The Top 10 Tips That’ll Make Leveling in POE 2 Actually Enjoyable-ELD.gg

[Chunzliu]

Today I'm here to save you from the burning hell that is leveling in Path of Exile 2. Let's be honest: while leveling has always been a challenge in POE, this patch somehow made it 10 times worse POE 2 Orbs. If you don't know what you're doing, it can turn into pure torture. But don't worry - I'm dropping my Top 10 Leveling Tips to make the experience not only bearable, but even fun if you follow them properly.

Let's jump right in, starting with the most important advice of all:

1. Pick a Build That Doesn't Suck

If you take nothing else from this guide, take this:
You need a strong leveling build. Period.
This patch isn't the place to "experiment" or "freestyle" unless you want your face smashed into the dirt every five minutes.

There are tons of trash-tier builds floating around, especially ones hyped up before the league even launched.
Here's how to find a good one:

Check the build's release date: Was it updated after launch?

Watch real gameplay footage: If the build looks slow, clunky, or struggles with bosses, run away.

2. Get a Goddamn Loot Filter

Trying to play POE without a loot filter is like trying to drink from a fire hose. It's pure chaos.
Here's the move:

Go to Filterblade (Google it).

Download the NeverSink filters.

Create a custom filter based on your needs (early leveling = less strict, mid to late campaign = stricter).

You can even customize sounds!
Once you set it up, just export it, select it in your gameplay settings, and boom - you're officially not wasting five hours skimming through junk anymore.

3. Master Basic Trading

Trading is essential if you want smooth leveling, but new players often mess this up.
Here's how to trade smart:

Use the official POE trading website.

Save your currency: Don't impulsively spam all your orbs - save some for weapon upgrades.

Search smart:

Set Max Level to your current level.
Set Maximum Price to what you can afford.
Sort by Highest Physical Damage (for melee) or relevant spell bonuses.

Pro Tip:
If you find an Exalted Orb while leveling, DO NOT waste it. That one exalt can literally buy you a whole gear upgrade that'll carry you through the next 10+ levels.

4. Actually Read Your Build Guide

No offense, but most of the suffering players face is because they don't read the builds they're trying to follow.
Before you waste currency crafting a random garbage item, understand what stats are critical for your build:

Flat physical damage for weapon builds.
Spell skill levels and cast speed for spellcasters.
Minion life or spirit for summoners.

Knowing this will keep you from making costly mistakes when buying, trading, or crafting gear.

5. Craft Correctly, Don't Gamble

Crafting early game is all about efficiency:

Focus on weapons first (highest priority).
Then boots for movement speed.
Then your defenses like resistances and life.

DO NOT slam Exalted Orbs into trash gear.

One exalt can often buy you upgrades that are way better than anything you could craft yourself at early levels.
Use lesser currencies (like Alchs and Chaos Orbs) to roll decent rares, but always prioritize getting a solid weapon first.

6. Salvage Everything Smartly

Another crucial routine:

Disenchant every rare you don't use - get crafting mats.
Salvage anything with sockets or quality - upgrade materials.
A good loot filter will highlight these automatically, saving you from missing easy upgrades.

Socket Tip:

Prioritize socketing base damage runes into your weapon early.

Use Lightning Damage runes unless your build demands Fire or Cold.

Lightning has a massive advantage because Shock gives a flat 20% increased damage. (Freeze and Ignite can't compete.)

If you have extra runes/sockets, prioritize boosting your resistances next.

7. Use the Vendors Like a Pro

Vendors are criminally underrated during leveling.
Vendor checklist:

Upgrade your flasks ASAP.
Check for good rare weapons with high base damage.
Snag gear with resistances or life.

Vendors reset every level, so keep checking!

Skip the Gambling Vendor unless you're swimming in gold. Those items are wildly overpriced - but if you can afford it, go ahead and roll the dice for some fun.

8. Weapon Swap to Shield Charge

So many players waste time jogging through maps when they could Shield Charge their way through content. Here's how:

Set up Weapon Swap Shield Charge:

Get a Shield Charge gem (lowest level possible = lower mana cost).
Grab a garbage 1H weapon and trash shield from a vendor.
Set all skills to weapon set one, except Shield Charge.

Hot-swap to your Shield Charge set just for movement.

If vendors don't sell low-level gear anymore, just create a level 1 character, buy it there, and stash it.
Trust me: Shield Charging around saves a ton of time and sanity.

9. Collect Permanent Buffs

This one separates the veterans from the noobs.
During the campaign:

Look for any side quests or markers with a "+" sign - they often grant permanent buffs.

These buffs are huge and can be the difference between steamrolling content and getting stuck.

Also:
If you're stuck, don't bash your head against a wall.
Go back a zone, farm a few levels, upgrade some gear, then move forward.
It's way faster in the long run than repeatedly dying and wasting time.

10. Stack Every Advantage You Can Get

Finally, you want to milk every small advantage while leveling:

Prioritize socketing base damage runes.
Keep your movement skills active (like Shield Charge).
Vendor check religiously.
Craft smartly.
Get permanent buffs.

Every little boost matters, and when they stack up, they transform the leveling experience from a brutal slog into a smooth ride.

Final Words

Leveling in Path of Exile 2 right now is no joke - but it doesn't have to be a nightmare.
By following these tips, you'll crush the campaign POE2 Currency, reach maps faster, and actually enjoy the journey.
Good luck, Exiles - and remember: smart players level faster.