In Path of Exile 2, the history of currency is not only shaped by the rise of powerful factions and wealth-driven economies but also by the inevitable decline of once-dominant figures in the game’s intricate market system. Just like the famous lines of the poem Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley, where the mighty king’s vast empire lies in ruins, POE 2’s economy features moments where once-flourishing currency systems collapse, leaving behind only crumbling monuments to dead currency kings. These forgotten orbs and relics represent the cyclical nature of power within the game, where players’ fortunes shift dramatically, and the very foundations that once supported an economy can crumble into obscurity.
The Rise and Fall of Currency Kings
The idea of “currency kings” in POE 2 is not a far-fetched fantasy; it is a reality witnessed by players who have come to dominate the market. These figures—often composed of veteran traders or elite guilds—had the ability to dictate the value of orbs, control scarce resources, and dictate market sentiment. In a way, they were kings, ruling over vast empires of wealth built on the exchange of in-game currency. Their rise to power was often swift, fueled by shrewd trading practices, monopolistic control of certain items, and the ability to corner the market on valuable orbs.
However, just like the rulers of old civilizations, the fall of these currency kings was inevitable. A combination of new game updates, balance changes, the introduction of new currency systems, and shifts in player behavior led to the collapse of the once-stable empires these traders had built. Just as the ruins of ancient cities stand as eerie reminders of past glories, the defunct or forgotten economies in POE 2 offer a haunting glimpse into the transience of power.
Economic Monuments in Decay
The remnants of dead currency systems are scattered throughout the world of POE 2. As new updates and expansions evolve, old systems are either replaced or marginalized, leaving behind their once-vibrant economies to decay. Some of these defunct orbs and currencies are no longer in active circulation, their value obliterated by inflation or obsolescence. The market for these items is all but extinguished, with only a few players holding onto the relics as a reminder of their former power.
In a way, these relics serve as POE 2’s version of the crumbling monuments of Ozymandias. They stand as decayed testaments to the former kings who once ruled the economic landscape. Some of the dead currencies, once regarded as the backbone of the economy, are now forgotten or abandoned. The once-valuable orbs have been replaced by newer, more relevant currencies, rendering their predecessors insignificant and obsolete.
But the story doesn’t end with decay. The remnants of these currencies often find their way into the hands of players who view them as historical artifacts or even collectibles. Their crumbling monuments—be it through abandoned hoards, long-forgotten vaults, or buried treasures—serve as mementos of a bygone era. They speak to the game’s ever-changing nature, where even the most powerful economic systems can ultimately fall to time and player behavior.
Player-Driven Destruction of Economic Empires
In POE 2, the destruction of these economic empires is not simply the result of game developers pulling the plug on old systems. The crumbling of the currency kings’ reign is often driven by player behavior itself. In a game where the community is deeply embedded in the mechanics of the economy, players have the power to drive down the value of certain currencies or crash entire markets through mass-selling or large-scale trading shifts. What once was seen as a stable currency could lose its value overnight due to changing player preferences or strategies.
New players may also be less attached to the older forms of wealth. As the game’s economy shifts and grows, newer, more effective ways to gain currency may replace the older, once-powerful orbs. When the demand for these older currencies diminishes, their value naturally declines. This player-driven destruction of economic systems mirrors the fall of ancient civilizations that failed to adapt to changing conditions.
The End of an Era and the Birth of New Dynasties
While the crumbling of old economies may seem like a tragic event for those who once benefitted from them, it also paves the way for new dynasties to rise. Just as the death of one king gives way to the rise of another in the cycle of history, the fall of old currencies and market systems creates an opportunity for new systems to take root. In POE 2, the continuous shift in the currency landscape ensures that no single system can ever remain at the top for too long. This constant cycle of rise, reign, and decay fuels the game’s ever-evolving economy.
The lesson here is not just about the inevitable fall of currency kings but about the resilience of the economy. While individual empires may fall, the broader economic system in POE 2 continues to thrive. New traders rise to power, new orbs find their place in the market, and the game’s economy remains dynamic, unpredictable, and alive. The crumbling monuments of the dead kings serve as a reminder to all players: the value of currency in POE 2 is always in flux, and the rise of a new currency king is always just over the horizon.
Reclaiming the Past: A New Perspective on Economic Monuments
As players explore these crumbling economic monuments, some may choose to reclaim the past and resurrect the once-dominant orbs and currencies. Perhaps through the study of historical market patterns or the clever use of these relics, players could create new strategies to reignite interest in obsolete currencies, offering them a chance at resurgence. However, much like the resurrection of ancient powers in history, it will require innovative strategies and an understanding of the ever-changing market dynamics.
In the end, POE 2’s Ozymandias moment is not one of complete destruction but of cyclical change. The crumbling monuments to dead currency kings remind players of the fragility of wealth and power in the game, and of the constant evolution of its economic landscape. Those who succeed in POE 2 will be those who can adapt, learn from the past, and find new ways to thrive in an ever-changing market.