Suggestion: Reimagining Solo Self Found (SSF) Mode in Path of Exile 2

The Problem with Current SSF Implementation
Solo Self Found (SSF) mode in Path of Exile (PoE) is currently just a restriction on trading and party interactions. Players are unable to trade with others or join group content, but beyond this, SSF does not offer any distinct value or gameplay enhancements. This implementation feels more like an enforced self-discipline tool, akin to a smoker locking themselves in a room to quit smoking, rather than an enriching game mode tailored to a specific player experience.

In standard PoE gameplay, players already have the option to self-restrict their trading and group interactions. This makes SSF mode redundant for those who have enough self-control to play as they wish. Why enforce such restrictions formally?

The Intended Audience of SSF Mode
SSF should cater to players who:
- Dislike trading and find it tedious or time-consuming.
- Have limited time to invest in the game and prefer to focus solely on playing rather than managing the complexities of trading.
- Seek an immersive and self-contained gameplay experience without reliance on external player interactions.

The argument that trading fosters socialization would not stand. In reality, trading in PoE is a highly automated process. Most trades follow a standard script: whispering the seller or buyer, exchanging items, and moving on. There’s little to no meaningful interaction or relationship-building involved. Trade is enforced on players, because drop rates are set to take possible trading into consideration.

Proposed Enhancement to SSF Mode
To better align SSF mode with player expectations and create a genuinely rewarding experience, consider a drop rate adjustments based on build. Drawing bit of inspiration from competitors like Last Epoch, SSF mode could implement smart drop rate adjustments tailored to a player’s character build:
- If a character heavily invests in cold magic, slightly increase the drop rate of cold-related, magic damage, all spells (etc) affixes.
- If the passive tree focuses on minions, increase the likelihood of drops with minion-related modifiers. (I think you get the point now)
- The specific weight adjustments would be carefully balanced by the development team at Grinding Gear Games (GGG).

This system would allow SSF players to feel more rewarded and aligned with their character’s progression without making the mode excessively easy or unbalanced.

Conclusion
SSF mode has the potential to be much more than a self-imposed trading ban. By tailoring the experience to players who prefer self-contained gameplay and minimizing reliance on trading.

It could be fun to have very minor perks in SSF. :D

Yup overall agreed. Personally, I want to do/try SSF. Though just in Standard, I feel it's already a long road ahead so until Standard has Balance changes/improvements, personally, I just don't see SSF a point.

+1

We all know they don't allow private leagues with better drop rates because it would eclipse their own leagues in no time. I only wish they made changes so SSF was a more rewarding way to play than what it is now.

these 'gib more lootz' threads are getting elaborate.

again leave SSF alone, find something else to desecrate. GGG made it clear why ssf exists years ago

They could just make it so we can't leave the private league. You pay for a set time and when it runs out you don't transfer. That would be the price you pay for doing your own group stuff.

Or they could just idk buff drop rates for everyone and remove MF. No need for any convoluted formulas.

Yeah I think it would be better if SSF had better item drops and crafting. Just don't let the characters to transfer. That'd be funnier than trading. They can still make trading better for those who prefer to play that way.

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AintCare#6513 wrote:

these 'gib more lootz' threads are getting elaborate.

again leave SSF alone, find something else to desecrate. GGG made it clear why ssf exists years ago

What is there to desecrate? SSF is literally only enforcing "no trade, no party" on yourself technically, but it is absolutely no different from normal mode. You can play that in normal mode if you want.

... and people are changing their opinions through time, especially when a completely new game is coming out, where they can do new stuff and in new ways. Otherwise we would be getting the same game over and over again.