If you've been playing Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict, you already know that the real challenge isn't finishing the campaign or taking down bosses—it's reaching level 100. Many players stall out well before then, but with an efficient strategy, you can speed through progression and unlock the true endgame of the Rise of the Abyssals League.

In this guide, we'll break down the best campaign flow, essential upgrades, XP farming tips, and side quests to help you hit 100 as fast as possible.

Why Leveling Matters in PoE 2

Unlike most ARPGs, where the story is the grind, PoE 2's campaign is only the start. You'll likely finish Acts 1–3 around level 65, depending on how many side areas you clear. That means there's still a long journey ahead before you can cap at 100 and unlock the true potential of your build.

That's why having an efficient PoE 2 leveling strategy makes all the difference. Done right, you'll shave dozens of hours off your climb.

Campaign Flow for Leveling in PoE 2

The main campaign is still the best source of XP early on. Not only do story quests push progression forward, but they also grant valuable gems, charms, and passive points. Below is the recommended flow through Act 1–3 on Normal difficulty (you can follow the same flow in Cruel with tougher enemies and better rewards).

Act 1 Highlights

· Riverbank & Clearfell: Finish the tutorial, defeat the Bloated Miller, and get your first skill gem from Renly.

· Mud Burrow: Defeat The Devourer for a support gem.

· Hunting Grounds: Take down Crowbell for +2 passive points.

· Ogham Manor: Defeat Candlemass and Count Ogham for +20 max life and progression into Act 2.

Act 2 Highlights

· Mawdun Mine: Kill Rudja to free Risu.

· Traitor's Passage: Defeat Balbala the Traitor to unlock your first Ascendancy quest item.

· Valley of the Titans: Combine relics for a permanent buff.

· Dreadnought Vanguard: Take down Jamanra, the Abomination, to progress into Act 3.

Act 3 Highlights

· Jungle Ruins: Kill Silverfist for +2 passive points.

· Venom Crypts: Turn in Corpse-Snake Venom for a permanent buff.

· Azak Bog: Defeat Ignagduk for +30 Spirit and a charm reward.

· Trial of Chaos: Unlock your Ascendancy points.

· The Black Chambers: Defeat Doryani, finishing Act 3 and unlocking Cruel difficulty.

Following this flow ensures you gain power spikes at the right times, keeping progression smooth.

Key Early Upgrades (Patch 0.3.0)

Don't underestimate gearing while leveling. Even small upgrades can save hours of grinding. Prioritize these milestones:

· Level 1–4: Grab Movement Speed Boots (+10% “Runner's” prefix) and a Medium Life/Mana Flask.

· Level 8: Secure a Ruby Ring and attribute amulets for resistance and stat flexibility.

· Level 12: Get a Sapphire Ring for cold resistance before Act 1's final boss.

· Level 15–16: Upgrade to 15% movespeed boots and Grand Life/Mana Flasks.

· Level 30: Push to 20% movespeed boots and Colossal Flasks.

· Level 50: Aim for 25% movespeed boots and Gargantuan Flasks for boss fights.

Always prioritize life → resistances → damage in that order for smooth leveling.

Side Quests Worth Doing

Side quests aren't just filler—they're efficient XP boosts with permanent rewards. Here are some of the best:

· Act 1 Hunting Grounds: Kill Crowbell for +2 passive points.

· Act 1 Ogham Farmlands: Deliver Una's Lute for +2 passive points.

· Act 2 Keth: Kill Kabala for another +2 passives.

· Act 2 Deshar (Path of Mourning): Deliver the Final Letter for +2 passives.

· Act 3 Jungle Ruins: Kill Silverfist for +2 passives.

· Act 3 Aggorat: Sacrifice the Heart for +2 passives.

Stacking these adds up to huge passive power spikes.

Grinding to 100: Best XP Farming Tips

Once the campaign is done, the real grind begins. Here's how to maximize XP per hour:

1. Revisit Previous Areas

  · Farm zones 1–3 levels below you for optimal XP-to-difficulty ratio.

  · Use new instance resets (orange doors) to refresh zones for farming.

2. Group Leveling (Power Leveling)

  · Pair with a friend 5–10 levels higher.

  · Stay close enough for XP but safe from death.

  · Have at least 3.5k life before attempting this method.

3. Adjust Your Build for Leveling

  · Focus on AoE clear skills over single-target DPS.

  · Prioritize survival and mobility—speed kills more monsters, faster.

4. Upgrade Gear Every 10 Levels

  · No need for perfect rolls—just keep survivability and DPS balanced.

  · Save min-maxing for when you hit 100.

When to Consider Professional Help

Even with perfect efficiency, reaching 100 is a time sink. If you don't have the hours, services like Eld.gg's PoE 2 store can help with:

· Leveling services

· Cheap PoE 2 currency

· Gear packages to smooth progression

This is especially useful for competitive players aiming for League rankings without burning out.

Final Thoughts — Level 100 Is Just the Beginning

Reaching level 100 in Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict is an achievement, but it's far from the end. With the Rise of the Abyssals League, new mechanics, builds, and tier lists are constantly shifting. Once you're capped, you'll be diving into endgame systems, optimizing gear, and refining your build for the hardest encounters.