U4GM - POE 2: Is it Profitable to Mentor New Players in Exchange for Currency Share?
Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) is an expansive and complex game, offering players a deep and immersive experience through its skill-based progression and loot-driven mechanics. As the game grows in popularity, veteran players often find themselves in a position to help newcomers navigate the intricate world of POE 2. One emerging trend in the community is mentoring new players in exchange for a share of the currency they earn. But is this arrangement really profitable? Let’s break down the potential benefits and pitfalls of mentoring in exchange for currency share.
What is Currency Share?
In POE 2, currency plays a pivotal role in the game. Players use various types of currency items to craft, trade, and upgrade their gear. The value of currency fluctuates based on market demand, and managing it effectively is crucial for progression. Currency sharing in this context refers to a mentor offering guidance, advice, and sometimes in-game resources to a new player in exchange for a portion of the currency the mentee earns through their progression in the game.
The Pros of Mentoring in Exchange for Currency
Helping the Community: One of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring is the opportunity to help newcomers. As a veteran, you likely have a wealth of knowledge about mechanics, strategies, and optimal build choices that can make a significant difference for a new player. In return, sharing this knowledge can make the learning process smoother for others.
Additional Currency: Mentoring in exchange for currency can be a profitable venture for experienced players. If you're already skilled at farming or completing higher-tier content, the additional currency share from your mentees can complement your own earnings. This arrangement can also help create a passive income stream if you have multiple mentees.
Long-Term Relationships: Mentoring can lead to long-term in-game relationships, which may help you in trading or collaborating on high-level content in the future. New players who are grateful for your guidance may offer assistance or trade opportunities that benefit both parties.
A Way to Pay it Forward: Many veteran players enjoy giving back to the community. Having once been a beginner, they understand the challenges of the game and find satisfaction in easing the learning curve for new players.
The Cons of Mentoring in Exchange for Currency
Time Investment: Mentoring a new player takes time and effort. Newcomers often need guidance on a variety of aspects, including build crafting, quest progression, map farming, and even trading. If the currency share arrangement is not lucrative enough to compensate for the time invested, the endeavor could end up being a net loss for the mentor.
Potential for Exploitation: Some mentees may not fully appreciate the value of the mentor's time and effort. There is a risk that the currency share agreement could be one-sided, with the mentor doing most of the work while the mentee fails to make adequate progress, leaving the mentor with little to show for their time.
Dependence on the Mentee's Progress: The success of currency sharing is tied directly to how quickly the mentee progresses in the game. If the mentee struggles to make progress or lacks the motivation to improve, the currency share may be less than expected, which could lead to frustration for the mentor.
Market Fluctuations: The value of POE 2 currency can fluctuate based on changes in the game’s economy. This means that the currency you earn from mentoring could be worth less over time, especially if there are significant updates, balance changes, or shifts in the market’s demand for specific currency types.
Is it Worth the Effort?
Ultimately, whether mentoring new players for a currency share is profitable depends on several factors. For veteran players who have the time and patience to invest in mentoring, it can be a rewarding experience that not only contributes to the community but also helps boost currency earnings. However, it is important to set clear expectations with mentees and ensure that both parties are benefiting from the arrangement.
In some cases, it may be more profitable to focus on your own gameplay and currency farming. But if you enjoy teaching and sharing your knowledge, the currency share arrangement could be a win-win situation for both you and your mentees.
Whether you’re an experienced player or a newcomer, the dynamic nature of POE 2 means that currency sharing can be both a profitable and fulfilling endeavor – as long as both parties manage their expectations and time effectively.