In Path of Exile 3.25, the "Settlers of Kalguur" update introduces a robust shipping mechanic at the Kingsmarch Port. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of shipping resources, including the strategic use of favored resources, Thaumaturgic Dust, and how to optimize your rewards from various shipping ports.

How Shipping Works in Path of Exile 3.25

At the heart of the shipping mechanic is the Port in your Kingsmarch settlement. Here, you can manage up to three ships, each capable of carrying up to six workers. These ships are used to transport resources between your settlement and other locations, which can yield a variety of rewards, including gear, currency, and more.

Key Mechanics:

Resource Management: You will accumulate resources over time, which can be sent to different settlements. Each shipment you make will fill a red bar next to the resource quantity, indicating the risk level of the shipment. A higher bar means increased risk of encountering problems, which could diminish the rewards.

Risk vs. Reward: The size and quantity of the shipment can attract unwanted attention. Balancing the amount of resources and the risk involved is crucial for maximizing your gains.

Favored Resources

Each settlement you ship to has a list of favored resources. These favored resources offer additional bonuses and are key to optimizing your shipping rewards. Here's how to leverage favored resources:

Increased Favor: Shipping favored resources to a settlement boosts the Favor you receive, enhancing the overall rewards. Completing a shipment with all favored resources guarantees a random Rare Item.

Increasing Reward Caps: Fulfillment of favored resources requests raises the cap on the amount of favored resources you can send. This progression leads to larger shipments and better rewards over time.

Tip: Prioritize fulfilling these favored resource requests to boost your Favor and increase the quality of rewards you receive from each settlement.

Thaumaturgic Dust

Unlocking the Disenchanter at Kingsmarch allows you to break down Path of exile items into Thaumaturgic Dust. This dust can then be added to your shipments, acting as a multiplier to increase the total shipment value. Thaumaturgic Dust comes in four unique amounts, each adding specific modifiers to your shipments.

Using Thaumaturgic Dust:

Multiplier Effect: Thaumaturgic Dust enhances the shipment's value, leading to better rewards.

Strategic Application: Use Thaumaturgic Dust strategically based on the type of shipment and desired rewards. Different amounts of dust can provide varied benefits, so choose the amount that aligns with your goals.

All Shipping Ports Rewards

Each port you ship to offers distinct rewards based on the resources sent. Here's a breakdown:

Food Shipments: Shipping food consistently yields Path of exile Currency rewards, which are uniform across all ports. However, higher-tier food items can grant more Currency per item.

Favored Resources: Focusing on favored resources is generally more lucrative as these shipments increase the variety and quality of rewards. Prioritize these resources to maximize your returns.

Tip: While Path of exile Currency is a constant reward from food shipments, aligning with favored resources at various ports can significantly boost the value of rewards and help you accumulate valuable items and gear.

Optimizing Your Shipping Strategy

Resource Allocation: Ensure you are constantly collecting and managing your resources efficiently to meet favored resource requests.

Risk Management: Balance the size of your shipments with the potential risk. Smaller, more frequent shipments may reduce the likelihood of encountering problems compared to large shipments.

Favor Boost: Regularly fulfill favored resource requests to increase your favor with settlements, leading to better rewards and higher caps on favored resource shipments.

Dust Utilization: Use Thaumaturgic Dust wisely to enhance the value of your shipments. Adjust the amount of dust based on the type of shipment and your reward objectives.

Port Selection: Different ports offer varied rewards. Choose ports based on the type of rewards you need and adjust your shipping strategy accordingly.

By mastering the shipping mechanics and optimizing the use of favored resources and Thaumaturgic Dust, you can significantly enhance your rewards and progress in Path of Exile 3.25. Embrace the shipping system as a key component of your gameplay strategy to maximize your gains and enjoy the new features in the Settlers of Kalguur update.