Kulemak’s Invitation is one of the most important keys in the Path of Exile 2 endgame, opening the path to the Abyssal Lich and some of the strongest Abyss-themed rewards in the game. But the question every player eventually faces is simple: should you farm the invitation yourself, or is it smarter to trade for it? The answer depends on your build strength, your economy, and how you want to approach the endgame loop. Understanding both paths will help you choose the method that saves you the most time while getting you to the Lich as efficiently as possible.
Farming Kulemak’s Invitation is the traditional path and appeals to players who enjoy consistent mapping and Abyss encounters. Since the invitation drops from guardians inside Abyssal Depths, your main goal is to generate as many Abysses per hour as possible. This means running maps with strong Abyss density, using Atlas passives that increase Abyss spawns, and choosing layouts that allow the fissures to extend far without interruption. If your build clears quickly and can handle Depths minibosses safely, farming becomes a steady and reliable loop. You gain experience, currency, and drops while progressing toward the invitation, making farming feel like a natural part of your journey.
However, farming requires time, consistency, and a build capable of dealing with the sometimes-chaotic density inside Abyss encounters. If your character is still developing, you may find Depths minibosses slow or risky, which turns farming into a less efficient strategy. In that case, trading becomes an attractive alternative. Since some players specialize in high-speed Abyss farming, invitations often appear on the market at predictable prices. Buying one can be far faster than farming it if you prioritize boss access over mapping.
Trading also becomes the smarter choice when your endgame focus is the Abyssal Lich itself. If you’re pursuing specific unique items or trying to complete a boss progression track, purchasing multiple invitations lets you chain attempts without investing several hours into farming. This approach works especially well for players whose builds excel at bossing but aren’t optimized for clearing large Abyss packs or navigating Depths layouts. You essentially convert your earned currency into saved time.
On the other hand, trading has limitations. Market prices fluctuate depending on league progression, player activity, and supply. Early in a cycle, invitations may be expensive, making farming more cost-effective. Later in the game, when more players are farming Abysses, the price often drops, and trading becomes the more efficient option. Your personal economy also matters—if you’re low on tradeable currency or crafting materials, farming delivers value while keeping your resources intact.
The smart approach often combines both methods. Farm invitations when you’re mapping anyway, especially if your build thrives in Abyss content. Trade for invitations when you’ve reached the point where bossing provides greater value than farming, or when you want to push progression without interruption. By balancing both strategies, you stay efficient, flexible, and fully in control of your endgame path.