items your build can farm is directly related to the amount of POE 2 currency you can generate. While higher-level areas often drop more valuable loot, low-level content can also yield a steady flow of currency if you’re targeting the right items.
Test in areas with high item value: Run areas that are known for dropping valuable items, such as high-tier maps or specific endgame content like Delve or Legion encounters. This will give you an idea of whether your build can farm valuable loot consistently.
Target specific item types: If your build can farm currency items such as Orb of Alchemy, Exalted Orbs, or high-quality gear, it will likely prove profitable over time. Experimenting with different item rarities and the frequency of their drops can provide insight into your build’s potential.
4. Monitor the Profitability of Your Builds
After testing a few farming sessions, it's essential to track the amount of currency you earn compared to the time spent. This will help you assess the true potential of your build.
Keep track of your earnings: Document how much currency you generate per hour or per farming session. Compare this against the resources (such as orbs and maps) used to run the content.
Calculate the ROI: Consider the return on investment for your build. A build that requires a lot of investment upfront (e.g., gear or currency to get started) may take longer to break even. On the other hand, a low-investment build that generates consistent POE 2 currency over time could be more profitable in the long run.
5. Experiment with Build Variations
Sometimes, the base version of a build may not be the most optimal for farming currency. If you notice that your current setup isn’t generating as much as expected, consider tweaking your gear, passive skill tree, or skill gems.
Adjust damage scaling: Try increasing your build’s damage output to clear enemies faster and increase your currency drop rate.
Optimize for farming: Some builds are better suited for specific activities, such as high-density farming, boss killing, or farming specific currency items. Testing different variations allows you to refine your build’s focus and maximize its potential for currency generation.
Conclusion
Testing your build’s currency potential in POE 2 before committing can save you time and effort in the long run. By evaluating farming speed, survivability, item rarity drops, and overall profitability, you can ensure that your character is well-equipped for generating the POE 2 currency you need. Be sure to experiment with different build variations and areas of the game to maximize your results. Once you have a solid understanding of your build’s currency potential, you can confidently dive into the game’s vast content without second-guessing your choice.