I still remember the moment I picked up that Gold Ring in Path of Exile 2. I was just finishing a Delve run, low on life flasks, and surrounded by monsters. Then—bam!—the Gold Ring dropped, and my entire build changed for the better.



In PoE 2, items are everything. They can make your character stronger, faster, and more resistant. This ring wasn’t even rare—it was a magic item with simple modifiers. But it had two powerful affixes: increased rarity of items found and bonus to lightning resistance. These two stats might not seem huge, but they made a big difference early in the league.



If you’re just starting in Path of Exile 2 and wondering how to get strong fast, here’s a guide using my experience with PoE 2 items. First, always pick up Gold Rings, Coral Rings, and Leather Belts. These are base items that can roll helpful modifiers for survival and loot.



Second, don’t just rely on what you find. You can buy PoE 2 items early on using Orbs of Alteration or Chaos Orbs. These are common currencies and easy to get from selling rare items with good affixes. I recommend keeping a stash tab organized just for these trades. Use the crafting bench or vendor recipes to boost your gear. For example, a simple recipe combining a magic ring with a resistance gives you a great upgrade for early maps.



Third, know the trade market. When you buy PoE 2 items, check for ones with solid base stats and good rolls. You don’t need perfect items—just ones that help you not die! Websites that track trade listings are very useful. Filter for items under 5 Chaos Orbs with needed stats like life, resistances, and movement speed.



When I started mapping, I upgraded that same Gold Ring with a Regal Orb, then later used an Exalted Orb. Eventually, I replaced it with a crafted ring from the trade site—but that Gold Ring helped me survive countless fights and farm more currency.



One more tip: use your Orbs wisely. Don’t waste a Divine Orb on low-tier items. Save them for crafting or trading. Divine Orbs are valuable in PoE 2 and are often used as the main currency when people buy PoE 2 items in bulk.



In the end, gear progression in PoE 2 is a journey. Every item can matter, and even a simple Gold Ring can turn your build from weak to wonderful. Keep your eyes open, learn vendor recipes, watch the market, and don’t be afraid to buy PoE 2 items to get ahead.



That one ring really shot my spirit through the roof—and it can happen to you too. Happy hunting, Exile!