Align Resource Management with Farming Cycles
Dedicate early maps to farming currency (for Path of Exile 2 Currency smithing).
Dedicate mid-to-late maps to farming bosses (for uniques).
Alternate between both cycles depending on your loot needs.
This keeps your gameplay loop varied while maintaining steady gear improvement.
6. Adapt Strategy Based on Build Type
Unique-Heavy Builds: If your build relies on multiple unique items, prioritize boss farming early. Use smithing only to fill defensive or resistance gaps.
Rare-Item Heavy Builds: If your build scales off high-stat rare gear, focus on smithing, using boss farming only for extra resources or niche uniques.
Hybrid Builds: Alternate between the two depending on which slot is weakest at the moment.
7. Track Drop Tables and Plan Routes
Knowing which boss drops which item prevents wasted farming.
Use community resources, loot filters, and farming guides to map out optimal progression routes.
Example: If farming a boss for a unique ring, also note other loot in its pool that could supplement your build.
Long-Term Efficiency: Creating a Balanced Loop
The most effective players create a loop that combines both smithing and farming without over-investing in one path. A strong loop might look like this:
Farm Currency → Use Smithing: Build a strong baseline gear set.
Target Bosses → Farm for Uniques: Secure critical build-defining items.
Refine with Smithing Again: Patch resistances, socket links, or reroll stats.
Repeat with Higher Tier Bosses: Continue farming for upgrades as buy POE 2 Divine Orbs difficulty scales.