In Path of Exile 2, players have two primary ways to experience the game: through Self-Found (SSF) leagues or trade leagues. Each offers a distinct gameplay experience, with SSF emphasizing self-sufficiency and trade leagues allowing for gear acquisition through trading. In the Dawn of the Hunt season, these differences are particularly pronounced.

In SSF leagues, players must rely on their own drops and crafting to progress, which can lead to a more linear power progression. The use of poe 2 currency here is limited to what can be self-generated, making every piece of gear valuable. This environment favors classes with strong survivability, such as Smith of Kitava and Lich, as players cannot rely on trading for better gear.

In contrast, trade leagues offer more flexibility, allowing players to acquire powerful gear quickly. This has led to a dominance of builds like Amazon's lightning spear, which can be optimized with traded gear. However, this also means that the meta can become top-heavy, with a few powerful builds overshadowing others.

The choice between SSF and trade leagues reflects different playstyles and preferences. While SSF offers a more challenging and self-reliant experience, trade leagues provide faster progression and access to a wider range of builds.