poe2 trade: Understand the value of affixes in 3 minutes and never miss out on valuable items.
Mastering POE2's Complex Item Economy
In Path of Exile 2, an item's power and value are determined by its affixes—up to three prefixes and three suffixes. With the ability to modify items using crafting currencies, identifying a piece of gear with strong innate stats is the first step toward wealth. This guide will teach you how to evaluate gear like a seasoned trader, spotlighting the must-have affixes for every equipment slot in the current meta.
Weapon Analysis: Spellcasting, Attack, and Specialty
Spellcasting Weapons (Staves, Wands, Sceptres)
For caster weapons, the single most important modifier is + to Level of Skill Gems. A staff with a natural +5 to a specific elemental skill (like Lightning, Fire, or Cold) is an exceptionally valuable base.
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High-Value Secondary Affixes: After the core +skills, prioritize:
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Increased Spell Damage %
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Spell Critical Strike Chance
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Cast Speed
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Added #-# Damage to Spells (Flat Damage)
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Physical Attack Weapons (Axes, Maces, Crossbows)
These weapons live and die by their Physical Damage roll. The higher the combined physical damage (e.g., "Adds #-# Physical Damage"), the better. Unlike casters, +skill levels are generally less critical here.
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High-Value Secondary Affixes:
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Attack Speed %
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Accuracy Rating (to ensure hits land)
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Critical Strike Chance
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Bows: A Specialized Category
The most sought-after bow base possesses +2 to Additional Arrows. This is a foundational, build-enabling modifier. Alongside this, high physical damage is paramount. Look for:
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+2 Additional Arrows (Top Priority)
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High Physical Damage roll
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Attack Speed %
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Critical Strike Chance
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Accuracy Rating
Note: A bow with exceptionally high physical damage (e.g., over 400 combined DPS) but no additional arrows can still hold significant value.
Summoning Weapons (Spirit Staves)
For summoners, two affixes compete for top importance:
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+ to Level of Minion Skill Gems (A +5 staff is a top-tier base)
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Increased Spirit Essence % (Governs the number of minions you can sustain; over 50% is excellent)
A staff combining +5 to Minion Gems and high Spirit Essence is a best-in-slot contender. A staff with a very high Spirit Essence roll but a +3 or +4 to skills is also highly tradable.
Armor & Defensive Gear: What Stats Matter Most
Helmets
Key affixes are + to Level of Skill Gems relevant to your build and Increased Rarity of Items Found. The defensive base (Armor, Evasion, Energy Shield) must suit your character (e.g., Evasion for Rangers, Energy Shield for low-life builds). Resistances are also crucial here, as they help cap your elemental defenses.
Body Armor
The premier stat for body armor is Maximum Energy Shield (for ES builds) or Life (for life-based builds). A high-tier roll on the primary defensive stat forms the item's core value.
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High-Value Combinations:
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High Life + High Armor/Evasion
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High Energy Shield + Resistances
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Life/ES + % Increased Maximum Life or % Increased Maximum Energy Shield
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Belts
Belts are the primary source for capping Elemental Resistances. A belt with a combined Total Elemental Resistance over 100 is highly desirable. Additional useful stats include Increased Maximum Life or Attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence) to meet gear requirements.
Gloves
Gloves typically serve one of two purposes: boosting offense or shoring up defenses.
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Offensive: Look for Added #-# Physical/Elemental Damage to Attacks or + to Level of Melee/Ranged Skill Gems.
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Defensive: High Resistances and Life are always in demand.
Gloves with a strong offensive mod combined with solid resistances are the most valuable.
Boots
The undisputed king of boot affixes is Movement Speed % (capped at 35%). Boots with 30-35% Movement Speed have inherent trade value.
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Valuable Combinations:
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High Movement Speed + High Life
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High Movement Speed + Total Resistances (aim for 80+)
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Movement Speed + Onslaught on Kill or other utility mods
Increased Rarity of Items Found is a premium multiplier, but only on boots that already have high Movement Speed and Life/Resistances.
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Jewelry: Amulets and Rings
Amulets
Amulets can define a build. The most powerful affixes are:
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+ to Level of Skill Gems (All or Specific): A +3 to Spell Skill Gems amulet is incredibly powerful.
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Increased Spirit % (for summoners) or Attributes.
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Critical Strike Multiplier or Cast/Attack Speed.
An amulet with +3 to Spell Skills and a strong secondary stat like Life or % Increased Maximum Energy Shield is an endgame item.
Rings
Rings are vital for filling stat gaps and amplifying damage.
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Offensive: Look for Added #-# Damage to Attacks (Physical or Elemental). Lightning damage is particularly popular in the current meta.
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Defensive: Life and high Total Elemental Resistance are paramount. A ring with Total Resistance over 100 is excellent; over 150 is exceptional and can simplify gearing elsewhere.
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Utility: Increased Rarity of Items Found (especially with a combined roll near 50-60%) is highly sought after by endgame farmers.
Advanced Valuation: The 6-Affix Rule and Market Dynamics
Remember: a Rare item can have a maximum of 3 Prefixes and 3 Suffixes. A single displayed modifier with a very high value (e.g., "+40 to maximum Life") is often the result of two separate affixes of the same type combining. Use the in-game advanced tooltip (Advanced Item Descriptions in settings) to see the true affix count before attempting to craft.
How to Stay Informed & Price Check:
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Use the Official Trade Site: The single best tool. Search for items with similar affixes to establish a market price.
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Leverage Community Tools: Apps like Awakened PoE Trade (or its POE2 successor) allow you to quickly price check an item in-game with a hotkey (like Ctrl+D).
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Monitor Market Trends: Watch popular streamers and community hubs to see which builds are rising in popularity. Demand for specific gear types will follow.
From Identifying to Acquiring: The Full Gear Journey
Learning to spot valuable loot is one half of the equation. The other half is efficiently acquiring the specific, high-value items your build requires to progress. This often involves repeated farming, savvy trading, and significant time investment.
For players who wish to focus on optimizing their build and tackling endgame challenges rather than the grind, there is a reliable alternative. Utilizing a secure and reputable marketplace allows you to directly trade for the exact currency or items you need, accelerating your path to a powerful character.
Ready to Gear Your Character with Precision?
Understanding item value empowers your trading. To efficiently convert that knowledge into gear, a trustworthy partner is essential.
