The Currency Exchange is one of the most useful quality-of-life features in Path of Exile 2, allowing players to trade materials and currencies quickly without relying on third-party tools. However, this system isn't available by default. To unlock it, you must complete the Hostile Takeover side quest.

Before diving in, it's important to note that the Currency Exchange is not the same as Asynchronous trading. With that clarified, here's a complete step-by-step guide on how to finish Hostile Takeover in Path of Exile 2.

What Is a Hostile Takeover in Path of Exile 2?

Hostile Takeover is an optional side quest introduced in Act 4. Its main purpose is to unlock:

·The Currency Exchange

·Asynchronous trading for listing Path of Exile 2 Items

·Bulk trading options for crafting materials

Without completing this quest, you'll be locked out of one of the game's most efficient trading systems.

How to Start a Hostile Takeover

To begin Hostile Takeover, you must:

1. Reach Act 4

2. Travel to Kingsmarch

3. Speak with Ange

Ange can be found standing near the pier, directly in front of Rog's disenchantment shop. When you interact with her, she explains her role as a trade intermediary, helping players buy and sell items through official in-game systems.

Before she can open shop, however, Ange insists on securing a hideout. From here, the quest branches depending on whether or not you already have one unlocked.

Hostile Takeover Walkthrough

There are two possible scenarios when completing Hostile Takeover, depending on your progression.

Scenario 1: You Don't Have a Hideout

If this is your first time playing Path of Exile 2, you likely won't have a hideout yet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Travel to Whakapanu Island

Act 4 provides a free hideout opportunity. Sail to Whakapanu Island from Kingsmarch.

2. Enter the Singing Caverns

On Whakapanu Island, make your way to the Singing Caverns.

3. Defeat Diamora

Defeat Diamora, the boss guarding the area. This unlocks access to a hideout.

4. Return to Ange

After defeating Diamora, return to Kingsmarch and speak with Ange again.

5. Inspect the Shoreline Hideout

Ange will direct you to the Shoreline Hideout for inspection.

6. Clear the Hideout Area

Defeat all enemies inside the hideout to secure it.

7. Speak to Ange One Last Time

After clearing the area, talk to Ange to finalize the quest.

Once completed, Hostile Takeover is finished, and the Currency Exchange becomes available.

Scenario 2: You Already Have a Hideout

If you unlocked a hideout earlier-either on another character or during a previous playthrough process is much simpler.

Steps to Complete the Quest

1. Speak to Ange in Kingsmarch

You must still start the quest by talking to her in Act 4.

2. Fast Travel to Your Hideout

Once the quest is active, travel to any hideout you already own.

3. Talk to Ange in the Hideout

Ange will appear there and immediately complete the quest.

Important Note

Even if you have a hideout unlocked from earlier Acts, Ange will not appear until you speak with her in Kingsmarch during Act 4. This means the Currency Exchange remains locked until Hostile Takeover is completed at least once.

What You Unlock After Completing Hostile Takeover

Finishing Hostile Takeover unlocks several major features:

1. Currency Exchange

The Currency Exchange lets you trade Path of Exile 2 Currency directly through the game. This is especially useful for:

·Bulk crafting materials

·Converting currencies efficiently

·Trading items that cannot be listed normally

2. Asynchronous Trading Access

Ange also enables Asynchronous trading through the Merchant's Tab, allowing you to list:

·Gear

·Crafting items

·Various tradable materials

Other players can browse and purchase your listings even while you're offline, making it easier to buy POE2 Items or sell excess loot passively.

3. Gold-Based Trading Costs

Both listing and buying items cost Gold, with the amount scaling based on item level. While this adds a small barrier, it helps regulate the in-game economy.

Why Hostile Takeover Is Important

If you plan to craft, trade, or engage with the economy at any meaningful level, Hostile Takeover is essential. The Currency Exchange makes it easier to manage large volumes of materials, while Asynchronous trading allows you to acquire or sell valuable Path of Exile 2 Items without constant player interaction.

For players who prefer convenience, unlocking these systems also reduces the need to rely on external trading platforms or manually whispering to other players. Many players even complete Hostile Takeover as early as possible to streamline their progression and avoid unnecessary friction when managing resources.

Final Thoughts

Hostile Takeover is a short but extremely important side quest in Path of Exile 2. By completing it in Act 4, you unlock the Currency Exchange and Asynchronous trading-two systems that dramatically improve quality of life and economic efficiency.