U4GM - POE 2: What if POE 2 Introduced Soulbound Currency?
Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) is one of the most anticipated ARPGs, promising to expand upon the deep and complex systems of its predecessor. Among the many discussions surrounding POE 2 currency, one intriguing idea has emerged: What if POE 2 introduced soulbound currency?
What Is Soulbound Currency?
Soulbound currency refers to in-game items that can only be used by the character that obtains them. Unlike traditional POE 2 currency, which can be freely traded or given to other players, soulbound currency would be locked to a single character. This concept is not entirely new—other RPGs, like World of Warcraft, have implemented similar systems to control inflation and encourage personal progression.
Potential Benefits of Soulbound Currency in POE 2
1. Balanced Economy – One of the biggest challenges in POE is currency inflation caused by excessive trading and botting. If certain POE 2 currency items were soulbound, it could reduce market manipulation and stabilize prices.
2. Encourages Self-Found Play – Many players enjoy the "Solo Self-Found" (SSF) mode, where they rely solely on their own loot. Soulbound currency could enhance this experience by making progression feel more personal and rewarding.
3. Reduces Exploits– Bots and RMT (Real Money Trading) thrive on tradable currency. Making some POE 2 currency soulbound could limit their impact, creating a fairer environment for legitimate players.
Possible Drawbacks
1. Limited Player Interaction – Trading is a core part of POE’s community. Restricting currency could reduce player engagement and make the game feel more isolated.
2. Frustration for Casual Players – If essential POE 2 currency becomes soulbound, players with limited playtime might struggle to progress, as they can’t rely on trading to fill gaps in their resources.
3. Implementation Challenges – Deciding which currency should be soulbound and how to balance drop rates would be tricky. Poor execution could lead to player dissatisfaction.
A Middle Ground?
Rather than making all POE 2 currency soulbound, Grinding Gear Games (GGG) could introduce a hybrid system. For example:
- Basic Currency (Soulbound) – Lower-tier orbs and crafting materials could be soulbound to encourage self-use.
- Premium Currency (Tradable) – High-value items like Exalted Orbs or Divine Orbs could remain tradable to preserve the economy.
The introduction of soulbound currency in POE 2 could bring both benefits and challenges. While it might help stabilize the economy and enhance SSF gameplay, it could also reduce trading interactions and frustrate some players. If GGG considers this mechanic, a balanced approach would be key to maintaining POE 2’s depth and player satisfaction.
What do you think? Should POE 2 currency include soulbound items, or should trading remain completely free? Let us know your thoughts!