[Suggestion] Breaking the TFT Monopoly: A Comprehensive In-Game Service & Mirror System for 3.28+

As Wraeclast continues to evolve in patch 3.28, the core game loop is arguably better than ever. However, one archaic and glaring issue remains: the community's heavy reliance on third-party Discord servers (like TFT) for high-end trading, services, and bulk exchanges. This reliance breeds RMT risks, monopolizes the market, encourages toxicity, and drastically increases friction by forcing players out of the game client.

It is time to bring these interactions safely back into Path of Exile. Here is a proposal for a comprehensive, in-game solution to replace the need for third-party trading hubs:

1. The In-Game Service Notice Board
Spamming /trade 820 or relying on Discord channels is outdated. We need a dedicated "Mercenary & Service Board" accessible from town hubs or our hideouts.
* How it works: Players can list or search for specific services using a structured UI with categories (e.g., Boss Carries, 5-Way Legion tracking, Labyrinth/Challenge services).
* Benefit: Instantly connects buyers and sellers in-game with proper filtering, eliminating Discord reliance for service-seeking.

2. Automated Mirror Services & Hideout Showcases
Currently, mirroring an item requires immense, blind trust in the crafter, heavily favoring established Discord cartels.
* The Solution: Introduce a Mirror Showcase system. Players can place their mirror-tier items into a specialized display case in their hideout (GGG could even monetize the cosmetic appearance of these cases via MTX, while keeping the base function free).
* Trade Site Integration: Add a "Mirror Tier" section to the official trade site. When a buyer clicks "Mirror Service", they are teleported directly to the crafter's hideout.
* Secure Transaction: The buyer clicks the Showcase, inputs their Mirror of Kalandra plus the crafter's preset fee (e.g., 50 Divines), and the game automatically deducts the currency and drops the Mirrored Copy into the buyer's inventory. The original item never leaves the crafter's possession, completely eliminating the risk of theft and the need for third-party "collateral."

3. Integrated Reputation & Vouching System
To replace Discord "vouches," we need an integrated reputation metric.
* How it works: After a successful party interaction found via the Service Board, players can leave a "+1" or "-1" reputation mark.
* Safeguards: To prevent botting or review bombing, a vouch can only be given if the game registers a legitimate interaction (e.g., being in the same map when a boss dies, or a completed trade window transaction). Players can display their Service Reputation on their profile or hover-over tooltips.

4. The Escrow System for Services (Secure Handshake)
To tie the Service Board and Reputation together, we need a way to prevent the classic "pay upfront and get scammed" or "get the carry and leave without paying" scenarios.
* How it works: When hiring a Boss Killer, the buyer places the fee into a secure "Escrow UI." The currency is locked. Once the objective is completed (e.g., the game detects the Uber Boss is slain while both players are in the instance), the escrow automatically releases the funds to the carry. If the portals run out or the carry fails, the funds are safely refunded to the buyer.

By implementing these features, GGG can eliminate the monopoly of third-party cartels, dramatically reduce RMT opportunities, and make Wraeclast a safer, more immersive place for both casual and hardcore traders.

We have the technology. Let's make trading and services fully in-game.

+

those are some very nice ideas

+1

Plot Twist,

+++++

I will take any single sentence from the OPs post. anything at all.

I think GGG should add a section for Mirror trading / Mirror Shops

I dont deal in super highend items, but this sounds like some great QOL for the community :)

now this sounds amazing ++

I normally hate these posts, but this one is right on the nose.