Path of Exile (PoE) has always been renowned for its deep crafting system, which allows players to engage in complex item modification, tweaking, and creation to suit their needs or to sell for profit. With the introduction of Path of Exile 2 on the horizon, the crafting landscape promises to evolve with more intricate systems, adding layers of complexity and opportunity for both veterans and newcomers to the game. In this guide, we’ll dive into a simple yet effective crafting method that you can use to make substantial profits, even with a low-budget investment. Whether you’re new to crafting or looking to refine your skills, this guide will break down the steps in detail to help you succeed.
Introduction to Crafting in PoE
Crafting in PoE is an art form in itself. It involves a blend of RNG (Random Number Generation) and strategy, where players use different crafting tools (or POE 2 Orbs) to alter items in various ways. This includes modifying their stats, adding affixes, rerolling their modifiers, and using specific crafting mechanics such as fossils, resonators, and more. Crafting is also an essential part of the economy, with players regularly crafting high-demand items to sell for profit.
In PoE 1, players used everything from basic Chaos Orbs to more complex methods involving fossils and resonators. Path of Exile 2 promises to continue this rich tradition of crafting while adding new features and mechanics. One such system that is likely to be carried over into PoE 2 is the cluster jewel crafting system, which can be a key money-maker in both current and future leagues.
Crafting for Profit in PoE: Cluster Jewels and Power Siphon Builds
Step 1: Research the Most Popular Builds
When it comes to crafting, understanding the current meta and what’s in demand is crucial. To begin your crafting journey for profit, you need to look at what players are using in their builds. A great place to start is PoE Ninja, a site that tracks the most played ascendancies, skills, and item choices in the game.
For instance, let’s say that the most popular ascendancy is the Inquisitor with the Power Siphon skill. Power Siphon has become one of the top skills for many builds, and as such, items that enhance or support this skill are always in high demand. You can further narrow down the list by sorting through the top builds based on DPS (damage per second) to see which ones have the best performance and highest demand in the current league.
Once you find a popular build, check the cluster jewels they are using. Cluster jewels can add powerful passive skills that significantly enhance a build. In our example, the top Power Siphon build may be using a large cluster jewel with the following passive skills:
- Marshall Prowess
- Prodigious Defense
- Veteran Defender
These three skills are beneficial for a Power Siphon build because they provide boosts to both attack damage and defense. They are highly sought after by players who want to optimize their builds for more DPS or better survivability.
Step 2: Searching for Cluster Jewels with the Right Affixes
After identifying the cluster jewels used in popular builds, the next step is to source these jewels. You will need to pay attention to several important aspects when searching for the right cluster jewels.
First, focus on the number of passive skills that the cluster jewel can provide. The more passive skills, the more potential for powerful modifiers. Typically, the more passive skills a jewel has, the higher the potential for profit. For example, you may be searching for a jewel that adds eight passive skills.
Next, check the item level required for the specific modifiers you are looking for. For the three passive skills we mentioned earlier (Marshall Prowess, Prodigious Defense, and Veteran Defender), the required item level is quite low (around item level 1). This means you can target a wide range of cluster jewels and still get the desired affixes, even if the item level is relatively low.
Step 3: Using Fossils and Resonators to Roll the Right Modifiers
Once you have your cluster jewel, it’s time to roll it using fossils and resonators. Fossils are crafting materials that allow you to alter the item in more deterministic ways, as opposed to the random nature of Path of Exile 2 Currency. Different fossils will roll different kinds of affixes, such as attack, defense, elemental damage, and more.
For example, if you want to focus on attack-related modifiers for your Power Siphon build, you would use a Serrated Fossil to increase the chance of rolling attack modifiers. This will help you target affixes like increased attack damage and attack speed, which are crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of Power Siphon.
You will also need a Primitive Chaotic Resonator, which functions like a Chaos Orb but is more focused on rolling certain types of modifiers. By combining a Serrated Fossil with the Primitive Chaotic Resonator, you significantly increase your chances of getting the right attack-related affixes.
Step 4: Rolling the Cluster Jewel
With your Serrated Fossil and Primitive Chaotic Resonator ready, you can begin the rolling process. Simply slot your cluster jewel into the resonator and apply the fossils. The resonator will now alter the cluster jewel, potentially adding modifiers like increased attack damage, attack speed, and defense-related stats.
At this point, it’s important to understand that PoE crafting is a mix of patience and strategy. Rolling for the perfect modifiers can take time, and you may need to try several combinations before hitting a high-value jewel. However, even if you don’t get the exact modifiers you are aiming for, as long as you get useful affixes, there is potential for profit.
Step 5: Assessing the Value of Your Cluster Jewel
After rolling your cluster jewel, it’s time to assess its value. You can check the current market prices by browsing PoE trade sites like Awakened PoE Trade or the official PoE trade website. These sites will give you an idea of how much your crafted cluster jewel could sell for, based on its affixes, item level, and demand.
For instance, if you craft a cluster jewel with modifiers like Marshall Prowess, Veteran Defender, and Prodigious Defense, it could easily sell for several Divine Orbs—the game’s currency for high-end trades. Depending on the specific modifiers and item level, some cluster jewels could be worth anywhere from 1 to 10 Divine Orbs or even more if you roll top-tier affixes.
Step 6: Selling and Maximizing Profits
Once you’ve crafted your cluster jewel, it’s time to list it for sale. You can sell your crafted items on the PoE trade market and set a competitive price based on the current demand. Keep in mind that the prices fluctuate depending on league mechanics, demand for specific builds, and supply from other players.
To maximize your profits, try to create multiple copies of your crafted items. The more you craft, the higher the chances of getting high-value clusters that sell for large amounts of Divine Orbs or you can buy POE 2 Divine Orbs at ELD.gg. Additionally, don’t forget to adjust your prices based on market fluctuations, and always be on the lookout for high-value affixes that players are currently seeking.
Conclusion
Crafting in Path of Exile 2 is sure to continue being a core component of the game’s economy. Whether you’re crafting for profit or for your own character optimization, the process can be rewarding and complex. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start crafting powerful cluster jewels with high-demand affixes like those used in popular builds such as Power Siphon. With a little patience, knowledge of the meta, and some luck, you can turn crafting into a highly profitable venture.
Path of Exile 2 will bring even more crafting opportunities, so now is the perfect time to start familiarizing yourself with these mechanics. Whether you’re just starting out or already an experienced crafter, the road to crafting success in PoE 2 will be paved with strategy, persistence, and smart investments. Happy crafting!