PoE 2 Strongboxes Guide: Best Types, Crafting Mods, and Loot Tips

Yo, Exiles! As you make your way through the savage maps or campaign of Path of Exile 2, chances are you’ve stumbled across a PoE 2 Strongbox. These locked chests are Wraeclast’s version of a high-stakes loot crate—packed with goodies, but guarded by a swarm of monsters ready to ruin your day. As a battle-hardened Path of Exile 2 player who’s opened more Strongboxes than I can count, I’m here to break down everything about PoE 2 Strongboxes, from how they work to their unique variations and tips for maximizing your loot. Let’s get to work and make sure you don’t get caught in a chaotic ambush.

What is a PoE 2 Strongbox?

If you’re new to the grind, a PoE 2 Strongbox is a special locked chest scattered throughout Wraeclast’s campaign and endgame maps. Unlike regular chests, these bad boys don’t just open—they spawn a pack of monsters that you must kill before they drop their loot. Strongboxes come in different rarities (normal, magical, rare, unique) and types, each with its own loot pool. You can craft them with currency such as Alchemy Orbs or Chaos Orbs to increase the reward or challenge. Click on one to open it, and a dark mist surrounds your character, monsters swarm in, and it’s time to throw down. Defeat them, and the chest unlocks its rewards, which can range from basic currency to build-defining corrupted uniques.

Why Should You Care About PoE 2 Strongboxes?

In Path of Exile 2, PoE 2 Strongboxes aren’t just extra mobs to beat up. They’re a goldmine of loot, experience, and currency—if you play smart. A well-managed Path of Exile 2 Strongbox can shower you with rare gear, stacks of currency, or unique items that take your build to the next level. The monsters that spawn drop their loot and XP, making Strongboxes a double-dip reward. But screw up and you’re looking at a death screen, especially with prefixes like “Casts Chaos Barrages” or “Freezes you when activated.” I’ve had my share of humiliating moments clicking on a Strongbox without checking its mods in a high-level map, so let’s make sure you’re prepared to dominate.

Types of PoE 2 Strongboxes

Not all PoE 2 Strongboxes are created equal. Each type has a specific loot pool, so knowing what you’re cracking open will help you get the best rewards. Here’s the rundown:

• Strongbox: A mix of random items. Good for general loot, but not a priority for crafting.

• Arcane Strongbox: Drops foci, sceptres, staves, and wands. A caster’s best friend.

• Armourer's Strongbox: Loaded with armor pieces. Great for tanky builds or crafting equipment.
  

• Blacksmith’s Strongbox: Martial weapons such as maces and spears. Perfect for melee builds.

• Large Strongbox: More items than a standard Strongbox. Larger quantity, juicier drops.

• Ornate Strongbox: Increased rarity for premium loot. Quality over quantity.
  

• Researcher Strongbox: Currency items galore. A currency farmer’s dream.
  

• Jeweller’s Strongbox: Rings and amulets. Ideal for hunting high-end accessories.
  

Pro tip: Tailor your focus to your build. If you’re a wand wizard, hunt Arcane Strongboxes and craft for rares. Need a new amulet? Prioritize Jeweler’s Strongboxes and maybe throw in a Vaal Orb for a chance at something epic.

Crafting and Modifiers: Juicing Your PoE 2 Strongbox

Here’s where PoE 2 Strongboxes really shine. You can craft them with currency to tweak their modifiers, just like gear. Mods come in two flavors: prefixes (which make combat more difficult) and suffixes (which increase loot). These are the prefixes to look out for:

Prefixes:

• Chaotic: Unleashes chaos barrages. Stack Chaos Resistance or hope the RNG is on your side.

• Menacing: Spawns a pack or two of rare monsters. Tough, but manageable with good AoE.

• Arctic: Freezes you on activation. Equip a Freeze Immunity talisman first.

• Crowded: Summons 4-8 packs of monsters. Brutal for slow clear builds, but a feast for fast clearers.

Suffixes:

• of Treasures: 105–200% increased rarity. More uniques and rares, yes please!

• of Bounty: 30–80% increased quantity. More drops, more currency.

• of Wisdom: Drops identified items. Saves time and scrolls.
  

Unique PoE 2 Strongboxes: The Big Dogs

Now let’s talk about the real heavyweights: the unique PoE 2 Strongboxes. These rare chests are like mini-boss encounters with massive payouts. Path of Exile 2 has four unique Strongboxes, each with a wild twist.

Ixchel’s Torment (Blacksmith Strongbox)
Guarded by 30–40 packs of chaos-infused monsters, this monster drops a corrupted unique item with a random enchantment or extra socket. The fight is a grind, but the reward can redefine your build. Fast-clear builds eat this up.

Ogham’s Legacy (Large Strongbox)
A true test of endurance. A rare monster respawns 3–6 times, gaining an additional modifier each time. No loot—just the monster’s drops. Each resurrection makes it harder, but richer. I’ve seen this thing stack crazy mods when you proc a resurrection. Come prepared.

The Rain Festival Beetle (Jeweler’s Strongbox)
Click on it and it turns into a giant beetle that runs away and spawns smaller mobs. Hunt it down, kill it, and you will receive 3–5 jewels and increased rarity loot. It’s like a Wraeclast treasure hunt with killer rewards.

Ventor’s Contraption (Scientist’s Strongbox)
The ultimate gamble. Costs 200 gold to open, with four reopen attempts at 950–1050% increased cost per spin. Drops range from basic PoE 2 currency to stacks of high-level currency or perfect Jewel Orbs. I once burned 200k gold and got a sad pile of Chaos Orbs. The RNG is a harsh mistress.

To farm these, grab Strongbox nodes in the Atlas Passive Skill Tree (bottom left) and pair them with Ambush Scarabs to boost spawns.

Tips for Owning PoE 2 Strongboxes

• Always identify them: Use a Scroll of Wisdom to check mods. Blindly opening a Lightning Strongbox is a one-way ticket to death.

• Prepare your talisman: Freeze or Chaos-heavy Strongboxes? Equip the right talisman before you click.

• Run Juiced Maps: Map quantity increases Strongbox loot. High-level maps mean better rewards.

• Use Scarabs: Rusted, polished, or gilded ambush scarabs guarantee extra Strongboxes. Worth the investment.

• Hardcore players, stay sharp: Prefixes like Crowded or Scorched can end your run. Know the limits of your build.

Final Thoughts About PoE 2 Strongboxes

PoE 2 Strongboxes are a high-risk, high-reward mechanic that can turn your mapping session into a loot explosion—or a humiliating defeat. Whether you’re a casual exile looking for extra currency or a min-maxer chasing corrupted uniques, mastering these chests is essential. From the chaos-filled Ixchel’s Torment to the gold-draining Ventor’s Contraption, each Path of Exile 2 Strongbox offers a shot at glory. So the next time you see that glowing chest, don’t just click and pray—craft wisely, fight fiercely, and let the loot rain down.