Path of Exile 2: Beginner's Guide to Mastering the Currency System

In Path of Exile 2, gold is a thing of the past. Instead, the game embraces a unique and dynamic currency-based system, serving as the backbone of both trading and gear crafting. This currency system is not merely a means of exchange; it is an integral tool that empowers players to refine and enhance their equipment, shaping it to fit their preferred playstyles and combat strategies.

With currency obtainable through defeating monsters, completing quests, and exploring the game world, it becomes a key driver for both economic activity and player progression. Its versatility and strategic depth make it more than just a mechanic—it transforms every choice into an opportunity for creativity and mastery. By leveraging this system, players can craft their path to ultimate power in this hardcore ARPG experience.

Essential PoE 2 Currency Types for Beginners

1. Basic Currency

• • Orb of Transmutation: Upgrades a white item to a magic item with one modifier (like adding a tag to a blank slate).
  • Orb of Augmentation: Adds a second modifier to a magic item (similar to a blind draw, highly random).
  • Regal Orb: Upgrades a magic item to a rare item, keeping one modifier and adding new ones.
    
    

2. Quality Currency: Improving Equipment "Appearance"

• • Blacksmith's Whetstone: Improves weapon quality, boosting physical damage with each percentage point.
  • Armourer's Scrap: Enhances armor quality, improving defense attributes like armor and evasion.
  • Artificer's Orb: Adds sockets to weapons and armor, allowing the insertion of runes and spirit cores (greatly boosting equipment attributes).
  • Gemcutter's Prism: Raises the quality of skill gems by 5%, directly enhancing skill strength (a key for beginners to become pros).
  • Jeweller's Orb: Available in low, high, and perfect tiers, they allow skills to open 3, 4, or 5 sockets, breaking slot limits (the soul of skill combinations).

3. Targeted Modification Currency

• • Fracturing Orb: Locks one random modifier on a rare item with at least four modifiers (preserving core attributes).
  • Essence of Flames: Upgrades a white item to a magic item with a guaranteed fire modifier (ideal starter gear for fire builds).
  • Essence of Ice: Similar to the above but adds an ice modifier (must-have for cold builds).
  • Greater Essence of Enhancement: Upgrades a magic item to a rare item and specifies one modifier (like attack or spell modifiers), avoiding random "disasters." Additional Tip: There are many types of essences, allowing players to precisely control modifier ranges, making them essential for crafting divine gear in PoE 2.
    
    

4. Special Currency: The "Nuclear Arsenal" for Advanced Players

• • Exalted Orb: Adds a modifier to a rare item (exclusive to the wealthy, as each modifier is worth a fortune).
  • Vaal Orb: Corrupts items, gambling on random effects (can either create a legendary item or turn it into scrap). New Omens (Added):
    • Omen of Refreshment: Refills flask charges automatically when low on health (a lifesaving artifact).
    • Omen of Corruption: Enhances Vaal Orb effects (high risk, high reward).
    • Omen of Amelioration: Reduces experience loss on death by 75% (a lifeline for beginners).
      
      

5. Top-tier Currency: The Pinnacle of Wealth

Mirror of Kalandra: Worth thousands of dollars, this mirror can duplicate a specific item, turning a single divine item into a pair!

How to Use Currency: From "Basic Gear" to "Endgame Gear"

Beginner's Four-Step Gear Crafting Method:

Step 1: Transform White Gear into Magic Gear

• • Use Orbs of Transmutation to modify a normal (white) piece of equipment, generating one useful modifier (e.g., “+20% Physical Damage” on a weapon).
  • Alternatively, employ specific Essences (e.g., Essence of Flames or Essence of Physical) to directly create magic gear with a guaranteed core modifier, bypassing the randomness of typical attributes.
    
    

Step 2: Adding Modifiers to Magic Gear

• • Use Orbs of Augmentation on your desired magic item to gamble for a second modifier. (If the outcome isn't satisfactory, switch to a new base item—don't get carried away!)
  • If you're well-funded, opt for Greater Essences instead. These have a more focused modifier pool, significantly increasing your chances of getting desired attributes.
    
    

Step 3: Upgrading Magic Gear to Rare Gear

• • Use Orbs of Alchemy to transform magic (blue) gear into rare (yellow) gear, unlocking 3–4 modifiers. (For the unlucky, it might result in just one modifier—preparing multiple base items as backup is a good idea.)
    
    

Step 4: Refining Attributes on Rare Gear

• • Chaos Orb: Remove one modifier and add a new one. This is ideal for fine-tuning attributes but comes with significant risk.
  • Divine Orb: Re-roll the values of existing modifiers. This is considered a luxury item for the fortunate few and is not recommended for ordinary players due to its cost.
    
    

Beginner's Currency Usage Warning

• Orb of Chance: Essentially a gamble; high failure rate and not worth it for most beginners.
• Vaal Orb: Risky and irreversible; can result in great rewards or completely ruin your gear. Use cautiously!
  
  

Where to Get Currency: Brick-by-Brick Wealth Tips

Currency drives progression in Path of Exile 2. From upgrading gear to trading and building your ideal setup, knowing how to secure a reliable currency is crucial.

1. Monster Drops: Basic currency (e.g., Orbs of Transmutation, Orbs of Augmentation, Exalted Orbs) mainly comes from clearing maps. It's recommended to focus on improving your mapping efficiency.

2. Alva's Currency Exchange: After completing the main storyline, you can visit NPC Alva to exchange currency. Simply input the exchange rate to convert your current currency into the items you need.

3. Player Trading: High-level currency like Chaos Orbs and Divine Orbs can be obtained through trading gear with other players. However, be cautious and stay alert to avoid scams.

The currency system in Path of Exile 2 is both a challenge and a treasure trove. From targeted essences to spirit cores, every item serves as a LEGO brick for building your character's dream setup.