The crafting system in Path of Exile 2 has undergone significant changes, moving away from the crafting bench of Path of Exile 1 to a rune-based system. While this new system offers its own set of possibilities, it has also generated debate within the community. Efficient crafting is essential for optimizing gear and maximizing character potential, which directly impacts the use and value of Poe 2 currency. The new rune system involves collecting runes with different modifiers and applying them to gear through sockets.

However, some players find this system to be less intuitive and more cumbersome than the crafting bench. The need to collect specific runes, manage sockets, and break down items can feel like unnecessary steps. Additionally, the introduction of rune tiers adds another layer of complexity to the crafting process.

Despite these criticisms, the development team has continued to refine the rune system, introducing features such as stash tab affinities for runes. These affinities allow players to designate specific stash tabs for runes, making them easier to manage.

Whether the rune system will ultimately replace the crafting bench remains to be seen, but the development team is actively listening to feedback and making adjustments to improve the crafting experience.