400% Rarity in PoE 2 - 0% vs 100% vs 200% vs 400% Rarity Farm

In the world of Path of Exile 2, loot is everything. Whether you're a seasoned exile or a fresh face in Wraeclast, the hunt for valuable drops defines your progression. One of the biggest questions among players has always been: how much does rarity impact PoE 2 Currency and item drops? Today, we're diving deep into a hands-on experiment that compares loot results across 0%, 100%, 200%, and now, a staggering 400% Item Rarity setup in PoE 2 0.2 (Dawn of the Hunt League). If you've ever wondered whether pushing rarity to its limits is worth the sacrifice in survivability and DPS, this guide is for you.

How was this PoE 2 Item Rarity Experiment Setup tested?

When testing the impact of rarity on loot drops in PoE 2, ensuring consistency is critical.

This experiment was carefully crafted to compare different rarity tiers—0%, 100%, 200%, and 400%—under nearly identical conditions. 

Here’s a breakdown of how the test was set up to guarantee fair and reliable results.

1. Standardized Map Conditions for Precise Comparison

The test involved running 30 maps that were as identical as possible in layout and modifiers to minimize variables other than rarity.

Key map settings included:

• Breach mechanics only: Standardized enemy spawn types and encounters.

• Two influence towers activated: Reflecting common endgame map conditions.

• Paranoia map modifier applied: Boosted monster damage for consistent challenge level.

• Slight Quantity and Rarity modifiers: Mimicking realistic player farming setups.

• Delirium bonuses enabled: Increased rare monster density to test rarity effects under pressure.

This consistency allowed the test to isolate how rarity percentage directly influences loot drops, without interference from other factors.

2. Optimized Atlas Setup to Maximize Loot Potential

To maintain uniformity in map difficulty and pack size, the following Atlas passive tree and modifiers were used across all tests:

• Focus on pack size bonuses to increase monster density.

• Utilization of Waystone modifiers for added quantity and rarity.

• Selection of the Twin Threats keystone for increased monster packs.

• Emphasis on nodes granting quantity and rarity bonuses.

This setup helped create an ideal farming environment where rarity effects on drops could be clearly observed.

3. Ensuring Consistent Monster Kills with Unique Tablet

A key factor in maintaining fairness across tests was the use of an identical, unique tablet:

• “Wraeclast Besieged” tablet: This tablet prevents the bridge from closing until all monsters are killed.

By using this tablet for every run, the player was guaranteed to kill the same number of monsters each time, eliminating discrepancies in loot quantity caused by different kill counts.

Why This Methodology Matters for PoE 2 Rarity Testing

By controlling variables such as map modifiers, monster pack size, and kill count, the test could focus solely on how different rarity percentages affect loot.

This methodical approach ensures that the data gathered is:

• Reliable: Results are based on consistent conditions.

• Accurate: Reduced noise from external factors.

• Relevant: Reflective of typical player farming scenarios.

This level of control is essential when analyzing how effective investing in rarity bonuses really is for increasing PoE 2 Currency Drops. 

Reaching 400% Item Rarity in PoE 2: The Setup

Getting to 400% Item Rarity isn't a walk in the park.

Here's a breakdown of the gear and strategy used to hit 408% total rarity:

• Helmet - Soul Horn Kamasan Tiara: 46% Rarity

• Boots - Sol Tread Sandsworn Sandals: 23% Rarity

• Gloves - Viper Grasp Grim Gloves: 24% Rarity

• Rings - Apocalypse Grip/Bramble Grasp Gold Ring: Dual rings with 12% implicit each, totaling 46% Rarity

• Unique Ring - Andvarius Gold Ring: Andvarius Gold Ring for massive Rarity boost

• Amulet - Armageddon Locket Gold Amulet: Gold Amulet with 19% Rarity implicit and 43% total

While this PoE 2 Item Rarity setup was cost-effective, it came with a major drawback: a noticeable drop in damage. 

The build used was Ritualist, and despite the stat sacrifices, it remained map-viable due to TangleTongue and Sacred Flame providing decent damage.

Currency Drop Comparison - 0% vs 100% vs 200% vs 400% Item Rarity in PoE 2

Here's how the loot results broke down across different rarity levels:

Divine Orbs

• 0%: 4 Divines

• 100%: 4 Divines

• 200%: 5 Divines

• 400%: 8 Divines

A clear upward trend, though Divines are still subject to RNG. The 400% setup yielded double the Divines compared to 0% and 100%.

Exalted Orbs

• 0%: Significantly fewer than 400%

• 400%: 358 Exalted Orbs

Exalts showed the biggest increase, indicating high Rarity strongly impacts this currency tier.

Orb of Annulment

• 400%: 4 Orbs (compared with fewer at lower rarity tiers)

Annulments are on par with Divines in value, so they’re a noteworthy addition to the loot haul.

Kelso Orbs (Kelsas)

• 0%: 43

• 100%: ~66

• 200%: 64

• 400%: 67

Very slight improvements; Kelsas seem mostly unaffected by higher Rarity.

Other Currencies

• Val Orbs, Alchemy Orbs: Slight uptick but not substantial

• Greater Jeweler Orbs: 10 at 400%, previously capped at 2–5

• Uncut Level 20 Skill Gem: 1 drop (possibly influenced by Waystone level, not Rarity)

• Simulacrums and Bridgestones: Stable with slight improvements, likely due to patch changes more than Rarity

Is 400% Rarity Worth It in PoE 2?

So, what does pushing to 400% really give you?

Pros

• Notable Increase in Exalted Orbs: Roughly 20–30% boost compared to 200%

• Slightly Higher Divine Orb Count: 8 at 400% vs 5 at 200%

• More High-Tier Currency Overall

Cons

• Damage Sacrifices: Builds lose potency, especially single-target DPS

• Increased Fragility: Survivability can take a major hit, particularly without high resistance

For players capable of handling the content with weakened damage, a 400% rarity build could lead to more lucrative farming. However, the ROI diminishes if the map's clear speed drops dramatically or death rates increase.

Strategic Takeaway from PoE 2 Item Rarity

If you’re targeting extreme rarity farming in PoE 2, having a smart strategy can make all the difference.

Based on test results and practical experience, here are the key tips to optimize your farming runs and get the most out of your rarity investment.

1. Prioritize Quantity on Maps Over Rarity

While rarity increases the chance for better drops, quantity directly affects the number of monsters spawned, which translates into more overall loot.

For this reason:

• Drop rarity mods from your maps.

• Focus on quantity modifiers instead to maximize monster density.

More monsters mean more drop rolls, which often outweigh the marginal gains from map-based rarity bonuses.

2. Keep Rarity on Your Gear, Not on Maps

Your build should be the primary source of rarity bonuses rather than your maps.

This approach has several advantages:

• Build-based rarity scales consistently with your character's power and survivability.

• It avoids sacrificing map quantity, which is vital for high loot volume.

• Allows for more flexible and efficient farming, since map mods can vary without severely impacting rarity benefits.

In short, invest in high-rarity gear pieces to maintain rarity without compromising map quality.

3. Optimize Your Atlas for Maximum Pack Size and Quantity

The Atlas passive tree and Waystone modifiers play a crucial role in boosting your farming output:

• Focus on pack size nodes to increase the number of monsters per encounter.

• Utilize Waystone mods that enhance quantity and rarity.

• Activate Twin Threats and other quantity-focused keystones for even larger packs.

This optimization complements your gear rarity and map quantity, creating a synergy that significantly increases currency drops.

Extreme rarity farming can yield impressive results, but the best outcomes come from balancing rarity, quantity, and survivability.

Over-investing in rarity at the expense of clear speed or toughness can reduce overall efficiency.

Follow these tips to strike the perfect balance and maximize your currency gains while keeping your farming sessions smooth and enjoyable.

0% Rarity vs 100% Rarity vs 200% Rarity vs 400% Rarity in PoE 2 0.2

Rarity Level	Setup Description	Divine Orbs Dropped	Exalted Orbs Dropped	Orb of Annulment Dropped	Other Currency Impact	Map Clear Speed & Survivability	Overall Effectiveness
0% Rarity	No added rarity; baseline for comparison	4	Low	7	Lowest quantity and currency drops	Fastest clear speed; best survivability	Baseline; lowest currency yield
100% Rarity	Moderate rarity from gear and minor map mods	4	Moderate	10	Slight increase in currency drop rates	Good clear speed; moderate survivability	Balanced rarity vs. clear speed
200% Rarity	Increased rarity with gear + map mods	5	Higher	10	Noticeable increase in currency, especially Exalts	Slightly slower clear speed; some survivability loss	Better currency yield with manageable drawbacks
400% Rarity	Max rarity from gear; sacrifices damage and resist	8	Highest	12	Significant boost in Exalted and Divine drops	Slower clear speed; reduced survivability

Final Thoughts

While 400% rarity farming does yield more valuable loot, it's a game of trade-offs. You can definitely make it work with the right build and gear investment, but it's not for everyone. If you're looking for efficient and consistent farming, a 200% or even 100% rarity build may offer a better balance of survivability and reward.

Still, pushing to 400% can be a thrilling challenge and offers satisfying payout spikes, especially when Exalted and Divine orbs drop in bunches. Experiment, tweak your build, and see if the high-stakes rarity route fits your PoE 2 playstyle.

Thanks for reading, and may your drops be ever Divine.