The minimum level to "benefit" from a Path of Exile 5-way (Domain of Timeless Conflict) depends on your goals and perspective:
Technically Gaining Experience:
You can gain experience at any level in a 5-way, even level 1. However, the amount earned is minimal and barely outweighs the risks and costs involved.
Meaningful Experience Gain:
Level 65+: This is generally considered the minimum for experiencing a tangible benefit in terms of level progression. At this point, you’ll receive enough experience to make the effort somewhat worthwhile.
Story Completion: Ideally, you should have completed the main story campaign before attempting 5-ways. This ensures access to all content and unlocks crucial character progression systems.
Optimal Level:
Level 85-90+: Starting from this range, 5-ways become considerably more efficient for leveling, especially with experienced carries and optimized setups.
Level 95+: As you approach maximum level (100), the experience gains from 5-ways diminish compared to lower levels. Combining them with other methods becomes more efficient.
Additional Points:
Character Build: Your build’s ability to survive and contribute in high-difficulty 5-ways significantly impacts the minimum level suitability. Strong, defensive builds can participate earlier than weaker ones.
Carry Service vs. Self-Play: Carry services typically have higher minimum level requirements (often 65+) to ensure successful runs and protect their reputation.
Personal Goals: If experiencing the 5-way content itself is your goal, any level works. But for efficient leveling, higher levels are recommended.
Remember: Minimum level is just a starting point. Consider your experience, build strength, and budget before diving into 5-ways. Enjoy the journey!