Path of Exile 2 Desperately Needs an Official In-Game Item Exchange System

First off, huge props to Grinding Gear Games for building such a rich, rewarding, and intricate ARPG. Path of Exile is a game that thrives on its complexity and freedom of choice, and it’s clear the team is passionate about pushing boundaries with Path of Exile 2.

That said, there’s one persistent issue that holds the game back for many players: trading. The current system—while functional—is clunky, outdated, and overly reliant on third-party tools like the official trade website. It forces players to stop what they’re doing, contact a seller or buyer, hope they respond, and complete a manual trade. This entire process can be frustrating and immersion-breaking, especially when trading high-value items where trust becomes a major concern.

Trading in Path of Exile should enhance the experience, not detract from it. That’s why I believe it’s time for an official in-game item exchange system—something akin to the Grand Exchange in Old School RuneScape or the Auction House in World of Warcraft.

Such a system could allow players to list items for sale asynchronously, browse available items directly within the game, and complete trades without interrupting gameplay. GGG already has a fantastic foundation with the current Currency Exchange system; why not expand that concept to encompass item trading as well?

Here are a few key reasons why this would massively improve the game:

1. Streamlined Gameplay: Trading would no longer require stopping mid-map, waiting for whispers, or switching between PoE Trade and the game itself.

2. Reduced Frustration: No more dealing with unresponsive players, price fixers, or outright scammers.

3. Improved Accessibility: New players often struggle to engage with the trading system. An official exchange could make trading easier and more intuitive for everyone.

4. A Thriving Economy: A more accessible trading system would allow for a more dynamic and robust in-game economy, where items flow more freely and reach players who need them most.

I understand there may be concerns about how this could affect Path of Exile’s economy or community dynamics. Some might worry about automation, devaluation of items, or losing the “human touch” in trading. However, these issues could be addressed with thoughtful implementation—such as listing fees, trade limits, or item-based filters to maintain market stability.

GGG has already proven their commitment to innovation and player-focused design. Introducing an official in-game item exchange could be the next evolution in making Path of Exile 2 not just a great ARPG, but the definitive ARPG of its generation.

I’d love to hear the community’s thoughts on this. How has the current trading system impacted your experience, and what kind of improvements would you like to see?

I agree they need something, but i don't think auction house is the answer.. I think the simple solution they need are NPC vendors for your hideout. "Premium NPC Stash Tab" that will have an NPC in your hideout have the item in their buy window... Still use the website to search for items, then "Ask To Visit Hideout" or optionally have "Let strangers visit hideout" option checked.

It would let people advertise their hideout in the trade channel, and add more community engagement i feel like.

You'd still need to visit people's hideout, and still be online for the trade to happen

Especially for POE2 this would be great because of no scouring orbs, it's annoying to sell crafting bases for 1 ex to people.

From a technical standpoint, i feel like they already have the technology.. NPCs that vendor items for specific currency orbs, the item search can stay the same.. In POE2 they have the vendor buyback for gold, maybe even an NPC system with a "reverse sell" you give the vendor gold to hold it, then will let other exiles buy it after you set a price, that way NPCs don't have to sell from a stash tab.