PoE 2 Guide - 11 Beginner Tips

READ! 

You would be shocked at how many players do not read anything in this game and miss small details that can make a big difference. There is no rush – if you want to choose a new Skill Gem, read what it does first. If you want a new Support Gem, read all of the options. Before selecting your next point on the tree, read some Notables or Keystones to have a guiding light that can help direct your build.

To be Confirmed: Path of Exile 2 is said to have a built-in glossary full of information about items and mechanics. Some words on items and skills will be underlined, on which you can click to bring up an explanation of that mechanic. 

Knowledge is power in Path of Exile!

Follow a Build Guide

If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy the process of trial and error, try checking out one of our build guides. I always encourage new players to just play the game and try to make their own builds and learn from their mistakes, but some people prefer a more guided-approach to learning. There’s no shame in following a build guide and you’ll accelerate your learning by doing so. 

Build guides won’t be available immediately after launch, so use that time to explore and have fun.

Identify Items before you sell them

You will receive more Gold for items that you identify before selling them. You can identify items Scrolls of Wisdom or at The Hooded One in town. Gold is very useful during the campaign for purchasing upgrades and respec'ing Passive Points.

Gamble for Upgrades

You can often find good upgrades by gambling at vendors that allow you to. Gambling costs a fair amount of Gold, but gives you a chance to get a good Magic, Rare or even Unique item. If you’re struggling with damage, try to find an upgrade in the form of an appropriate weapon for your build and class.

Boots are often a good item to gamble as you can get ones with increased movement speed which helps you stay mobile and avoid attacks. Body Armours have the potential to provide large life rolls which can make them a good option for characters struggling with survivability, and Jewellery (Rings, Amulets, Belts) can also be great for finding increased Life, Damage, and Resistances.

Level Up Your Gems

Make sure you’re leveling up your gems when you’re able to, using Uncut Gems. Gem levels often contribute a large portion of your damage early on, so make sure you’re increasing their level, especially your primary damage-dealing skill! 

Support Gems

Support Gems are incredibly powerful and using the correct ones on a skill can have a dramatic impact on their effectiveness in combat. It might be a better idea to add more Support Gems to a single Active Skill Gem early on, instead of trying to spread out the Support Gems you do have across various skills.

Upgrade Your Flasks

Flasks, and especially Life Flasks are an incredibly powerful mechanic in Path of Exile 2. Every few levels, you will find a higher tier of Life Flask that will provide a greater amount of healing. One of the biggest mistakes new players make is to overlook their Flasks and undervalue their effectiveness.

A good rule to remember: Treat your flasks with the same respect you would your weapon. Make sure you’re upgrading them regularly, and make use of Utility Flasks that can help to keep you alive. 

Join a Community or Discord Server 

The Path of Exile community is incredibly welcoming to new players. We were all once new ourselves and understand how hard and complex this game is. If you’re looking to learn from other players, a great place to meet new friends is on Discord servers of your favourite streamers.

You can join mine by clicking this link: Lolcohol Discord Server Invite

I have nurtured an incredibly helpful, welcoming and friendly community and it’s one I’m very proud of. If you’re a new player, join in and get to know everyone!

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

No question is a dumb question. If you’re a new player and you don’t know something: ASK. If you’re in a streamer’s chat, or in a Discord server, never feel embarrassed to ask something. Often this can provide learning opportunities for everyone as they may not know the answer to the question you’re asking, but may know how to find out the information you’re seeking.

Complete Quests & Bosses

Many quests will reward you with Uncut Gems, Gold and other helpful items, so make sure you’re doing them! Also, slaying optional bosses in the campaign can also provide your character with permanent buffs that can improve their damage and survivability, while also providing a fun challenge to test your character!

Use Your Currency

Throughout your time in Wraeclast, you will find Currency items that allow you to upgrade your gear. Orbs of Alchemy can be used to make Normal rarity items Rare with 4 modifiers, which can often be the difference between success and failure. Having a powerful weapon upgrade before a boss can have a huge impact on not only your build’s performance, but also on how much fun you’re having.

We have a short guide on the various forms of Currency that have been revealed so you can learn how they work and which ones are more valuable than others.

 And one bonus tip, but the most important one of all:

HAVE FUN. THIS IS A GAME. 

Whether “fun” for you is making the most ridiculous, terrible build, being known as the best Hardcore player, or best crafter in all of Wraeclast, or just enjoying playing casually on the couch with a friend, there is no “wrong” way to play the game, except when you’re not having fun.