In Path of Exile (POE), the ideal item level (iLvl) for crafting depends on several factors:
Desired Crafting Outcomes:
High-Tier Crafting: For crafting powerful endgame gear with the highest possible rolls and advanced modifiers, a high iLvl (ideally above level 80-84) is crucial.
Mid-Tier Crafting: For crafting strong gear during the leveling process or for specific builds that don’t require absolute top-tier items, a moderate iLvl (around level 60-75) can be sufficient.
Specific Considerations:
Available Resources: High iLvl items are generally rarer and more expensive to acquire. Base your target iLvl on the resources you have available (currency, time investment).
Crafting Method: Some crafting methods, like using certain Essences or Fossils, might have specific iLvl requirements for the desired outcomes.
Here’s a breakdown of target iLvl based on crafting goals:
Leveling Gear (1-60): Focus on acquiring readily available gear and prioritize linking sockets and adding basic resistances. High iLvl isn’t crucial at this stage.
Transition Gear (60-80): Target iLvl 68-75 to access a wider pool of modifiers and potentially craft stronger items for progressing through the Atlas of Worlds content.
Endgame Gear (80+): Aim for iLvl 84+ for crafting the most powerful items with the highest tier modifiers and crafting potential.
Specific Endgame Crafting: Certain crafting methods might require even higher iLvl bases (e.g., iLvl 86+ for specific Elder/Shaper influenced mods).
Additional Tips:
Gradual Progression: Start with lower iLvl crafting while leveling and gradually transition towards higher iLvl items as you progress through the game and acquire more resources.
Utilize Crafting Calculators: Online tools like https://pathofbuilding.community/ can help simulate crafting outcomes based on different iLvl bases.
Research Build Guides: Many successful build guides recommend specific iLvl ranges for crafting gear suited to that particular build strategy.
Important Notes:
While a high iLvl offers the greatest potential for powerful crafting, it’s not always necessary. Striking a balance between iLvl, available resources, and your character’s current needs is important.
Focus on acquiring the necessary crafting orbs and currency to manipulate the modifiers on your chosen base item, regardless of its iLvl.
Remember:
Targeting the appropriate iLvl based on your crafting goals and resource limitations is crucial for efficient crafting in Path of Exile. Utilize the information and tools available to make informed decisions and create gear that empowers your character’s journey.