Update 04/07/2024: The Fragment tab has changed, but is still one of the top 3 choices.

Update 12/15/2023: The Metamorph tab has received an ultimatum and has become an Ultimatum tab. It's no better, no worse than before, and still a pretty mediocre choice for the vast majority of players.

Path of Exile's microtransaction store doesn't sell cheat codes, unlike many other games. But eventually, probably between levels 75 and 85, you'll reach a point where buying stash tabs seems almost essential.

I expect there will be MANY other opinions on how best to use points, so be sure to consider not only my suggestions, but also check out others' suggestions in the comments.

Summary: The best tabs are Currency, Cards, Fragment, Quad, or Premium. The worst tabs are Delirium, Metamorph, Blight, Flasks, Gems, and Uniques (for most people).

This video has some trading focus – SSF players will find more use in the Unique tab than I did and less in the Premium tab. If you primarily play SSF, keep that in mind.

Note that all players will receive the Heist and Expedition "tabs" for free. These will be in your hideout decorations once you have met all the NPCs related to this league mechanic.

0:00 Introduction
0:18 POE's business model – selling cosmetics, not cheat codes. Think of it as a buy-to-play game with a generous trial.
1:01 The three-week Stash Tab sales cycle
1:48 Why the 2023 update was necessary – Improved fragment tab, more store points
2:23 The most frequently asked question about tabs – /“What happens in new leagues/”
2:57 The Supporter Pack model and store points
4:08 Summary of the best and worst tabs
4:54 How purchased tabs help with trading (PC only)
5:24 How tab affinities work
6:32 Essence Tab: Level C
7:11 The Delve Tab: Level D
7:37 The Divination Card Tab: One Level
8:05 The Fragment Tab: Level A to S
8:47 The Map Tab: S Level
9:17 The Currency Tab: Level S
9:49 The F-Tier Tabs and Why – Bottles. Gems. Rot. Metamorph. Delirium.
10:36 The Unique Tab – Level F for Trade, Level C for SSF
11:22 Tips for dealing with Blight and Delirium articles without these tabs
11:48 Recommendations for frugal players (total spend of $20, $25 or $30)
13:11 Recommendations for less frugal people (spend $60 total; if you want to spend $35-50, spend $30 instead)

I started streaming on Twitch! https://www.twitch.tv/sirgog will take you there.

You can buy some POE microtransactions and/or games in my Nexus store and I will get a cut. Link: https://www.nexus.gg/sirgog

I also have a merch store at https://merch.streamelements.com/sirgog if you want to purchase anything there and you can tip at https://streamelements.com/sirgog/tip.

Please take the opportunity to connect with your friends and family and share this video with them if you find it useful.