PoE 2 0.2 Rarity vs Quantity - Best for More Loot in Dawn of the Hunt

There’s always been a debate in Path of Exile between Item Rarity and Item Quantity, but with update 0.2 in PoE 2: Dawn of the Hunt, the mechanics got a shake-up. So we ran the test ourselves: 30 maps with pure rarity boosts vs 30 maps stacked with quantity. Same atlas strategies, same mechanics, different modifiers. Here’s what we found.

Before you head deep into the experiment, you might want to check out our PoE 2 0.2 Guide on How Much Rarity You Need and Does Stacking Item Rarity Affect Loot. 

How We Set Up the Test for Checking Rarity vs Quantity in PoE 2 0.2

To keep things balanced and ensure the results weren’t skewed, we approached this test with a carefully controlled setup.

Every decision was made to eliminate randomness and make sure both sides—rarity vs. quantity—had an equal playing field.

Here’s how the experiment was structured:

• Rarity-only tablets were used for one full batch of 30 maps.

• Quantity-only tablets powered the other 30 maps.

• Both sets had additional mechanics stacked on top—Expedition and Delirium—using Instilled Paranoias to crank up the challenge and loot potential.

We didn’t stop there. To keep the data clean and comparable:

• Every single map came from identical layouts, with the same monster density, map tier, and similar modifiers.

• Each map farm was anchored around an Irradiation Tower—this tower either amplified quantity or rarity, depending on the test set.

• We also added a unique Expedition tablet that doubles the number of Phoenix monsters, creating a perfect condition to test how each modifier affected high-density mechanic loot.

Map Stats Breakdown:

• The quantity farm maps clocked in with approximately 27% increased item quantity.

• The rarity farm maps hit higher numbers, boasting up to 58% increased item rarity.

This mirrored approach ensured that what we were comparing wasn’t just loot, but how quantity vs. rarity shapes that loot when everything else is kept consistent.

Loot Comparison – Quantity vs Rarity?

We broke it all down into categories: currency, expedition rewards, and overall loot feel.

1. Currency Loot

We tallied the major currency drops from both farms, and here’s how they stacked up:

• Regal Orbs: 133 (Rarity) vs. 126 (Quantity)

• Vaal Orbs: 65 (Rarity) vs. 53 (Quantity)

• Alchemy Orbs: 46 (Rarity) vs. 48 (Quantity)

• Lesser Jeweler Orbs: 31 (Rarity) vs. 43 (Quantity)

• Artificer's Orbs: 12 (Rarity) vs. 13 (Quantity)

• Chance Orbs: 5 each – dead even

• Chaos Orbs: 31 (Rarity) vs. 34 (Quantity)

• Exalted Orbs: 218 (Rarity) vs. 240 (Quantity)

• Divine Orbs: 1 (Rarity) vs. 5 (Quantity)

• Annulment Orbs: 1 (Rarity) vs. 2 (Quantity)

Winner: Quantity takes the lead in this category, especially for high-tier currencies like Divines and Exalts.

The higher the drop volume, the more chances you have to hit those valuable rolls. If you need PoE 2 Currency fast and cheap, you can buy it directly from MMOPixel.

2. Socket Currency Differences

Socket-focused currency told a slightly different story:

• Greater Jewelers: 3 (Rarity) vs. 0 (Quantity)

• Perfect Jeweler: 1 (Rarity) vs. 0 (Quantity)

While quantity brought in more general loot, rarity-boosted maps clearly had the edge when it came to specialized drops like socket-enhancing orbs.

If you're hunting for perfect sockets or trying to max out your gear, rarity has a noticeable impact.

3. Expedition Loot Impact

Expedition is one of PoE 2’s top-tier loot mechanics, and quantity made a massive difference here:

• Logbooks: 9 (Rarity) vs. 20 (Quantity)

• Artifacts: Strongly favored Quantity

• Exotic Coinage: 44 (Rarity) vs. 47 (Quantity)

The difference in logbook drops was especially important. Since logbooks sell for around 30 exalts each, this wasn’t just a small win—it was a massive advantage.

More mobs from higher quantity equals more targets, which translates into more Expedition rewards.

Pro Tip: When farming league mechanics like Expedition, always favor item quantity. It directly scales your income potential.

4. Simulacrum Splinters

Simulacrum splinters remained consistent between both runs:

• Splinter Count: Nearly identical results

This tells us one thing—Simulacrum mechanics don't seem to be affected much by either rarity or quantity, making them a neutral ground when comparing the two.

If you’re focusing on splinter collection, neither modifier gives a clear edge.

Conclusion:

• Quantity wins big for currency, Expedition loot, and overall volume of drops.

• Rarity holds its ground in socket currency and possibly in targeting specific item types.

If you're looking to stack raw loot, farm mechanics, and boost your divine count—quantity is the play.

Other Observations

While most of the loot results were easy to quantify, a few additional details stood out that are worth highlighting. These nuances help paint a clearer picture of how quantity and rarity interact with different loot types in Path of Exile 2.

If you still have issues with understanding the Rarity and Quantity, you can check out our Item Rarity and Quantity Explanation Guide.

1. Waystones and Uniques – Not Influenced

• Waystones were excluded from the results entirely.
  Why? Their drop rate is tied strictly to map-specific waystone mechanics, not item quantity or rarity modifiers. Including them would’ve skewed the data unfairly.

• Uniques were also left out of the loot count.
  While rarity does increase unique drop rates, this can flood your loot tabs with often low-value items. The takeaway? More uniques doesn’t mean more value, especially when many roll poorly or are currently worthless.

2. Expedition Tablets – A Surprising Twist

Across both rarity and quantity runs:

• The same number of expedition tablets dropped.

This was unexpected and strongly suggests that tablets are not influenced by either item quantity or rarity modifiers.

Instead, they may be governed by internal encounter mechanics or separate drop tables.

3. Rarity’s Influence on High-Roll Outcomes

One area where rarity quietly stood out was in the quality of item rolls:

• Several corrupted spears and armors dropped with strong or near-max rolls.

• Some items gained extra sockets, valuable implicits, or rare affix combinations.

These kinds of high-impact loot moments are harder to measure by volume but can make a significant difference in value.

If you're targeting build-defining items or selling high-ticket gear, rarity can tilt the odds in your favor, even if the total item count is lower.

Key Insight:

While quantity reigns supreme for farming bulk loot and mechanic-specific rewards, rarity still plays a critical role when it comes to quality drops, socket currency, and high-end item crafting potential.

For optimal results, a hybrid approach that includes both modifiers may deliver the best of both worlds.

So, Which One’s Better?

When it comes down to pure efficiency and maximizing loot in Path of Exile 2 Dawn of the Hunt, here’s the bottom line:

For Raw Currency and Mechanics?

Item Quantity is the clear winner.

• More mobs = more loot.

• Mechanics like Expedition scale directly with mob count and density.

• More drops also increase your odds of hitting big-ticket items like Divine Orbs, Exalted Orbs, and Logbooks.

If you’re trying to stack wealth fast, especially in leagues where currency is king, quantity is your go-to modifier.

For Socket Currency and High-Roll Gear?

Item Rarity starts to shine.

• Better chance at rare outcomes, including high-quality affixes, sockets, and implicits.

• If you're a crafting-focused player or hunting well-rolled uniques, rarity improves the quality, even if quantity stays low.

• We saw greater jewelers and perfect jewelers only drop in rarity maps, not quantity ones.

The Real Meta Play? Stack Both.

Why settle for one when you can optimize both sides of the equation?

• Use pure quantity tablets on your Atlas.

• Run maps that have hybrid modifiers—look for those with both item rarity and item quantity.

• Instill maps with Paranoias to flood the map with rares. They're your loot piñatas—the best source of high-value currency.

• Focus on mechanics that scale with mob count (like Expedition or Delirium) for maximum profit.

Verdict:

Quantity wins the race in volume, but Rarity can land you those jackpot rolls. For the best loot returns in PoE 2, blend both. Think of quantity as the net, and rarity as the hook that snags the big fish.

This synergy is where Dawn of the Hunt farming truly comes alive.

Final Tips for Maximum Loot

1. Use Pure Quantity Tablets: These are the backbone of consistent returns.

2. Stack Hybrid Map Mods: Quantity and Rarity together have the best synergy.

3. Add Instilled Paranoias: More rare mobs = better loot pools.

4. Target Mechanics: Expedition profits massively from quantity.

5. Gear Rarity: Even 50% rarity on gear helped. More could push results further.

Final Thoughts – Quantity Wins the Loot War (Mostly)

After running both farms and crunching the numbers, the verdict is clear: quantity is your go-to for raw loot explosion, especially when targeting mechanics like Expedition or aiming for big-ticket drops like Divine Orbs. That said, rarity still plays a key role in upgrading item tiers and boosting the chances for higher-quality gear, so don’t toss it aside entirely.

If you’re serious about farming in Dawn of the Hunt, stacking quantity should be your foundation. Pair it with a sprinkle of rarity where you can, and juice up your maps with mechanics that scale off loot volume. Trust me—your stash tabs will thank you.

Now get out there, bump those numbers, and turn your atlas into a loot-printing machine. And hey—if you find a spicy drop or try out a hybrid setup, drop it in the comments. Sharing the loot love is what the hunt’s all about.

Happy farming, exile!