Path of Exile 2’s highly anticipated update, Dawn of the Hunt, is on the horizon, and with it comes the launch of an entirely new league. A major aspect of every new league is the economy reset, a system designed to provide a fresh and fair start for all players. If you’re new to Path of Exile (PoE) or simply want to understand how this process works, this guide will break it all down.

What Is an Economy Reset in Path of Exile 2?

 An economy reset means that all players entering the new league will start from scratch. No items, no currency, no previously hoarded loot—everyone is on equal footing, creating a fair environment for trading and progression. The reset does not delete your existing characters or stash in Standard or Early Access leagues; it only applies to the newly launched league.

 

Every league introduces fresh mechanics, balance changes, and new content. The economy reset ensures that these updates are experienced as intended, without interference from previously accumulated wealth. This fosters a fair and engaging trading environment while keeping the game’s economy dynamic and exciting.

 

Why Does Path of Exile 2 Reset the Economy?

 

The economy reset is one of the core aspects of Path of Exile’s league-based structure. It serves several important functions:

 

Level Playing Field – Without an economy reset, long-time players would have a massive advantage in acquiring powerful items early on. A reset ensures that every player, whether veteran or newcomer, has the same starting point.

 

Fresh Market Dynamics – With each new league, item values and currency worth fluctuate, creating new trading opportunities. The reset allows a fresh market to form naturally, ensuring a healthy and fair in-game economy.

 

Encourages Experimentation – Many leagues introduce new mechanics, skills, and reworks. By starting fresh, players are more likely to try out different builds rather than relying on their old ones.

 

Prevents Inflation – Carrying over massive amounts of currency from previous leagues would devalue items and disrupt the game’s natural economic balance.

 

How the Economy Reset Affects Players

 

1. Trading and Currency in the New League

 

Once the economy resets, even low-tier POE2 Currency becomes valuable in the early days of the league. Items like Orbs of Alteration, Chaos Orbs,  Path of Exile 2 Orbs and Divine Orbs will have fluctuating values, and understanding these changes can be key to making profits through trading.

 

2. Item Value and Market Shifts

 

Since everyone starts with nothing, early league items that are typically ignored in the late game become sought-after. Basic leveling gear, crafting materials, and even mid-tier rare items may hold surprising value due to their scarcity.

 

3. Character Progression

 

While your old characters remain untouched in the permanent Standard league, progression in the new league requires a fresh start. This means:

 

Starting from level one.

 

No access to previous currency or gear.

 

Rebuilding your stash from scratch.

 

No pre-existing passive skill tree progress.

 

Joining the New League – What You Need to Know

 

To participate in the fresh economy, follow these steps:

 

Log into Path of Exile 2 after the update.

 

Create a new character.

 

Select the “Dawn of the Hunt” league banner.

 

Start playing in the fresh economy with other new league players.

 

By choosing to play in the new league, you’re immersing yourself in an active and competitive community where everyone is on an equal playing field.

 

What Happens to My Old Characters and Items?

 

A common concern among players is whether they’ll lose their existing characters, items, or stash. The answer is no—everything you’ve collected remains intact in the Standard or Early Access leagues. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

 

Your Passive Skill Tree may be reset – If balance changes significantly alter how skills work, your passive tree may require reallocation.

 

Game mechanics may change – Certain abilities, items, or crafting mechanics could be reworked, meaning your old characters may not perform exactly the same way.

 

Old stash tabs remain accessible – Anything you owned before the economy reset will still be available in non-league modes.

 

If you prefer not to start over, you can continue playing your existing characters in Standard. However, new league content is typically designed for the fresh economy experience.

 

What About Stash Tabs?

 

Your purchased stash tabs remain intact, but in a new league, they start empty. This is done to preserve the integrity of the fresh economy.

 

Here’s what you need to know:

 

You retain all purchased stash tabs.

 

Stash layouts and labels carry over.

 

No old items, currency, or maps will be present.

 

You must earn new gear, maps, and currency from scratch.

 

This system ensures that wealth from previous leagues does not interfere with the new league’s economy.

 

Do I Have to Join the New League?

 

No, participating in the new league is entirely optional. However, most players choose to do so for several reasons:

 

New Content – Each league brings new game mechanics, challenges, and story elements.

 

Active Trading Economy – Since everyone starts fresh, the in-game market is more active and exciting.

 

Competitive Race – Many players enjoy the challenge of racing to endgame content in a brand-new economy.

 

Balanced Meta – If significant changes have been made to skills and mechanics, the new league ensures that everyone adapts together.

 

If you prefer a more casual experience, you can continue playing in Standard. However, if you want to be part of the fresh start, joining the new league is the best way to experience Dawn of the Hunt.

 

Final Thoughts: Why the Economy Reset Matters

 

The economy reset in Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt isn’t just about starting over—it’s about revitalizing the game. It creates a dynamic and fair trading environment, encourages creative build experimentation, and ensures that new content is experienced as it was designed.

Whether you’re a veteran player looking to dominate the early economy or a newcomer excited for a fresh challenge, the new league offers the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of Path of Exile 2 with renewed excitement. Prepare for the reset, plan your strategy, and embrace the adventure that awaits in Dawn of the Hunt!