In Path of Exile 2, building a powerful character isn’t just about skill points and loot—it’s also about managing your wealth. As you play and progress, you’ll collect a growing stash of gold and various orbs, each with its own use. These orbs are more than just currency—they’re tools for crafting and customizing gear. But what happens when you have too much of one kind and not enough of another?
That’s where the Currency Exchange comes in.
Unlocking the Currency Exchange
The Currency Exchange is an essential system in POE currency, especially as you approach the endgame. Thankfully, you don’t need to wait until the late stages of the game to unlock it.
All you need to do is complete the main campaign once on Normal difficulty. After that, you’ll unlock Cruel mode, which sends you back to Act One, but with stronger enemies, better loot, and increased XP.
Once you enter Cruel mode, the Currency Exchange becomes available. You’ll find it at the Gambling Vendors in each main town:
Act 1 – Finn in Clearfell Encampment
Act 2 – Risu in Ardura Caravan
Act 3 – Alva in Ziggurat Encampment
Just talk to any of these vendors to begin trading.
How the Currency Exchange Works
The Currency Exchange may look complicated at first, but it’s pretty straightforward once you understand the basics. It works like a marketplace where you trade one type of currency for another based on current market demand.
Here’s how to use it:
1.Open the Currency Exchange Menu.
2.On the left, click the “I Want” button. This shows all the available currencies you can buy.
3.Choose the currency you want, then return to the main menu.
4.On the right, click the “I Have” button. This shows what you currently own and are willing to trade.
5.Pick the currency you’re offering. You may need to adjust the quantity based on the value.
6.In the center of the screen, check the Market Ratio—this tells you how much of your currency is needed to make the trade.
7.Once you’ve matched the amount required, click “Place Order” to complete the trade.
8.After placing the order, you can collect your new currency from the menu.
Understanding Market Ratios
The Market Ratio is the heart of the exchange. It reflects real-time player demand and supply. For example, if you want to trade for an Orb of Chance using Exalted Orbs, and the ratio is 1:4, that means you need four Exalted Orbs to get one Orb of Chance.
These rates are not fixed. They shift constantly depending on what players are buying and trading. So an Orb of Chance might cost 4 Exalted Orbs today, but only 3 tomorrow—or 5 if demand spikes.
This adds a layer of strategy. You can:
Trade immediately, securing what you need now.
Wait and watch the market, hoping the ratio drops.
Speculate and profit, by trading in-demand currency at peak value for more of another.
Tips for Using the Currency Exchange
Start small: Try a few basic trades to understand how the system works.
Watch the trends: If you notice certain orbs are getting more expensive, you might want to trade for them before prices go higher.
Use it strategically: Don’t just trade to get what you need—trade to prepare for what’s coming. Some items spike in value during certain phases of the game.
Act like a trader: If you enjoy the idea of playing the in-game economy, you can treat the exchange like a stock market—buy low, sell high.
Final Thoughts
The Currency Exchange in Path of Exile 2 is more than just a convenience feature—it’s a game-changing tool that helps you manage your resources wisely. Whether you’re casually trading for items you need or diving deep into market trends to maximize profits, the exchange adds a whole new layer of depth to the game.
As you gather more currency and progress further, you’ll find yourself relying on the exchange more and more. Once you understand how it works, it becomes an essential part of the Path of Exile 2 experience.
So after finishing the main campaign, don’t overlook POE orbs. Head to your local Gambling Vendor, open the exchange, and start building your wealth the smart way.
