When you get into the grind of Path of Exile 2, one feature you'll want to check out is the Currency Exchange.
This is a solid way to trade currencies and items, but expect a bit of a learning curve initially.
Lucky for you, we’ve got this guide to help you unlock the Currency Exchange and understand how it works.
How To Unlock & Use Currency Exchange
You can use the Currency Exchange in Path of Exile 2 once you hit Cruel Difficulty, which is like a more challenging New Game Plus mode.
Make sure to finish the main campaign before getting to this stage. PoE 2's story content up to Cruel Difficulty includes Acts 1 to 3.
When you jump into Cruel Difficulty, the enemies are much tougher.
You'll start over from Act 1, but keep all the items and skills you had by the end of Act 3. This is the point where the Currency Exchange is unlocked.
You can access the Currency Exchange in town hubs, with Clearfell Encampment being the first in Cruel Act 1.
From here, you can access the system in all the following hubs.
You can access the exchange function by chatting with the Gambling Vendor, an NPC who’ll have the Currency Exchange option once you hit Cruel Difficulty.
Using the Currency Exchange in PoE 2 is pretty straightforward once you get the basics down.
Once you unlock it by reaching Cruel Difficulty, head to any of the town merchants.
You can find them at Clearfell Encampment (Finn), Ardura Caravan (Risu), or Ziggurat Encampment (Alva).
You'll open the Currency Exchange menu when you talk to one of these merchants.
It’s split into "I Want" and "I Have." In "I Want," choose what currency or item you're after.
On the other hand, under "I Have," you can find the currencies in your inventory for the trade.
The game will automatically calculate the amount of currency you need to buy the desired item and display the result as the Market Ratio.
If the ratio looks favorable, confirm your pick and tap “Place Order.” The currency you offer will be removed from your inventory.
The item or currency you want will pop up in a new window, and you can drag it into your inventory.
Keep in mind that rates fluctuate, so if the deal looks too steep, it might be worth holding off for a better rate.