Path of Exile 2 introduces several game modes and leagues that offer unique playstyles and experiences, each catering to different player preferences. However, for newcomers, choosing the right league or mode can feel overwhelming. Here's a comprehensive guide to Path of Exile (PoE) 2's leagues and game modes, helping you decide where to start for the most engaging experience. 

What is a PoE 2 League

In Path of Exile 2, "Leagues" are similar to what other ARPG players may recognize as "Seasons" or "Ladders." They offer varied playstyles and provide opportunities to reset, start fresh, or build long-term characters. PoE 2 features both a permanent "Standard League" and temporary "Challenge Leagues" that generally last three months.

Challenge League: Fresh Start and New Content

Every three to four months, PoE 2 launches a new Challenge League, where players create new characters starting from level 1, with no access to prior items or progression. Challenge Leagues introduce a new, balanced in-game economy, fresh for every player. These leagues are often named after their unique mechanics—like "Settlers" in a "Settlers of Kalguur" League.

Challenge Leagues are favored by most players because they add an exciting, competitive element to gameplay, with unique "League Mechanics," new game content, and significant patch updates that impact classes, items, skills, and enemies. This fresh start enables players to experiment with different character builds and strategies while keeping Path of Exile 2 Currency trading active and dynamic. When the League ends, your characters and items are transferred to the Standard League, preserving your progress.

Note: PoE 2's Closed Beta might not launch with a dedicated Challenge League, although frequent resets and balance patches are expected as developers fine-tune the game.

Standard League: The Permanent Experience

For players who prefer a stable and permanent progression, PoE 2's Standard League is the ideal choice. Unlike Challenge Leagues, Standard League characters retain all items and experience without resets. Although it lacks the new mechanics and content updates of Challenge Leagues, Standard League benefits from the same balance patches, offering fresh build options.

One unique aspect of Standard League is the potential for "Legacy" items—older items with unique properties that remain unaffected by recent updates. If you're a new player or have limited time, Standard League can be a good choice, allowing you to progress at your own pace and enjoy an enduring character experience.

Game Modes in PoE 2

PoE 2 offers several game modes, each with distinct rules and challenges to accommodate different player preferences.

Softcore (SC)

Softcore, or SC, is the default mode in PoE 2 and is recommended for beginners. In SC, players respawn at the nearest town or checkpoint after death, and there's no permanent loss of progress. While there's currently no experience (XP) penalty for deaths in the PoE 2 campaign, an XP penalty may be introduced in the endgame.

If you die during a boss fight, you must retry from the beginning of the fight, making SC an excellent choice for learning mechanics and testing new builds. This forgiving mode enables players to trade and party freely in both Challenge and Standard Leagues, making it popular among those focusing on building wealth through PoE 2 Currency.

Hardcore (HC)

In Hardcore mode, death has more severe consequences—characters are automatically transferred to Standard League upon death. In essence, Hardcore offers a high-stakes, high-reward challenge suited for experienced players with a deep understanding of game mechanics.

Hardcore gameplay emphasizes careful planning, strong defensive strategies, and cautious exploration. Hardcore characters can join both Challenge and Standard Leagues, but if survival and maximizing your PoE2 Currency reserves are priorities, Hardcore players should prepare to invest time in leveling and gear acquisition.

Solo Self-Found (SSF) vs. Trade Leagues

A unique feature of PoE 2 is the option to play Solo Self-Found (SSF) or Trade leagues, adding another level of customization.

Trade Leagues

In SC and HC Trade leagues, players can freely trade items and resources. This dynamic economy fuels demand for PoE 2 Currency, enabling players to acquire gear and items tailored to their builds. Most players assume Trade as the default, given the ease of party play and trading.

However, players in Trade leagues cannot interact or trade with those in SSF, and trading across leagues is strictly against game terms. This keeps the economy balanced and distinct between leagues, ensuring fairness in gameplay.

Solo Self-Found (SSF)

In SSF, players cannot trade or party with others, creating a challenging, self-sufficient experience. SSF players rely solely on loot drops, so success demands adaptability, clever builds, and efficient resource management. PoE 2 Currency is limited to what you can personally earn, adding a unique layer of accomplishment.

SSF can be an exciting alternative for experienced players looking for a more rewarding progression journey. However, SSF is challenging for new players because of limited access to specific items. Players can migrate characters from SSF to Trade leagues if they desire, but this migration is only possible within the same league type (e.g., SSF Standard to Standard Trade).

Glossary of Terms for PoE 2 Leagues and Modes

To make the most of your PoE 2 experience, it helps to understand the shorthand commonly used within the community:

    SC Trade: Softcore Trade League, where trading and party play are unrestricted.

    HC Trade: Hardcore Trade League, where death transfers characters to Standard.

    SSF: Solo Self-Found, where players cannot trade or party with others.

    HCSSF: Hardcore Solo Self-Found, the ultimate test for players who relish self-reliant survival in Hardcore mode.

    STD: Standard League, the permanent league with no resets.

    Temp League: A colloquial term for the current Temporary Challenge League.

Final Recommendation for New Players

If you're just starting, SC Trade League or Standard League is often the best choice. These leagues provide a more forgiving environment and access to the robust trading market that drives PoE 2 Currency's value. By choosing the right league and mode, you can tailor your Path of Exile 2 journey to suit your preferred gameplay style, whether that's building wealth through trade or challenging yourself in Hardcore SSF.

MMOexp POE 2 Team