POE Crafting Guide
Master the Art of Item Creation
Learn everything about Path of Exile crafting - from basic currency usage to advanced meta-crafting techniques. Create powerful items and dominate the endgame.
Crafting Fundamentals
Understanding the core concepts of Path of Exile crafting system and currency mechanics.
Key Points:
- Each orb has a specific function and rarity
- Higher tier orbs are more valuable and powerful
- Understanding orb effects is crucial for crafting
- Some orbs can only be used on specific item types
Key Points:
- Base type determines implicit modifiers
- Item level affects which modifiers can roll
- Higher tier bases have better implicit stats
- Influenced bases offer special modifier pools
Key Points:
- Items can have up to 3 prefixes and 3 suffixes
- Implicit modifiers come from the base item
- Explicit modifiers are added through crafting
- Some modifiers are hybrid and take multiple slots
Key Points:
- Each modifier has multiple tiers (T1 being highest)
- Higher tiers provide better stat ranges
- Item level requirements increase with tier
- Perfect rolls are rare and valuable
Item Rarity System
Understanding the different item rarities and their crafting potential
Description:
No explicit modifiers, only implicit
Crafting Potential:
Full crafting potential, blank slate
Description:
1-2 explicit modifiers
Crafting Potential:
Limited crafting options, can be upgraded
Description:
Up to 6 explicit modifiers
Crafting Potential:
Main target for endgame crafting
Description:
Fixed modifiers, cannot be crafted
Crafting Potential:
No crafting possible, fixed stats
Important Tips
Always check item level before crafting - it determines available modifier tiers
Crafting can be expensive - plan your budget and expected outcomes
Start with cheaper bases to practice crafting techniques
Some crafting methods can destroy your item - understand the risks
Crafting Methods & Techniques
Explore the various crafting methods available in Path of Exile, from basic currency usage to advanced techniques.
Techniques:
- • Chaos Orb spamming for random modifiers
- • Alchemy Orbs to upgrade normal items to rare
- • Fusing Orbs to link sockets together
- • Chromatic Orbs to change socket colors
Pros:
- • Simple to understand
- • Accessible to all players
- • Good for basic improvements
Cons:
- • RNG dependent
- • Can be expensive
- • Limited control over outcomes
Techniques:
- • Choose essence based on desired modifier
- • Use on appropriate item base
- • Combine with other crafting methods
- • Upgrade essences for better tiers
Pros:
- • Guaranteed modifier
- • Predictable outcomes
- • Good starting point
Cons:
- • Limited modifier selection
- • Can block other good modifiers
- • Essence availability
Techniques:
- • Select fossils based on desired modifiers
- • Use resonators to apply fossils
- • Combine multiple fossils for complex outcomes
- • Block unwanted modifier types
Pros:
- • Weighted outcomes
- • Can block bad modifiers
- • Powerful combinations
Cons:
- • Requires fossil knowledge
- • More expensive
- • Still RNG based
Techniques:
- • Augment specific modifier types
- • Remove unwanted modifiers
- • Remove/Add for targeted changes
- • Reforge with specific focuses
Pros:
- • Very targeted
- • Can remove bad modifiers
- • Powerful for optimization
Cons:
- • Limited availability
- • Expensive
- • Requires planning
Techniques:
- • Add crafted modifiers to items
- • Fill empty prefix/suffix slots
- • Use as temporary improvements
- • Unlock recipes through gameplay
Pros:
- • Guaranteed outcomes
- • Cheap and accessible
- • Good for filling gaps
Cons:
- • Limited modifier selection
- • Lower tier modifiers
- • Can be overwritten
Techniques:
- • Prefixes/Suffixes Cannot be Changed
- • Multimod for multiple crafted mods
- • Annulment orb targeting
- • Imprint/Eternal orb strategies
Pros:
- • Highest control
- • Can create perfect items
- • Preserves good modifiers
Cons:
- • Extremely expensive
- • High risk
- • Requires deep knowledge
Method Comparison
Choose the right crafting method based on your budget, experience, and goals
Currency investment required
How much you can influence outcomes
Knowledge and planning required
How easy it is to get started
Advanced Crafting Strategies
Learn proven strategies and methodologies for successful crafting projects in Path of Exile.
Steps:
- 1.Identify the specific modifiers you need
- 2.Research the best crafting method for your goal
- 3.Calculate expected costs and success rates
- 4.Set a budget limit and stick to it
Tips:
- Use Path of Building to simulate your target item
- Check trade sites for similar items to gauge value
- Consider buying vs crafting for expensive items
Steps:
- 1.Start with a decent base item
- 2.Make incremental improvements over time
- 3.Use cheaper methods first, expensive ones last
- 4.Know when to stop and start over
Tips:
- Don't try to perfect an item in one session
- Save currency by improving gradually
- Sometimes starting fresh is more cost-effective
Steps:
- 1.Always make copies of valuable items when possible
- 2.Use imprints for high-value crafting projects
- 3.Understand which crafting methods can brick items
- 4.Have exit strategies for failed crafts
Tips:
- Never risk items you can't afford to lose
- Use practice items to learn new techniques
- Consider insurance through imprints or copies
Steps:
- 1.Craft early in league when items are valuable
- 2.Buy materials when they're cheap
- 3.Sell finished items at peak demand
- 4.Adjust strategies based on market conditions
Tips:
- Early league: focus on league starters
- Mid league: craft specialized items
- Late league: experiment with expensive techniques
Crafting Project Planning
A systematic approach to planning successful crafting projects
- Define target item and required modifiers
- Research available crafting methods
- Calculate costs and success probabilities
- Check market prices for similar items
- Acquire necessary currency and materials
- Obtain appropriate item bases
- Set up crafting workspace
- Create backup plans for failures
- Follow planned crafting sequence
- Monitor progress and adjust if needed
- Document results for future reference
- Know when to stop or pivot
- Assess final item quality
- Calculate actual costs vs budget
- Determine next steps (sell, use, improve)
- Learn from successes and failures
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Not setting a budget limit
Consequence: Overspending on failed projects
Solution:
Always set and stick to budget limits
Mistake: Crafting without clear goals
Consequence: Wasted currency on unnecessary modifiers
Solution:
Define specific target modifiers before starting
Mistake: Using expensive methods too early
Consequence: High costs with low success probability
Solution:
Use cheaper methods first, expensive ones last
Mistake: Not understanding crafting mechanics
Consequence: Unexpected results and item destruction
Solution:
Research and practice before expensive crafts
Crafting Economy & Market Analysis
Understanding market dynamics, currency values, and economic factors that affect crafting profitability.
League Phases:
Key Factors:
- • More players = higher demand for items
- • Popular streamers influence item prices
- • Meta shifts change crafting priorities
- • Player skill level affects item standards
Major Currencies:
Indicators:
- • Rising prices of specific item types
- • New build guides creating demand
- • Patch changes affecting item viability
- • Seasonal events and challenges
Crafting Profitability Analysis
Methods to evaluate and maximize crafting profits
Average currency spent per crafting attempt
Probability of achieving desired outcome
Current selling price of target item
Projected profit per crafting session
Market Tips
Buy materials during off-peak hours
Prices are often lower when fewer players are online
Avoid crafting oversaturated markets
Too many sellers can crash item prices quickly
Monitor patch notes for meta changes
Early adaptation to changes can be very profitable
Don't craft items you can't afford to lose
Failed crafts can result in total loss of investment
Expert Crafting Tips & Tricks
Advanced techniques, shortcuts, and insider knowledge to elevate your crafting game.
Use PoB to simulate items before crafting
BeginnerPath of Building can show you exactly how modifiers will affect your build
Always check item level requirements
BeginnerHigher tier modifiers require higher item levels - verify before starting
Use trade macro for quick price checks
IntermediateInstall a trade macro to instantly check item values while crafting
Master the art of blocking modifiers
AdvancedUse fossils and essences to block unwanted modifier types
Never craft with your last currency
BeginnerAlways keep enough currency for basic needs and trading
Use imprints for valuable items
IntermediateBeast imprints can save expensive items from failed crafts
Practice on cheap bases first
BeginnerLearn new techniques on inexpensive items before risking valuable ones
Set stop-loss limits
IntermediateDecide beforehand when to stop crafting to avoid chasing losses
Bulk buy crafting materials
BeginnerBuy in bulk to get better prices and save time on trading
Use crafting calculators
IntermediateOnline calculators can predict costs and success rates
Craft during off-peak hours
BeginnerMaterials are often cheaper when fewer players are online
Automate repetitive tasks
AdvancedUse macros for repetitive actions like socket coloring
Follow meta shifts closely
IntermediateNew builds and patches create opportunities for profitable crafting
Craft league starters early
BeginnerSimple, effective items are most valuable at league start
Monitor streamer builds
IntermediatePopular streamers can drive demand for specific items
Diversify your crafting portfolio
AdvancedDon't focus on just one item type - spread your risk
Quick Reference Guide
Essential information for successful crafting sessions
- Check item level and base type
- Verify modifier requirements
- Calculate expected costs
- Set budget limits
- Prepare backup plans
- Track your spending
- Document results
- Know when to stop
- Consider alternative methods
- Stay calm and focused
- Evaluate final results
- Calculate actual costs
- Learn from outcomes
- Plan next steps
- Update your knowledge
Recommended Resources
Tools and websites to enhance your crafting knowledge
Essential build planning and item simulation tool
Crafting simulator and probability calculator
Comprehensive game information and mechanics
Price checking and market analysis
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