Understanding the Official Stance
Grinding Gear Games, the developer of Path of Exile 2, has always maintained a strict policy against real-money trading of in-game items and currency through unauthorized third parties. The core philosophy behind POE 2 is to maintain a fair, skill-based economy where progression is earned through gameplay. The game includes its own monetization system centered around cosmetic microtransactions rather than pay-to-win advantages. Buying currency outside the official structure undermines this vision, and GGG regularly bans accounts found engaging in third-party trading activities.

The Appeal of Buying Currency
Despite the risks, many players consider buying POE 2 currency due to time constraints, limited in-game knowledge, or the desire to catch up with others in a competitive league. The appeal lies in saving hours of grinding and bypassing the learning curve associated with complex mechanics like crafting or efficient farming. Casual players especially may find it difficult to acquire the high-value orbs needed to trade for top-tier items or gear enhancements. For these users, currency purchasing is viewed more as convenience than cheating.

The Impact on the In-Game Economy
One of the most pressing ethical concerns about currency buying is its effect on the in-game economy. When a significant number of players purchase currency from external sources, it can inflate item prices and skew market dynamics. This puts non-buying players at a disadvantage, particularly in Solo Self-Found or league environments where trade competitiveness is essential. Additionally, currency farming bots that supply these websites often flood the game with resources, leading to artificial market saturation, economic instability, and disrupted trade balance.

Risk to the Player and the Community
Engaging in unauthorized currency purchases carries both personal and community-level risks. Players who buy from illegitimate sources risk having their accounts permanently banned, losing all progress, characters, and gear. These bans are non-negotiable and serve as a deterrent against rule-breaking behavior. On a broader level, the presence of buyers and sellers contributes to the proliferation of malicious bots and scam operations, which degrade server stability, compromise player data, and increase the workload on GGG’s support and security teams.

A Question of Fairness and Integrity
From a moral perspective, buying currency can be seen as a shortcut that compromises the spirit of competition. Path of Exile 2 prides itself on rewarding effort, planning, and creativity. Players who farm their wealth through knowledge and practice gain a deeper understanding of the game and are rewarded accordingly. When others circumvent this process through currency purchases, it dilutes the value of legitimate achievements. In league competitions or racing events, the gap created by purchased power undermines community trust and disrupts the level playing field that POE 2 strives to maintain.



Community Perception and Social Consequences
Within the POE 2 community, attitudes toward currency buying are generally negative. Forums and social media platforms often criticize players who are caught or suspected of buying currency, labeling them as exploiters or unfair competitors. Even if a player avoids detection, their reputation among guildmates or trading partners can suffer. Trust is a vital part of the Path of Exile community, especially in player-to-player trade, and suspicion of unethical behavior can lead to exclusion or damaged relationships within the game’s social circles.