How to Unlock Currency Exchange POE2
What Is Currency Exchange?
Currency Exchange (often called Currency Trading or the Stash Trading Tab) in POE2 is a crucial system. It lets players swap Orbs (like Chaos Orbs, Exalted Orbs) for other Orbs or items at set rates offered by vendors, instead of trading with other players.
Why You Need to Unlock It
Unlocking this feature early is very useful. It saves time hunting for trades or the exact Orbs you need for crafting, buying gear, or completing vendor recipes. You can quickly convert currencies you have into those you require.
How to Unlock Currency Exchange POE2: The Core Steps
Knowing how to unlock currency exchange poe2 involves three main parts: reaching a point in the story, exploring the world map, and building favor with a specific NPC.
1. Quest Progression: Getting to Lioneye's Watch
Your first step is to complete the initial Coastal Encampment quests. Focus on fighting through until you reach the town called Lioneye's Watch. This usually happens within the first couple of hours of play. Currency Exchange isn't available in the very first camp.
2. Map Exploration: Finding Lily Roth
Once safely inside Lioneye's Watch, start exploring the town. You need to find the NPC named Lily Roth. Look for her near the waypoint area, often close to the Stash. She might be marked on your minimap once you get close.
3. NPC Favor: Completing Lily's Early Tasks
Talking to Lily Roth is not enough. Lily Roth offers services, but you need to gain her trust first. She will give you early quests or tasks. Completing these tasks is key. Examples might be:
- Clearing nearby enemies threatening the Watch.
- Retrieving a specific item (like a Trading Card).
- Helping her establish her shop front.
Lily Roth Holds the Key
Completing Lily Roth's introductory quests unlocks her services. This includes setting up her Trading Inventory. Think of gaining her favor as giving her the things she needs to start her business. She becomes your main Currency Exchange vendor once unlocked.
Check the Vendor Screen
After completing Lily's quests, open her vendor shop screen (press the interact key). Instead of just showing items for sale, you should now see a dedicated tab or section called something like "Currency Exchange" or "Orb Exchange". This is your confirmation it's unlocked.
Where Else You Can Find Currency Exchange
Lily Roth in Lioneye's Watch is the first place you unlock Currency Exchange. As you progress into POE2's later acts, you'll visit other major towns. Each major town has its own vendor NPC (like Hargan in Act 2's settlement). You will likely need to complete similar minor tasks for them to unlock their Exchange services too.
Understanding Vendor Exchange Rates
Important note! The exchange rates offered by vendor Currency Exchange are fixed. The vendors do not offer player-driven market prices. Their rates are set by the game. You might get a slightly good deal, a slightly bad deal, or it might feel neutral compared to what players offer. It's about convenience and speed, not max profit.
Currency Exchange vs. Player Trading
The vendor Currency Exchange is super handy for quick swaps. However, for large trades or getting the absolute best prices, trading directly with other players through the Trade Channel or the official website will usually offer better deals. Use the vendor for quick access or smaller amounts.
Tips for Using Currency Exchange Efficiently
- Unlock it as soon as you reach Lioneye's Watch to access it early.
- Use it for common conversions like changing Alteration Orbs into Jewelers Orbs, or Chaos Orbs into Regrets when needed for a passive reset.
- Don't rely on it for bulk trades or selling rare items – player trading is better for that.
Dealing with Unlock Delays
If you spoke to Lily Roth but see no Exchange tab:
- Double-check if you completed all her available quests or tasks. Talk to her again.
- Ensure you've truly progressed the main story enough to leave the Coastal Encampment and get to Lioneye's Watch. This is crucial for how to unlock currency exchange poe2.
- Sometimes interacting with the Stash in town can trigger related unlocks – check near Lily.
Enjoy the Convenience
Unlocking Currency Exchange early in POE2 makes managing your Orbs much smoother. It allows you to focus more on adventuring and less on finding trading partners for basic swaps. It's a valuable tool every player should activate as soon as possible.
