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As Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) continues to evolve with each new update and season, players are constantly looking for the most efficient methods to farm POE 2 currency. One of the older strategies that have been effective in Path of Exile is farming the Elder and Shaper Guardians. But with the introduction of new mechanics, content, and the ever-changing economy, many are questioning: is farming these guardians still a viable way to earn raw currency in POE 2?

What Are Elder and Shaper Guardians?

In the world of Path of Exile, the Elder and Shaper are two endgame bosses, each with their own set of powerful guardians that players must defeat. These guardians drop some of the best loot in the game, including unique items, valuable currency items, and even items that can be used to craft endgame gear. Historically, these guardians were one of the most profitable ways to make POE 2 currency, especially for players who could efficiently farm them.

The Elder Guardians include:

1. The Purifier

2. The Eradicator

3. The Constrictor

4. The Enslaver

While the Shaper Guardians consist of:

1. The Hydra

2. The Minotaur

3. The Chimera

4. The Phoenix

These guardians are challenging encounters that require high-level gear and powerful builds to defeat. For many players, the rewards from these bosses, including the rare and valuable items they drop, made the effort worthwhile. However, with the arrival of POE 2, the dynamics around farming these bosses have changed, and we need to look at whether the rewards are still worth the time investment.

The Shift in POE 2’s Economy

In POE 2, GGG has introduced new systems and more endgame content that has affected the overall economy. The addition of more bosses, including the Atlas of Worlds changes and new types of maps, has shifted the balance of loot drops and currency generation. The introduction of the Sentinel system and various other mechanics may have made farming specific bosses, like the Elder and Shaper Guardians, less of a priority for many players.

That said, the question remains: is farming Elder and Shaper Guardians still worth it for raw POE 2 currency?

Is Farming the Guardians Still Worth It?

The viability of farming Elder and Shaper Guardians depends largely on your strategy and goals. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. The Loot Drop Rate: While the loot from these bosses remains lucrative, the drop rates of rare and valuable items may have decreased in POE 2, especially with new items and mechanics flooding the economy. Some players have found that newer content offers more reliable or consistent returns in terms of currency.

2. Competition in the Market: With more players farming these bosses, the competition for valuable items from the Elder and Shaper Guardians has become fierce. This means the prices of certain items, particularly the unique drops, may have dropped in value due to supply and demand. As a result, the profitability of farming these guardians might not be as high as it once was.

3. Build and Time Investment: Farming Elder and Shaper Guardians requires a high level of preparation, a suitable build, and efficient farming techniques. For players who are skilled and have access to top-tier gear, the rewards can still be worthwhile. However, if you don't have a powerful build or a good strategy, the time investment may not be worth it compared to other methods of earning POE 2 currency.

4. Alternative Methods of Earning Currency: Newer players and those looking for quicker returns might find more consistent currency drops by farming other content, such as Delirium, Metamorph, or the increasingly popular Heist and Legion mechanics. These alternative methods may be less demanding and offer quicker currency rewards.

Conclusion:

Farming Elder and Shaper Guardians in POE 2 for raw currency can still be a viable option, but it may not be as profitable as it once was. The introduction of new content, changes to loot systems, and competition in the market have altered the dynamics of the game’s economy. For players who can efficiently farm these bosses and have the right gear and build, it remains a solid method to earn currency. However, for those seeking faster or more reliable currency farming methods, it may be worth considering other strategies. As always, the key is finding a balance between effort, reward, and the ever-changing economy of Path of Exile 2.