Path of Exile 2 (Path of Exile 2 Currency) is an expansive action RPG filled with myriad mechanics, secrets, and interactions to discover. With over 1,500 nodes on the passive skill tree and countless combinations of skill gems and support gems, the game can feel overwhelming. After spending around 70 hours in POE2 and progressing through the Cruel difficulty as a Witch, I've compiled some crucial tips that can help both new and seasoned players enhance their gaming experience. Here are some important pieces of knowledge that could easily be missed.

Tip 1: Unlocking the Full Potential of Support Gems
One of the most essential aspects of POE2 is the skill gem and support gem system. Initially, it may seem limited to just three support gems per skill gem, but unticking the "Show Recommended Gems" button reveals a vast array of options that enhance your skills significantly. For instance, when you untick this option while equipping the Witch’s Flame Wall, you’ll discover support gems that provide spell echo, allowing the skill to cast twice without extra mana costs—a game-changer for any build. Always keep this button unticked to explore all the potent gems available for your skills.

Tip 2: Real-Time DPS Evaluation
Make the most of the skill gem menu to track your damage per second (DPS) in real-time. This allows you to see how equipment changes and different support gems affect your damage outputs immediately. By comparing stats after equipping a new piece of gear or swapping out support gems, you can optimize your build effectively. This feature is invaluable for late-game min-maxing, ensuring each choice impacts your build positively.

Tip 3: Customize Your Interface Options
Navigate to the options menu and customize your gameplay interface. Enabling the "Show Mini Life Bar" option helps you stay focused on the action without constantly glancing at the corners of the screen to monitor health and mana. Keeping your attention in the center of the screen can help you avoid unnecessary damage and enhance your overall playability.

Tip 4: Keybinding for Efficiency
Take some time to go through input options and set keybindings that suit your gameplay style. For example, setting a key for the create portal command makes teleporting much more efficient. Additionally, remember that placing a portal in an active zone allows you to log off and return later, resuming your adventure exactly where you left off—perfect for busy schedules or short play sessions.

Tip 5: Vendor Stock Refresh
Every time you level up, don’t forget to check vendors, as their stock refreshes with potentially better gear. Though it may seem tedious, it can lead to significant upgrades that surpass loot from bosses, so make it a habit to check vendors, especially in your home base.

Tip 6: Understanding the Salvage System
Get acquainted with the salvage system—this allows you to dismantle items with quality or sockets to create valuable resources. Salvaging ten items yields a shard that can enhance future gear. While it may seem slow, the massive amounts of loot collected throughout your journey make this a worthwhile process. Save salvage resources cheap Path of Exile 2 Currency for late-game gear changes since you’ll frequently swap equipment in the early game.