As any seasoned Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) player knows, the game’s economy is a delicate ecosystem. Currency is the lifeblood of POE 2, driving trade, crafting, and progression. But when the dreaded day arrives, and POE 2 currency is nerfed, it's like the world of Wraeclast comes crashing down. Players can feel the sting of losing what they’ve worked so hard to gather, and it’s not just about the in-game items — it's an emotional rollercoaster. This grief unfolds in five distinct stages, each one marked by a different response to the tragic changes in the game’s currency system.

Stage 1: Denial

The nerf hits, and the first reaction is always denial. "It can't be true," players tell themselves as they scramble to read patch notes over and over again. The numbers don’t add up, and the changes seem incomprehensible. "This must be a mistake," they insist, hoping that a hotfix will reverse the changes. They refuse to believe that the POE 2 currency nerf is permanent and that their wealth and progression will be affected.

In this stage, players will go into panic mode, checking online forums, social media, and even contacting support, all in the vain hope of undoing the damage. But slowly, the reality begins to set in that this is the new normal.

Stage 2: Anger

Once the shock wears off, anger quickly takes its place. Players feel betrayed. How could Grinding Gear Games (GGG) do this? Wasn’t their hard-earned currency supposed to last, to help them succeed in the game? Why would the developers mess with a system that has been working fine for so long?

Players start venting their frustration in online communities, sharing their anger with others who feel just as hurt. Forums fill with heated debates, complaints about GGG's decisions, and mockery of the nerfs as players demand explanations. The sense of injustice is palpable, and many find themselves questioning why they even bother to invest so much time in the game if the developers are just going to pull the rug out from under them.

Stage 3: Bargaining

In this stage, players attempt to make deals with the game’s economy. "Maybe if I just farm a little more, I'll make up for the loss," they think. They begin searching for alternative ways to obtain the now-nerfed POE 2 currency, willing to grind more hours than ever before. Some may even convince themselves that they can find a workaround or that perhaps there’s a hidden way to circumvent the nerf.

There’s a sense of optimism here, even if it’s misguided. Players will try to find new meta strategies, focusing on high-risk, high-reward scenarios in the hope that the nerf won’t impact them too harshly. They may even convince others to join in these schemes, hoping for collective success in an altered world.

Stage 4: Depression

Eventually, the reality of the nerf begins to sink in fully. In this stage, players may feel defeated. Their once-thriving currency reserves are significantly lower, and the cost of crafting and trading skyrockets. The joy of acquiring new items or making meaningful progress feels hollow. Everything in the game seems more expensive and harder to achieve, and it can feel like every moment spent in Wraeclast is a reminder of the loss.

During this phase, players may even contemplate quitting the game entirely. The grind that once felt rewarding now feels exhausting. They see their character progression stalled, as the newly inflated currency costs make everything feel unattainable. The thought of endlessly farming just to keep up with the new economy can be discouraging.

Stage 5: Acceptance

After the storm of emotions subsides, players enter the final stage: acceptance. They come to terms with the POE 2 currency nerf and find ways to adapt. Some may even realize that, while the nerf stings, it has added a new layer of challenge to the game. Instead of viewing the change as a setback, they begin to embrace the altered economy, figuring out how to craft, trade, and progress under the new rules.

In this stage, players are no longer fixated on what they’ve lost but on what they can still achieve. They adjust their strategies, forge new paths to wealth, and find new sources of enjoyment in the game. The sense of loss gives way to a new sense of determination, and they continue their journey through Wraeclast, now more focused on adapting than grieving.

The nerf of POE 2 currency is no small event, and it’s natural for players to experience grief. The process of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and ultimately acceptance mirrors the emotions many feel when faced with such a significant change in the game’s economy. But just as with any challenge in Path of Exile 2, players will adjust, adapt, and emerge stronger on the other side. And when the next currency nerf rolls around, they’ll be ready to face it with a little more resilience, knowing that no amount of currency nerfs can stop the spirit of the Wraeclast adventurer.