Can You Trade in Path of Exile? A Comprehensive Guide
Absolutely! Trading is a core mechanic in Path of Exile (PoE), and a vital part of progressing your character and acquiring powerful gear. While the system isn’t explicitly taught in-game, it’s surprisingly straightforward once you grasp the basics. Let’s delve into the world of PoE trading.
The Heart of Path of Exile: Understanding Trade
PoE’s economy is almost entirely player-driven. Most essential items, from powerful uniques to the very currency used to craft and improve gear, are acquired through trading with other players. This creates a vibrant and dynamic marketplace. You’ll exchange currencies like Chaos Orbs, Exalted Orbs, and Divine Orbs for items that enhance your character’s power.
The Official Trading Platform: GGG’s Solution
Previously, third-party websites dominated the trading scene. However, Grinding Gear Games (GGG), the developers of PoE, now provides its own official trade website. This has streamlined the process, making it more secure and accessible. The official trade site can be found on the Path of Exile website under the “Trade” section.
How to Use the Trade Site
The official trade site is where you search for items offered by other players. You can use precise filters to find exactly what you need, including item types, stats, affixes, and even specific item level requirements. It’s crucial to learn how to use these filters to efficiently find the best deals.
Setting Up Your Shop: Premium Stash Tabs
To sell your own items, you need a Premium Stash Tab. These are purchased with real money and offer specific functionalities. They allow you to list items for sale directly from your stash, making them visible on the trade site. You’ll right-click the tab, set it to “Public,” and choose whether to price each item individually or set a bulk price for the entire tab.
The Trade Interaction: Etiquette and Process
When a player finds your listing and wants to buy, they’ll typically message you in-game using the format provided on the trade site. After accepting their party invite, they’ll travel to your Hideout. Right-click on their name in chat or their portrait and select “Trade.” Carefully inspect the items in the trade window to confirm everything is correct before accepting the trade.
Understanding Pricing
Pricing in PoE can be complex. Websites like poe.ninja track item prices and provide valuable insights. However, keep in mind that prices fluctuate based on supply, demand, and the current state of the game.
Rate Limits
There are rate limits to prevent spamming trade requests. Free accounts have a limit, while paid accounts (those who have purchased microtransactions) have a higher limit. Exceeding these limits will result in “Too Many Requests” errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trading in Path of Exile
Here are 15 common questions regarding trading in Path of Exile, answered for your convenience:
1. Is trading essential in Path of Exile?
While it’s possible to play a “Solo Self-Found” (SSF) league where trading is disabled, trading significantly speeds up your character progression. Accessing specific items and crafting materials through trading opens up more build options and allows for faster gearing.
2. What happened to poe.trade?
poe.trade was a popular third-party trading site that ended its service in October 2022. The official GGG trade website has since become the primary platform for trading in Path of Exile.
3. What is the best currency to use for trading?
Chaos Orbs are commonly used for mid-range trades, while Exalted Orbs are the standard for high-value items. Divine Orbs are also used for trading, especially after their increased value due to a crafting change. Smaller currencies like Alteration Orbs and Chromatic Orbs are frequently used for crafting or smaller trades.
4. How do I price my items effectively?
Check similar items on the trade site to get an idea of their market value. Use sites like poe.ninja to monitor the prices of popular uniques and currencies. Consider the item level, affixes, and any unique properties when determining a fair price.
5. What is Awakened PoE Trade?
Awakened PoE Trade is an overlay that helps you quickly price check items. It reads the item’s data and searches the trade site for similar listings, providing a quick price estimate. However, always double-check the prices on the official trade site before listing your items. Awakened PoE Trade does not interact with the game files and is generally considered safe.
6. How do I sell items in bulk?
Set the premium stash tab to “Public” and then change the tab to “Set exact price on all items.” Select the currency you want to trade in. After setting pricing and quantity into bulk now, you will need to update your listing and set it publicly so the other players can see your bulk listing.
7. How do I avoid scams when trading?
Always double-check the items in the trade window before accepting. Scammers may try to swap similar-looking items or offer less currency than agreed upon. Be wary of suspiciously low prices, as they may indicate a scam.
8. What are some common trading etiquette tips?
Be polite and patient. Respond promptly to trade requests. If you’re buying, travel to the seller’s Hideout. If you’re selling, make sure you’re available to trade.
9. What does “PC” mean in trade chat?
“PC” stands for “Price Check.” It’s a request for other players to give you an estimate of an item’s value.
10. What are the level restrictions for trading?
Accounts must have a character that is at least level 25 to trade currency or unique items.
11. How do I update my item listings on the trade site?
Simply change the price or remove the item from your public stash tab, and the listing will update automatically. Note that it may take a few minutes for the changes to reflect on the trade site.
12. Can I get banned for buying or selling items for real money (RMT)?
Yes, engaging in Real Money Trading (RMT) is a violation of the Path of Exile Terms of Service and will result in a ban. GGG has a strict policy against RMT to maintain a fair and balanced game economy.
13. What is “corrupted” in the context of items?
A corrupted item is one that has been altered by a Vaal Orb. These items gain random properties but cannot be further modified by crafting currencies.
14. Why can’t I trade some items?
Certain items might be “account-bound,” meaning they cannot be traded. This usually applies to items obtained through specific league mechanics or promotions.
15. How can I improve my understanding of the game’s mechanics and trading?
Engage with the Path of Exile community through forums, Reddit (r/pathofexile), and Discord. Watch gameplay videos and read guides to learn more about different builds and strategies. And for insights into the intersection of gaming and learning, check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website, a valuable resource for understanding the educational aspects of games.
Mastering the Marketplace
Trading in Path of Exile can seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, it becomes an integral and rewarding part of the gameplay experience. By understanding the trade site, pricing strategies, and common etiquette, you can navigate the marketplace like a seasoned veteran and acquire the gear you need to conquer the game’s challenges. Happy trading, Exile!