Item Level Path of Exile: A Comprehensive Guide to Maximizing Your Gear
Path of Exile has become one of the most popular action RPGs in recent years, known for its deep character customization, complex gameplay mechanics, and vast array of items. Among these mechanics, the item level system plays a crucial role in determining the power and effectiveness of your gear. Understanding how to maximize your item levels is essential for progressing through the game, especially in the challenging endgame content. In this article, we will delve into the item level Path of Exile system, exploring its importance, how it works, and strategies to optimize your gear.
What is Item Level in Path of Exile?
In Path of Exile, item level refers to the tier or rank of an item, which determines the quality and potential of the item. Higher item levels generally mean better stats, higher affixes, and more powerful modifiers. For example, a level 75 item will typically have superior stats compared to a level 60 item, assuming both are of the same type and rarity.
The item level system is tied to the level of the area or monster that drops the item. For instance, items dropped in higher-level areas like Act 10 or the Atlas of Worlds will usually have higher item levels. This means that as you progress through the game, the quality of the items you find naturally improves.
Why is Item Level Important?
The item level is crucial because it directly impacts the potential of your gear. Here are a few reasons why you should pay attention to item levels:
Better Affixes: Higher item levels can roll higher-tier affixes, which are essential for creating powerful builds. For example, a high item level weapon might have a chance to roll the coveted “Critical Strike Chance”, which is vital for crit-based builds.
Crafting Opportunities: Items with higher levels are better candidates for crafting because they can potentially roll higher stats. This is especially important if you’re trying to create a perfect item for your build.
Endgame Viability: In the endgame, having high item levels is often necessary to survive the toughest content. For example, items with high energy shield or armour rolls are essential for tanky builds in the Absorption or Bleed mods found in the Atlas.
How to Maximize Your Item Levels
Now that we’ve established the importance of item level in Path of Exile, let’s discuss strategies to maximize your gear’s potential.
Farm in High-Level Areas: The first step to obtaining high item level gear is to farm in high-level areas. Areas like the Absorption and Bleed in the Atlas of Worlds are known for dropping high item level items due to their high monster levels.
Use Harvest Crafts: The Harvest league introduced a powerful crafting system that allows players to craft specific mods onto their items. By using high-level seeds, you can craft items with desirable affixes, effectively increasing their power.
Loot Filter Optimization: To efficiently farm high item level gear, you need a well-optimized loot filter. This ensures that you don’t miss out on valuable drops and can quickly identify high-tier items.
Corruption Orbs: While risky, using Corruption Orbs on high item level items can sometimes yield amazing results. For example, a perfectly rolled item can become even better with the right corruption, though be cautious of the potential downsides.
Trade with Other Players: If you’re struggling to find the perfect item, consider trading with other players. Websites like Path of Exile Trade or the in-game trade channels can help you find high item level gear for your build.
Case Study: Crafting a Perfect Item
Let’s take a real-world example to illustrate the importance of item level in Path of Exile. Suppose you’re building a Critical Strike Chance-based assassin and need a high item level claw with optimal affixes. By farming in high-level areas and using Harvest Crafts, you can craft a claw with the desired affixes. The higher the item level, the better the chance of rolling those affixes.
Conclusion
In Path of Exile, the item level system is a cornerstone of the game’s depth and complexity. By understanding how to maximize your item levels, you can create powerful builds that excel in both the main story and the challenging endgame content. Whether you’re farming in high-level areas, crafting with Harvest, or trading with other players, the strategies outlined in this guide will help you achieve your goals. Remember, in Path of Exile, the right gear can make all the difference.