In the complex, ever-evolving world of Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), understanding currency is crucial for success. Unlike traditional RPGs that rely on gold or coins, Path of Exile's economy revolves entirely around orbs and crafting items - powerful consumables used for modifying equipment, trading, and progression. Mastering the use of orbs can elevate your gameplay, crafting, and trading experience significantly.

 

This guide will explore the essential orbs in Path of Exile 2, explain their purposes, and offer strategies on how to collect, use, and trade them effectively.

 

What Are Orbs in Path of Exile 2?

Orbs are special currency items that have no intrinsic monetary value but can alter gear or grant crafting bonuses. They serve as the backbone of Path of Exile 2 Trade economy and are vital for upgrading, customizing, and enhancing your equipment.

 

In PoE 2, while many core mechanics remain, expect some new orbs and changes to old ones that impact crafting and trading dynamics.

 

Categories of Orbs

Orbs in PoE 2 fall into several categories based on their function:

 

Basic Currency Orbs

 

Crafting and Modification Orbs

 

Map and Content-Specific Orbs

 

Specialty and Unique Orbs

 

Let's break down the most common orbs you'll encounter.

 

1. Basic Currency Orbs

These orbs serve as the foundation for crafting and trading. They are often the most traded and widely used.

 

a. Orb of Transmutation

Purpose: Upgrades a normal (white) item to a magic (blue) item.

 

Use: Starting point for crafting; adds affixes to white gear.

 

Tips: Used frequently early on to add magic properties to gear.

 

b. Orb of Alteration

Purpose: Re-rolls the affixes on a magic item.

 

Use: To get better stats on magic gear before upgrading to rare.

 

Tips: Use on gear where you want to optimize magic affixes.

 

c. Orb of Augmentation

Purpose: Adds a new affix to a magic item.

 

Use: When you want to add an extra magic mod to improve gear.

 

Tips: Combine with alterations to craft magic gear with ideal stats.

 

d. Orb of Alchemy

Purpose: Upgrades a normal item to a rare (yellow) item.

 

Use: One of the earliest ways to get rare items.

 

Tips: Best used on bases with good implicit stats for crafting.

 

e. Chaos Orb

Purpose: Re-rolls the affixes on a rare item.

 

Use: Essential for crafting rare gear.

 

Tips: Used extensively in crafting to get desirable stats.

 

f. Exalted Orb

Purpose: Adds a new affix to a rare item.

 

Use: Used to enhance rare items further.

 

Tips: One of the most valuable orbs; use carefully to improve gear.

 

2. Crafting and Modification Orbs

These orbs are more specialized and are often used for intricate crafting.

 

a. Blessed Orb

Purpose: Re-rolls the implicit modifier on a magic or rare item.

 

Use: Changes inherent stats like attack speed or armor rating.

 

Tips: Useful for optimizing powerful gear with strong implicits.

 

b. Vaal Orb

Purpose: Corrupts an item, potentially changing its properties or adding powerful modifiers.

 

Use: High risk, high reward crafting.

 

Tips: Use with caution; corruption is irreversible.

 

c. Scouring Orb

Purpose: Removes all modifiers from an item, returning it to a normal state.

 

Use: Resets an item for a fresh crafting attempt.

 

Tips: Useful when an item rolls poorly and you want to start over.

 

d. Jeweller's Orb

Purpose: Re-rolls the number of sockets on an item.

 

Use: Adjust socket count to fit your build or linking needs.

 

Tips: Important when customizing gem setups.

 

e. Chromatic Orb

Purpose: Re-rolls the colors of sockets on an item.

 

Use: Get the right socket colors to match your skills.

 

Tips: Combine with Jeweller's Orb to optimize socket layout.

 

3. Map and Content-Specific Orbs

Orbs in this category help manipulate maps and endgame content.

 

a. Orb of Chance

Purpose: Upgrades a normal item to a random rarity or unique.

 

Use: Sometimes used to gamble for uniques.

 

Tips: Risky but potentially rewarding.

 

b. Cartographer's Sextant

Purpose: Adds modifiers to maps to increase difficulty and rewards.

 

Use: Enhances map gameplay.

 

Tips: Sextants are vital for map runners aiming for high returns.

 

c. Map Fragments and Scarabs

Purpose: Special orbs/items that modify map properties or add monsters.

 

Use: Boost map drops and experience.

 

Tips: Use to customize and boost map runs.

 

4. Specialty and Unique Orbs

These orbs have unique functions or come from special events.

 

a. Mirror of Kalandra

Purpose: Creates a perfect copy of any item.

 

Use: Extremely rare and valuable.

 

Tips: Trade with extreme caution.

 

b. Harbinger's Orb

Purpose: Used for special crafting or currency in certain leagues.

 

Use: League-specific currency.

 

Tips: Keep an eye on league mechanics.

 

How to Get Orbs in Path of Exile 2

Monster Drops: Many orbs drop randomly from monsters, especially in high-level zones.

 

Vendor Recipes: Certain vendors trade items for specific orbs.

 

Quests and Achievements: Some orbs are rewarded from quests.

 

Trading: Players trade orbs via the trade market or community.

 

Map Runs: Maps often drop higher-tier orbs.

 

League Mechanics: Participate in league-specific content to obtain special orbs.

 

Tips for Managing Orbs

1. Prioritize Which Orbs to Save

Not all orbs are equally valuable. Focus on saving high-value orbs like Exalted, Chaos, and Vaal Orbs for crafting or trading.

 

2. Learn Vendor Recipes

Use vendor recipes to turn lower-value items into orbs. For example, selling certain sets of gems or equipment yields specific orbs.

 

3. Trade Smartly

The player economy is central to PoE 2. Understand orb prices, supply, and demand to buy POE 2 Orbs effectively.

 

4. Use Orbs Wisely in Crafting

Crafting is resource-intensive. Plan your crafting steps to minimize orb loss.

 

5. Keep Your Inventory Organized

Orbs can quickly clutter your stash. Use stash tabs and sorting to manage your currency efficiently.

 

Conclusion

Orbs in Path of Exile 2 are more than just currency - they're essential tools that enable deep customization and progression. Whether you're a casual player crafting your first rare weapon or a seasoned trader flipping high-value orbs, mastering the world of orbs will greatly enhance your Path of Exile 2 experience.

 

By understanding what each orb does, how to obtain it, and how to use it effectively, you can take your gameplay to the next level. Keep an eye on new updates, as Grinding Gear Games often introduces new currency items or tweaks existing ones, keeping the economy dynamic and challenging.