Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) introduces new mechanics, revamped skill systems, and a fresh economy that alters how players accumulate wealth. Among the various strategies for farming POE 2 currency, loot explosion builds have always been a popular choice due to their high-speed clear potential and the sheer amount of drops they generate. But are these builds viable for sustained, long-term currency farming in POE 2? Let’s explore their effectiveness, strengths, and potential drawbacks.
The Appeal of Loot Explosion Builds
Loot explosion builds focus on generating massive area-of-effect (AoE) damage to eliminate entire packs of enemies in a single hit. These builds typically rely on mechanics such as corpse detonation, chain reactions, or on-death effects that amplify destruction across multiple enemies. The key advantage is their ability to quickly clear maps, maximizing the number of drops per hour, which is crucial for efficient currency farming in POE 2.
Currency Generation and Efficiency
One of the biggest factors determining whether a build is viable for long-term currency farming is its ability to generate consistent profit. Loot explosion builds excel in maps with densely packed mobs, as they can trigger chain reactions that obliterate enemies instantly. More enemies killed per second means more drops, which can translate into greater POE 2 currency accumulation through:
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Raw currency drops: Exalted Orbs, Chaos Orbs, and other valuable currency items.
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Item selling: Identified rare items can be sold for vendor Fallout 76 currency or traded to other players.
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Fragment farming: Many explosion builds perform well in areas where splinters, fragments, or essence nodes are abundant.
However, sustainability is key. Some loot explosion builds rely on expensive gear, high investment into certain uniques, or constant flask usage, which may impact profit margins over time.
The Potential Downsides
While loot explosion builds offer fast map clearing, they come with potential downsides that might make them less ideal for long-term farming:
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Survivability Issues: Many of these builds prioritize damage output over defense, making them vulnerable in high-tier content where enemies have high damage or resistances.
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Scaling Difficulties: Some builds struggle to maintain damage effectiveness in endgame mapping unless significant investment is made in gear and passive skills.
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Loot Overload: Since these builds generate a huge number of drops, filtering and managing loot efficiently becomes a challenge. Without a well-optimized loot filter, players might waste time sorting through unprofitable items.
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Nerfs and Balancing: POE 2 may introduce balance changes that reduce the effectiveness of certain mechanics, making some loot explosion builds less viable over time.
Conclusion: Are They Viable?
Loot explosion builds remain a strong option for currency farming in POE 2, particularly for players who enjoy high-speed gameplay and efficient map clearing. However, their long-term viability depends on balancing efficiency, survivability, and cost-effectiveness. For players looking to consistently generate POE 2 currency, it is crucial to consider gear investment, map selection, and potential nerfs from future patches.
Ultimately, loot explosion builds can be an excellent short-term farming strategy, but diversifying builds or strategies may be necessary for sustained success in the evolving POE 2 economy.