Path of Exile 2: How to Unlock and Customize Your Hideout

In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), Hideouts serve as a personal, customizable hub for all your crafting, trading, and mapping needs. These private sanctuaries provide a convenient space for players to access merchant NPCs, organize their inventory, and dive into the endgame mapping system. But for those just entering the game's expansive endgame content, unlocking and customizing a Hideout might seem a bit daunting.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking, changing, and customizing your Hideout.

How to Unlock Your Hideout in Path of Exile 2

To unlock a Hideout in Path of Exile 2, you'll need to progress through the campaign and reach the endgame. At this stage, you'll begin the "mapping" phase of the game, which is central to earning Atlas Points and reclaiming the land of Wraeclast.

Here's a step-by-step guide to unlocking your Hideout:

    Complete the Campaign

    First, finish the main campaign. Once completed, you'll encounter Doryani, who will introduce you to the mapping phase of the game. This phase is where you'll engage with the Atlas system, explore maps, and earn Atlas Points.

    Locate a Hideout Map Node

    As you explore maps during the endgame, keep an eye out for special nodes marked with a unique light blue flower-shaped icon on the Atlas. These icons represent Hideout map nodes.

    Enter the Hideout Map

    Use any Waystone to travel to a Hideout map node. Once inside, clear the map of all monsters to unlock your very own Hideout.

    Access Your Hideout

    After unlocking it, you can travel to your Hideout at any time by:

        Clicking its icon on the far-right side of the fast travel map menu.

        Typing /hideout in the in-game chat.

How to Change Hideouts in Path of Exile 2

Hideouts in Path of Exile 2 aren't static. The game offers four different Hideout tilesets (or skins) that players can unlock. Each tileset provides a distinct aesthetic, allowing you to personalize your base even further.

Unlocking New Tilesets

To change your Hideout, you'll need to unlock additional tilesets. Here's how:

    Find and Complete New Hideout Nodes

    Similar to the process of unlocking your first Hideout, new tilesets can be found as special map nodes on the Atlas. Completing these nodes will unlock the corresponding Hideout tileset.

    Available Tilesets in Path of Exile 2

    Currently, four Hideouts can be unlocked:

        Felled Hideout

        Limestone Hideout

        Canal Hideout

        Shrine Hideout

Switching Between Tilesets

Once you've unlocked additional Hideouts, you can switch between them by speaking to Alva. Use the "Select Hideout" dialogue option to choose the tileset you prefer. This flexibility allows you to change the look and feel of your Hideout whenever you want.

How to Customize Your Hideout in Path of Exile 2

One of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a Hideout is the ability to fully customize it. Whether you're looking to create an efficient workspace for your mapping runs or a visually stunning base that reflects your personality, Path of Exile 2 offers robust customization options.

Accessing Customization Mode

To begin customizing your Hideout:

    Enter your Hideout.

    Click on the small arrow icon located next to the skills hotbar. This will open the customization interface.

Customization Features

The customization interface allows you to:

    Move, Rotate, and Flip Decorations

    Adjust the placement of everything in your Hideout, from furniture to crafting benches.

    Add New Decorations

    Use the "Decorations" tab to purchase and place additional POE2 items. These decorations can be bought using POE 2 Currency, making it essential to save up if you want to create a truly unique space.

    Rearrange NPCs

    Move NPCs like Doryani (for identifying items), Ketzuli (for disenchanting items), and Alva (for currency exchange) closer to key facilities like the map device and Stashes.

    Import or Export Hideout Designs

    Players can save their customized Hideout designs or import designs created by others. This feature makes it easy to replicate intricate setups shared by the community.

Optimizing Your Hideout Layout

Customizing your Hideout isn't just about aesthetics—it can also improve your efficiency when playing Path of Exile 2.

    Cluster Key NPCs and Facilities

    Place NPCs, the map device, Stashes, and crafting benches in close proximity to minimize the time spent running between them.

    Enhance Visibility

    Use decorations and lighting to ensure important areas of your Hideout are well-lit and easy to navigate.

    Plan for Future Expansions

    As you progress in the game and acquire more decorations or NPCs, leave room in your Hideout for future additions.

Using POE 2 Currency in Hideouts

While POE 2 Currency plays a vital role in trading, crafting, and upgrading gear, it also factors into Hideout customization.

    Purchasing Decorations

    Many decorations and upgrades in the Decorations tab can be bought with POE 2 Currency. Make sure to allocate some of your resources to improve your Hideout.

    Enhancing Efficiency

    POE 2 Currency can also be used to unlock or upgrade crafting benches, which are essential for endgame item optimization.

    Trading for Community Designs

    If you want to replicate a popular Hideout design, some players may sell pre-configured layouts or specific decorations in exchange for currency.

Final Thoughts

Unlocking and customizing a Hideout in Path of Exile 2 is more than just a fun side activity—it's a vital part of optimizing your endgame experience. By efficiently managing POE 2 Currency, strategically arranging your NPCs and facilities, and unlocking new tilesets, you can create a Hideout that is both functional and visually stunning.

Whether you're a casual player or a hardcore grinder, investing time and resources into your Hideout will pay dividends in convenience and style. So, start exploring the Atlas, earn those decorations, and make your Hideout the envy of Wraeclast!

MMOexp POE 2 Team