PoE Sanity

So... About Paid Path of Exile 2 Builds

Summary

  • Charging money for Path of Exile 2 build guides is technically possible but highly inadvisable.
  • While not inherently immoral, selling builds will likely alienate the community and destroy a creator’s long-term growth potential.
  • The community thrives on a culture of free, open-access, and community-driven tools and information.
  • Creators are encouraged to pursue alternative monetization methods that align with community standards.

The Stance on Paid Builds

While creators technically have the ability to paywall their build guides, they should refrain from doing so. Engaging in this practice will lead to immediate ostracization from the Path of Exile community. Regardless of a creator’s skill, speed, intelligence, or charisma, utilizing a paywall for guides will effectively kill any potential for career growth within this space.

The Culture of Community-Driven Content

The Path of Exile and Path of Exile 2 communities are defined by a history of being community-driven, where the best tools and resources are provided for free—and often as open-source projects. Essential resources such as FilterBlade, Path of Building, Exile Exchange, and Poe.ninja exemplify this ethos. Because the most respected build makers provide their content for free, there is an established sense of camaraderie that makes paywalling content counterproductive for any serious creator.

Rather than paywalling information, creators should explore other ways to monetize their efforts that do not alienate their audience. Acceptable and effective alternatives include:

  • Running advertisements on content.
  • Accepting tips or subscriptions from viewers who choose to support creators for high-quality work.

Key References