Understanding Currency Sinks in POE 2
In Path of Exile 2 the economy is entirely player-driven and currency items serve as both trade commodities and crafting tools. To maintain balance and prevent inflation the game implements what are known as currency sinks. These are game mechanics that remove currency from circulation either through crafting item modification or progression systems. Understanding where all the currency goes is essential for both new and experienced players who want to optimize their efficiency and understand the economic flow of the game.

Crafting as a Major Currency Sink
One of the most significant ways currency disappears in POE 2 is through crafting. Players frequently use Orbs of Alchemy Chaos Orbs Exalted Orbs and Divine Orbs in large quantities to improve their gear. High-end meta crafting often consumes hundreds or even thousands of orbs in the pursuit of perfect modifiers sockets and links. Since crafting is inherently RNG-based players may spend enormous amounts of currency without guaranteed success making it the largest and most consistent currency sink in the game.

Map and Endgame System Investments
Another major currency sink is map progression and endgame content systems. Players spend currency items like Chisels Alchemy Orbs and Sextants to enhance maps for better drops and experience. In POE 2 with the endgame rework expected to bring even more layers to the Atlas system players will likely invest even more into mapping. The use of Scarabs fragments and invitations also drains a huge amount of resources as players pursue bosses and unique encounters. These repeated investments into content that resets and consumes materials continuously pull currency out of the game.

Crafting Benches and League Mechanics
Crafting benches and league-specific crafting mechanics such as Harvest Essence and Expedition serve as additional sinks. In most cases using a crafting bench costs currency ranging from basic orbs to high-value ones depending on the modification. These costs are necessary to maintain balance and to ensure that progression involves commitment. The addition of new leagues usually brings in new crafting tools and systems that further consume currency either directly through orb costs or indirectly through preparation steps like item filtering or upgrading.

Gambling and Risk-Based Mechanics
Gambling systems such as using Vaal Orbs on high-value gear or attempting six-link socket rolls with Jeweller's Orbs are another currency drain. These mechanics encourage players to take risks with the chance of obtaining powerful outcomes but also come with a high likelihood of failure. As players engage with these systems they often spend large volumes of currency in short bursts. The excitement and potential for big rewards make gambling one of the more volatile yet impactful currency sinks in the game.

Trade Market and Player Behavior
While trading does not technically remove currency from the game it can indirectly support sinks by fueling crafting and upgrading behavior. When players buy items for resale or further crafting the cycle continues with more currency being used up in the process. Additionally overpaying for certain items or speculative investment into meta items contributes to moving currency around rapidly which increases its usage frequency and enhances the sink effect through subsequent crafting or rerolling attempts.

Death and Hardcore Mode Losses
In Hardcore mode permanent character death leads to the loss of all character-bound currency which acts as a hard sink for a portion of the player base. Even in Standard or Softcore modes if players quit or go inactive with currency sitting unused it effectively removes that wealth from the active economy. While this is less measurable it still contributes to the overall dynamic of supply and demand and keeps the value of currency from collapsing completely over time.

Balancing the Currency Lifecycle
The game’s developers intentionally design these currency sinks to maintain a stable economy across league lifecycles. Without them the market would become oversaturated causing inflation and reducing the value of effort spent farming. By understanding where currency goes players can make smarter decisions about how they spend and manage their own resources to stay competitive and efficient throughout their journey in Wraeclast.