Summary
SincePath of Exile 2launched in early access in December 2024, it is very likely to undergo all kinds of changes before it fully comes out. For starters, it only has six classes out of the 12 that are supposed to be included in the full release, and with two Ascendancy classes each it’s still missing 18 classes total. The same applies to weapon types, as only six of them are in the game at the moment, and each new type is expected to come with its correspondingPath of Exile 2classes. Changes are already happening to the game’s current offerings, but one of its systems may need a complete overhaul.
GGG seems open to making changes based on fan feedback so far, which bodes well forPath of Exile 2’s future. Still, there is a rather common form of criticism moved toward the game in its early access state, and that is its trading system.Path of Exile 2’s trading is not too dissimilar from that of its predecessor, and that is not necessarily for the best. In fact, many players wanted a different approach to trading inPath of Exile, and the sequel doesn’t change it, but it should.
Why Path of Exile 2’s Trading System is Problematic
Trading inPath of Exile 2is essentially dependent on the game’s website, which players have to visit and select the type of items or currency they want to buy, set filters for various stats and requirements if needed, and then contact the seller with the click of a button. In theory, it could be a good system, but it can be detrimental in practice in multiple ways. This is because anyone can list items for sale within the game, and since prices are community-dependent, there can be a lot of price-fixers who are not truly selling what they listed.
Trading can be even more frustrating for console players, as it may be less immediate to access the website.
Sometimes players may naturally be AFK or in the middle of something important, meaning they cannot trade when contacted. Other times, players may change their listed prices after being messaged because they have a change of heart, realize their item is worth more than they thought, or for other reasons. Likewise, one may even decide not to trade at all despite having items listed. What follows is that players may not be able to complete a lot of trades, making it hard to upgrade one’s gear orbuild inPath of Exile 2.
How Path of Exile 2’s Trading System Could Change
There are various ways for Grinding Gear Games to address this, but they would require the game to dramatically change how trading works. One solution could be to adopt an auction house, which would allow players to still list items as they please within the game, but auto-complete the trade when someone buys them. There could be pros and cons to this system, and it depends on how it’s implemented. For example, if listings can’t be changed after being added, it could be frustrating for sellers. Still, adding an entire auction house system would be abig change forPath of Exile 2, and it may take a long time before it’s implemented.
A more immediate option would be to allow players to flag sellers who are inactive for whatever reason. For example, adding a tool to the website that allows players who attempt to PM someone for a trade to leave feedback, such as “Trade completed successfully” or “Seller is unresponsive.” This would help combat price-fixers, as they would have to constantly re-upload their fake listing as soon as it’s flagged. It may not be a long-term solution nor a flawless one, but it could help avoid players some of theissues withPath of Exile 2’s current trading system.
It remains to be seen whether GGG decides to do something about trading and what that may look like, though. The company may already be working on something, considering thattrading inPath of Exileis similar and equally problematic, but so far there is no official word about it.
Path of Exile II
WHERE TO PLAY
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation free-to-play Action RPG created by Grinding Gear Games. Journey across the deadly continent of Wraeclast, meeting multiple immersive cultures while facing off against evil in many forms. Path of Exile 2 features twelve character classes, 240 Skill Gems, hundreds of equipment base types, a six-act campaign, more than a hundred unique boss fights, a deep endgame system and so much more. Play with your friends without losing any progress with couch co-op, cross-play and cross-progression.
