PoE2 Players Just Want to Play, Not Chase Meta Builds

A viral PoE2 Reddit thread revealed that most players care less about crafting and trading, and more about just playing the game their way.

Neviriah

Updated: 9hr agoPosted: 10hr ago

Turns out not everyone in PoE2 wants to grind currency or follow meta guides. A recent Reddit Thread blew up this week with players admitting they do not really care about crafting or meta builds. For many, PoE2 is just about running through the story, killing monsters, and seeing how far their own build can take them.

Within the thread, one user wrote: “I just want to play the game, not sit in the hideout flipping items.” That sentiment resonated with hundreds of others who then also admitted that they rarely touch crafting spreadsheets or economy guides.

Does anyone else…just play the game?
byu/Primary_Impact_2130 inPathOfExile2

Casual Fun vs. Competitive Goals

Many players prefer SSF (Solo Self-Found) because every upgrade feels earned.
Rerolling characters, testing new skills, or just enjoying the campaign is more rewarding than farming for BiS items.
Some even avoid guides on purpose, enjoying the discovery of mechanics at their own pace.

Meanwhile, heavy crafters and traders are seen as a loud minority. They dominate Reddit with mirror-tier items and giant piles of currency, but most players say they will never reach that level – and that is perfectly fine.

Crafting and Trading: Optional, Not Mandatory

Opinions on crafting are split. In general, plenty of Exiles enjoy messing around with light slams or smaller upgrades here and there, and it can feel rewarding when something actually works out. But just as many players say the whole system feels overwhelming, too expensive, or simply not worth the effort compared to just running maps and farming loot.

Trading gets similar pushback. Some like it for small profits or quick gear swaps, but others flat-out avoid it, with one Exile even calling it “Wallstreet PoE2” – not the kind of experience they are looking for.

The Philosophy of Fun

The thread ultimately boiled down to a shared message: play the game how you want. Ignore comparisons to streamers or the 1% pushing crazy builds. For most, Path of Exile 2 is best when it is just you, your skills, and the monsters in front of you.

Or, once again, as one player put it: “Comparison is the death of joy.”

For more updates and guides on PoE2, head back to our main Path of Exile 2 hub.