Path of Exile 2 Hostile Takeover Guide: How to Unlock the Currency Exchange
The Currency Exchange is one of the most important quality-of-life systems in Path of Exile 2, allowing players to trade currencies and crafting materials directly through the game without relying on third-party websites or constant player interaction. However, this feature is not unlocked by default. To gain access, you must complete the Hostile Takeover side quest in Act 4.
Before getting started, it's important to understand that the Currency Exchange is separate from Asynchronous trading. While both systems are unlocked through the same quest, they serve different purposes. With that distinction clear, this guide will walk you step by step through how to complete Hostile Takeover and unlock Path of Exile 2's most efficient trading tools.
What is a Hostile Takeover in Path of Exile 2?
Hostile Takeover is an optional side quest introduced in Act 4. While optional in name, it is practically mandatory for players who want to engage with the game's economy.
Completing Hostile Takeover unlocks:
·The Currency Exchange
·Asynchronous trading for listing Path of Exile 2 items
·Bulk trading options for crafting materials
If you skip this quest, you will be locked out of one of the most powerful and convenient trading systems in the game, making crafting and currency management significantly more tedious.
How to Start a Hostile Takeover
To begin the Hostile Takeover quest, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Reach Act 4
2. Travel to Kingsmarch
3. Speak with Ange
Ange is located near the pier in Kingsmarch, standing directly in front of Rog's disenchantment shop. When you talk to her, she explains her role as a trade intermediary who helps players buy and sell items through official in-game systems.
However, Ange refuses to operate without a secure base of operations. To proceed, you must provide her with a hideout, which determines how the rest of the quest unfolds.
Hostile Takeover Walkthrough
There are two possible scenarios for completing Hostile Takeover, depending on whether or not you already have a hideout unlocked.
Scenario 1: You Don't Have a Hideout
For new Path of Exile 2 players, this is the most common path.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Travel to Whakapanu Island
From Kingsmarch, sail to Whakapanu Island. Act 4 provides this area as a free hideout opportunity.
2. Enter the Singing Caverns
Once on the island, locate and enter the Singing Caverns.
3. Defeat Diamora
Diamora is the boss guarding the area. Defeating her unlocks access to a hideout.
4. Return to Ange in Kingsmarch
After defeating Diamora, head back to Kingsmarch and speak with Ange again.
5. Inspect the Shoreline Hideout
Ange will direct you to inspect the Shoreline Hideout.
6. Clear the Hideout Area
Defeat all enemies inside the hideout to secure it.
7. Speak to Ange One Final Time
Once the hideout is cleared, return to Ange to finalize the quest.
At this point, Hostile Takeover is complete, and the Currency Exchange becomes available.
Scenario 2: You Already Have a Hideout
If you previously unlocked a hideout, either on another character or during an earlierplaythrough, this process is much faster.
Steps to Complete the Quest
1. Speak to Ange in Kingsmarch
You must still initiate the quest by talking to her in Act 4.
2. Fast Travel to Your Hideout
Once the quest is active, travel to any hideout you already own.
3. Talk to Ange in the Hideout
Ange will appear there and immediately complete the quest.
Important Note
Even if you already own a hideout, Ange will not appear until you speak with her in Kingsmarch during Act 4. Until Hostile Takeover is completed at least once, the Currency Exchange remains locked.
What You Unlock After Completing Hostile Takeover
Completing Hostile Takeover grants access to several powerful systems.
1. Currency Exchange
The Currency Exchange allows you to use Path of Exile 2 currency directly through the game. It is especially useful for:
·Bulk crafting materials
·Efficient currency conversions
·Trading items that cannot be listed normally
This system eliminates the need for external trading tools and significantly streamlines crafting progression.
2. Asynchronous Trading
Ange also unlocks Asynchronous trading through the Merchant's Tab. This allows you to list:
·Gear
·Crafting items
·Various tradable materials
Other players can browse and purchase your listings even while you're offline, making it far easier to buy POE2 items passively.
3. Gold-Based Trading Costs
All listings and purchases require Gold, with costs scaling based on item level. While this adds a small barrier, it helps regulate the in-game economy and discourages excessive market spam.
Why Hostile Takeover Is Important
If you plan to craft, trade, or interact with the Path of Exile 2 economy at any meaningful level, Hostile Takeover is essential. The Currency Exchange simplifies material management, while Asynchronous trading removes the friction of direct player-to-player interaction.
Final Thoughts
Hostile Takeover is a short but critically important side quest in Path of Exile 2. By completing it in Act 4, you unlock the Currency Exchange and asynchronous trading, two features that dramatically improve quality of life, crafting efficiency, and economic freedom. Whether you're a casual player or a dedicated trader, finishing Hostile Takeover should be at the top of your priority list.