Path of Exile 2 is steadily evolving with each patch, and update 0.3: The Third Edict represents one of the most impactful changes to the crafting system since the game entered beta. Crafting has always been the backbone of the ARPG experience, offering players the ability to push their builds to new heights, create powerful weapons, and chase near-perfect gear. In Path of Exile 2, Grinding Gear Games has taken the opportunity to reimagine how players interact with crafting while maintaining the game's core identity of choice, depth, and complexity.

 

In this article, we'll explore the crafting changes in 0.3, why they matter, how they affect both casual and hardcore players, and what strategies you should adopt moving forward.

 

Why Crafting Matters in PoE 2

Before diving into the changes, it's worth revisiting why crafting is such a cornerstone of Path of Exile. Unlike other ARPGs where gear drops are the main focus, PoE emphasizes customization and control. With dozens of affixes, modifiers, sockets, and item bases, crafting allows you to tailor an item to fit your exact build.

 

In Path of Exile 2, the developers want crafting to feel both rewarding and accessible, while still respecting the game's reputation for depth. Update 0.3 is a direct response to community feedback, seeking to address some pain points while introducing new opportunities for experimentation.

 

Overview of Crafting in 0.3 - The Third Edict

Patch 0.3 introduces several key adjustments to crafting systems. These fall under three broad categories:

 

Refinements to the Bench Crafting System

 

Changes to Currency and Crafting Orbs

 

New Endgame Crafting Opportunities

 

Each of these systems ties together to reshape the crafting economy and player experience.

 

1. Bench Crafting Rework

The Crafting Bench has been a staple in Path of Exile since its introduction, but in PoE 2 the developers want it to play a more supportive role rather than overshadowing other systems. In The Third Edict, bench crafting receives a significant rework.

 

What Changed?

Affix Availability Adjusted: Some of the most powerful modifiers (like high-tier resistances and life) are no longer easily accessible from the bench. Instead, these will require progression in other systems, like drops, Essence crafting, or league-specific mechanics.

 

Tier Restrictions: You can still add common affixes like resistances or flat damage, but the tiers available from the bench are capped lower than before. This means you'll need to combine bench crafting with other methods to reach top-tier items.

 

Cost Balancing: Crafting bench costs have been reduced for low-tier mods but increased for certain rare utility mods. For example, socket coloring and linking are cheaper at lower levels but more expensive at endgame.

 

Why It Matters

This change ensures that crafting isn't trivialized by the bench. Instead, it's a stepping stone that helps smooth out gear progression without serving as the ultimate endgame solution.

 

2. Currency and Orb Changes

Currency items are the heart of PoE's crafting economy, and in 0.3, several important adjustments have been made.

 

New and Adjusted Orbs

Orb of Binding (Reworked): Now grants a guaranteed 4-link item but removes all current affixes, making it more of a gamble than before.

 

Essences Buffed: Essences are now more predictable, rolling slightly higher tier values on guaranteed modifiers. This makes them more competitive compared to pure currency rolling.

 

Orb of Domination (New): A new orb that upgrades one random affix on an item to the next tier, but can also lock out other affix slots. This creates high-risk, high-reward crafting moments.

 

Exalted Orbs: Their drop rate has been adjusted upward slightly, but their use is now tied more to advanced crafting methods rather than early-game gambling.

 

Currency Economy Implications

The new orb system encourages experimentation while preserving risk. Instead of endlessly spamming Chaos Orbs to reroll items, you now have more nuanced tools to refine a piece of gear.

 

3. Endgame Crafting Systems

The Third Edict also introduces endgame-focused crafting changes that give players more long-term goals.

 

Crucible-style Crafting

A new system inspired by Crucible mechanics has been added, allowing players to "level" items over time. As you complete maps, your items gain "crafting experience," which can be invested into unlocking unique affix upgrades.

 

Examples:

A sword might gain a bonus like "+10% chance to double strike" after enough investment.

 

A chest piece could unlock an affix that reduces incoming damage of a specific type.

 

This system rewards players who stick with specific items, creating a deeper attachment to crafted gear.

 

Faction Crafting Stations

Faction alignment, a new system introduced in PoE 2, now plays a larger role in crafting. Depending on your chosen faction, you gain access to unique crafting recipes.

 

Druids might have recipes that enhance natural damage types or regeneration.

 

Templars could focus on defensive and elemental modifiers.

 

Mercenaries might have better access to attack and crit-based crafts.

 

This system gives each player's crafting journey a personalized identity.

 

How These Changes Affect Different Players

 

For Casual Players

Casual players benefit from smoother progression. Bench crafting is still a reliable fallback for resistances and basic upgrades, while buffed Essences and easier socket manipulation reduce frustration.

 

For Hardcore Crafters

Hardcore crafters will see the most impact. The reduced availability of top-tier bench mods means that true endgame items will require layered crafting approaches: Essence, fossils, orbs, and faction recipes. This makes the crafting chase longer but also more rewarding.

 

For the Economy

The in-game economy will likely shift toward new orbs and endgame recipes. Expect Orb of Domination and faction crafts to command high values in the Path of Exile 2 Trade system, while mid-tier bench crafts lose some of their market power.

 

Best Crafting Strategies in Patch 0.3

With the new systems in place, here are some strategies to get ahead:

 

Use Essences Early - With buffs in 0.3, Essences are now one of the most efficient ways to target specific mods without relying on the bench.

 

Combine Bench with Orbs - Use the bench for stability (resistances, sockets) and currency for high-value affixes.

 

Save Orbs of Domination for Strong Bases - These are too valuable to waste on leveling gear. Use them on high-item-level bases for the best results. You can buy POE 2 Currency Orbs to get them.

 

Align with the Right Faction - Your faction choice will influence your crafting direction. Pick one that synergizes with your build to maximize benefits.

 

Invest in Long-Term Gear - Crucible-style progression makes it worthwhile to stick with an item rather than constantly replacing it.

 

Final Thoughts

The crafting changes in Path of Exile 2 mark a turning point in how players interact with the game's most complex system. By reducing the reliance on bench crafting, improving Essences, introducing new orbs, and adding faction-based customization, Grinding Gear Games has ensured that crafting in PoE 2 feels more dynamic, rewarding, and personal.

 

For casual players, this means an easier entry point into crafting without being overwhelmed. For hardcore players, it means a deeper chase for perfect gear, with more layers of strategy and risk involved.

 

Ultimately, crafting in 0.3 isn't just about making items-it's about shaping your journey through Wraeclast, experimenting with mechanics, and finding creative solutions to the challenges the game throws at you. If you're willing to embrace the changes, The Third Edict opens up a new era of crafting mastery in Path of Exile 2.