While Path of Exile (POE) doesn’t have explicitly defined item level (iLvl) tiers, the community generally uses a range-based approach to categorize items based on their iLvl and potential crafting outcomes. Here’s a breakdown:
General iLvl Tiers:
Level 1-20: Beginner Items
Primarily used for early leveling.
Limited crafting options due to low iLvl.
Level 20-50: Leveling Gear
Focuses on basic resistance rolls and linking sockets.
Moderate crafting potential.
Level 50-68: Transition Gear
Suitable for progressing through the Atlas of Worlds content.
Wider pool of modifiers available for crafting.
Level 68-80: Core Endgame Gear
Offers a strong base for crafting powerful items.
Enables access to many valuable crafting modifiers.
Level 80+: High-Tier Endgame Gear
Ideal for crafting the most potent items in the game.
Provides the highest tier modifiers and advanced crafting possibilities.
Additional Considerations:
Specific Endgame Crafting: Certain crafting methods might require even higher iLvl bases.
Example: Crafting with Elder/Shaper influenced items often necessitates a base item with iLvl 86 or higher.
Unique Items: Unique items typically have a fixed iLvl that cannot be altered. Their power lies in their inherent properties rather than crafting potential.
Here’s a table summarizing the iLvl tiers and their characteristics:
Tier
iLvl Range
Crafting Focus
Beginner
1-20
Basic leveling
Leveling
20-50
Linking sockets, resistances
Transition
50-68
Progressing through Atlas content
Core Endgame
68-80
Strong base for powerful crafting
High-Tier Endgame
80+
Crafting the most potent items
Important Notes:
These are general classifications, and there can be overlaps between tiers.
The ideal iLvl for crafting depends on your specific goals, resources, and the desired crafting outcomes.
While high iLvl offers the most potential, striking a balance between iLvl, resources, and character needs is crucial.
Advanced Considerations:
Monster Level: Monsters in higher-level areas tend to drop items with a higher iLvl.
Specific Encounters: Certain endgame encounters can guarantee high iLvl item drops.
Trading: The player market allows purchasing specific iLvl base items for crafting.
Remember:
Understanding the iLvl ranges and their implications for crafting is essential for making informed decisions when acquiring and crafting gear in Path of Exile. Utilize the information provided and explore additional resources to optimize your crafting endeavors for your character’s progression.