Path of Exile 2: How To Handle Extra Loot

In Path of Exile 2, one of the defining elements of the game is the sheer amount of loot you’ll come across. Every new area and instance you explore is teeming with items—some valuable and worth equipping, while others may not immediately seem useful. However, just because an item isn’t an upgrade for your build doesn’t mean it’s worthless.

Even gear that doesn’t fit your current playstyle can serve a greater purpose, whether it’s through crafting, trading, or earning currency. If you’re unsure what to do with all the extra loot filling your inventory, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide on how to efficiently manage and make the most out of the surplus loot in Path of Exile 2. Let’s dive in!

How to Handle Extra Loot in Path of Exile 2

Managing loot efficiently is one of the core gameplay elements of Path of Exile 2. Every time you come across new gear, the first step is to identify it using a Scroll of Wisdom. Alternatively, you can use The Hooded One, who unlocks later in Act 1, to mass-identify your items, saving both time and resources. Once identified, you’ll see the full stats and can determine if the item is worth keeping for your build.

If the gear doesn’t fit your current needs, you can return to town and choose from several options to make the most of your unwanted items:

What You Can Do With Extra Loot

1. Disenchanting Gear
In every town, there is an NPC who can disenchant gear of blue rarity or higher. Disenchanting breaks down the item into valuable crafting materials. These materials can later be combined to upgrade other items to the same rarity as the gear you disenchanted. Be aware that this process destroys the original item, so only disenchant items you’re sure you don’t need.
2. Salvaging for Artificer’s Shards
If the gear has rune slots, consider salvaging it at a Salvage Bench. Salvaging converts the gear into Artificer’s Shards, which can be fused to create Artificer’s Orbs. These orbs are used to add rune slots to other pieces of magical gear. Like disenchanting, salvaging destroys the original gear, so it’s a good idea to prioritize items with slots that you’re unlikely to use.
3. Selling for Gold
Selling your unwanted gear to merchants is a fallback option but should generally be a last resort. Merchants offer gold in exchange for your items, but gold is typically better spent sparingly since found gear is usually superior to what’s available in shops. Additionally, purchased gear tends to be overpriced compared to what you can find in the field.
4. Stashing for Later Use
If the gear is particularly strong but not useful for your current character, you can store it in your stash. This is especially useful if you plan to create another character or experiment with a different build later. Keep in mind that stashes are only shared between characters in the same league. For example, gear stored by a Hardcore character won’t be accessible to characters in Standard or other leagues.

By properly managing your extra loot, you’ll ensure a steady supply of crafting materials, upgrades, and resources, helping you stay ahead of the curve as you progress through the game. Always prioritize disenchanting and salvaging for crafting resources, and only sell gear when absolutely necessary. This way, you can maximize the value of every item you pick up.

Conclusion

In Path of Exile 2, managing your extra loot effectively is just as important as fighting enemies or mastering your build. From disenchanting items to crafting resources, salvaging gear for rune slots, or even stashing powerful pieces for later use, every piece of loot has value if handled wisely. By utilizing the various systems available, such as Salvage Benches and merchants, you can turn seemingly useless gear into powerful upgrades or future advantages. Always evaluate your options carefully to ensure you’re maximizing your resources and staying prepared for the challenges ahead. Efficient loot management is the key to thriving in the ever-demanding world of Path of Exile 2.