How Trade Chat Functions in POE 2

In Path of Exile 2 Trade Chat remains a core feature that connects players seeking to exchange currency, gear, and other valuable items. It functions as a live in-game marketplace where players post trade offers or requests using standardized formats and abbreviations. While many players turn to external trade websites or third-party tools, Trade Chat continues to serve as a quick-access solution, especially for real-time trades and opportunistic deals.

Trade Chat operates through public channels, typically accessed by typing into the designated trade window or enabling trade tabs. Players list their offers in short lines of text, often including item names, stats, asking prices, and currency types. Since the game supports multiple currency forms such as Chaos Orbs, Divine Orbs, and Exalted Orbs, being able to read and understand Trade Chat efficiently is key to successful currency management.

Using Trade Chat to Farm and Flip Currency

One of the most practical uses of Trade Chat in POE 2 is for currency flipping. Skilled players monitor prices in real time and capitalize on underpriced items or bulk currency exchanges. For example, a player might see someone selling ten Chaos Orbs for a slightly undervalued price in Divine Orbs and buy them immediately to resell later for a profit. This flipping strategy can yield consistent gains for players who track market trends and act quickly.

Trade Chat is especially useful for bulk purchases, such as buying hundreds of Orbs of Alteration or Jeweller's Orbs, which are commonly used in crafting or build preparation. While trade websites offer filters and historical prices, Trade Chat offers instant feedback and the chance to negotiate with sellers. This real-time bargaining can save currency and lead to unexpected deals, making Trade Chat an essential tool for players looking to stretch their resources.

Common Trade Chat Abbreviations and Etiquette

To fully utilize Trade Chat, players must understand the abbreviations and lingo used by the community. Phrases like WTB (Want to Buy), WTS (Want to Sell), B/O (Buyout), and LF (Looking For) are standard. Currency is usually abbreviated as C (Chaos), D (Divine), and EX (Exalted). For example, a message might read WTS Tabula Rasa B/O 10C, indicating the player wants to sell a Tabula Rasa for ten Chaos Orbs.

Etiquette is also important. Spamming the same message repeatedly or being rude to other traders can lead to ignores or reports. It is generally best to post every few minutes with clear offers and to respond quickly and politely when someone messages you. A positive reputation helps when conducting multiple trades over time, especially when dealing with higher-value items.

Trade Chat as a Supplement to Other Tools

While Trade Chat may not replace organized trade websites, it acts as an important supplement to the trading experience in POE 2. It allows for flexible pricing and negotiation, which are often not available on static price listings. Players who rely solely on websites may miss out on spontaneous deals, quick trades, or rare items posted by players who prefer to avoid third-party platforms.

Using Trade Chat in combination with trading sites allows players to verify market value while also exploring unique opportunities. For instance, a player might find a rare six-link chest on a trade site but find a similar item for less in Trade Chat. This creates room for more