U4GM - POE 2: When to Risk Mirror-Tier Crafts and When to Just Sell the Base
Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) brings a new era of crafting, economy, and trade dynamics. Players looking to maximize their profits in the game must decide whether to invest in mirror-tier crafting or simply sell a valuable base item outright. Understanding when to take the risk and when to cash out is crucial for anyone engaged in high-end trading and crafting.
Evaluating the Base Item
Before considering crafting, analyze the base item carefully. Key factors include:
Item Level – Higher item levels allow for better affix rolls.
Influence and Fractured Mods – Some influenced bases or fractured mods create crafting opportunities that might be worth investing in.
Meta Relevance – The demand for specific bases changes with each league and meta shifts.
Market Availability – If similar bases are rare and in high demand, selling might be the better option.
If the base meets these criteria and has potential for multiple high-value crafts, it may be worth considering investment into crafting rather than selling outright.
Understanding Mirror-Tier Crafting Risks
Mirror-tier crafts require substantial currency investments. In POE 2, acquiring exalted orbs, divine orbs, and other crafting resources will be even more challenging, making risk management even more critical. Here are some essential considerations:
Currency Investment vs. Market Price – Assess if the cost of crafting exceeds the potential price of a mirrored item.
Scalability – If an item can be mirrored multiple times and has long-term demand, crafting is a viable option.
Competition – If other crafters have similar or superior items, mirroring potential might be limited.
Crafting Success Probability – If the crafting process relies on a lot of RNG, a single failure could mean a massive currency loss.
When to Just Sell the Base
There are cases where selling the base directly is the smartest option:
High-Demand Bases with Uncertain Crafting Potential – If the base is already fetching high prices but has a risky crafting pathway, selling guarantees profits.
Early League Trading – During the early stages of a league, currency is volatile, and crafting costs can outweigh the benefits.
Lack of Sufficient Currency – If you don’t have the necessary crafting resources, holding onto a base may result in lost value over time.
Limited Market for Mirrored Items – If players are not mirroring similar items, crafting may result in an item that never finds a buyer.
Conclusion
POE 2 currency management is more important than ever, and knowing when to take crafting risks can determine your long-term success. If a base item is highly valuable and fits meta builds, investing in mirror-tier crafting may pay off. However, if the market is volatile or crafting carries excessive risk, selling the base directly ensures guaranteed returns. Assess your position, research the market, and make an informed decision to maximize your profits in POE 2.