How to Spot Good Items Quickly in PoE 2?

[PixelSmith]

In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), loot drops like rain, especially when you’re deep into maps or boss fights. But not all gear is worth keeping. Learning how to quickly identify valuable items can save you a lot of time and help you grow stronger faster. Here's a simple guide to help you spot good items quickly—even if you're new to the game.

1. Know Your Affixes: Learn the Basics of Mods and Tiers
Every rare item in PoE 2 comes with mods called prefixes and suffixes. These are the stats you see, like "+75 to Maximum Life" or "+35% to Fire Resistance." Each of these mods also comes in different tiers, with higher tiers offering better stats. For example, Tier 1 life might give +89 life, while Tier 5 might only give +50.

Knowing which mods are high-tier is key. If an item drops with multiple high-tier mods, especially life, resistances, or damage boosts, it's potentially a keeper or something you can sell. There are in-game filters and tools (like advanced item info with ALT key) that show the mod tiers, so take advantage of them.

2. Focus on Core Defensive Mods First
When you’re scanning loot, start by looking for items that have the basic survival stats:

+Maximum Life

Elemental Resistances (Fire, Cold, Lightning)

Increased Armour or Evasion

These stats are essential for almost every build. If a piece of gear has two or more of these, especially high rolls, it’s usually worth keeping, crafting, or selling. For early game, even medium-tier rolls can be very useful.

3. Use Shortcuts to Speed Things Up
PoE 2 includes useful shortcuts that can speed up your item checking process:

Hold ALT to show detailed mod tiers and hidden stats

Ctrl + Click to move items quickly between inventory and stash

Shift + Right-Click to identify multiple items at once (with Scrolls of Wisdom)

Using these shortcuts lets you scan through a full inventory of loot in seconds instead of minutes.

4. Match Gear with Your Class and Build
Not all good items are good for your build. For example, a two-handed axe with critical strike mods is great—but not if you’re playing a spell caster. Keep your current character and skill tree in mind. Focus on items that boost your main damage type (physical, elemental, spell, etc.) and support your main defensive layer.

If you’re unsure, search the trade market for similar items. If you're trying to buy PoE 2 items, knowing what to look for—like high-tier life, resists, or attack speed—can help you spend wisely. Likewise, if you’re planning to buy PoE 2 currency , prioritize upgrading gear that fits your build perfectly.

5. Practice Makes Perfect
The more you play, the faster you’ll learn to spot good gear at a glance. Use loot filters to hide trash items and highlight high-value drops. Eventually, you’ll recognize top-tier items the moment they hit the ground.

By mastering these simple habits, you’ll waste less time digging through junk and more time progressing through PoE 2’s brutal, rewarding world. Happy hunting!