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POE 2 Orb of Augmentation: Everything You Need to Know
If you're diving into Path of Exile 2 and want to master the game's currency system, understanding the Orb of Augmentation is a must. This small but powerful currency item plays a crucial role in crafting, item enhancement, and early-game gearing strategies. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new exile, this guide will break down how to get, use, and maximize the potential of this essential currency.
What is an Orb of Augmentation in Path of Exile 2?
The Orb of Augmentation is a currency item used to add a new random affix to a magic item that currently has only one modifier. Since magic items can only have a maximum of one prefix and one suffix, this means that an Orb of Augmentation is best used on items that already have a strong single affix and need a second one to become even more powerful.
How to Get an Orb of Augmentation in POE 2
There are several ways to obtain Orbs of Augmentation in Path of Exile 2. These include enemy drops, vendor recipes, and currency exchange.
1. Drops from Enemies
Orbs of Augmentation can drop randomly from monsters, chests and other loot sources in the game. They're a common currency item, so you'll naturally accumulate them as you progress through the campaign and maps.
2. Vendor Recipes
You can obtain Orbs of Augmentation by selling specific item combinations to vendors. Here are the most common recipes:
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One Orb of Augmentation – Sell an item with six affixes.
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One Orb of Augmentation – Sell one normal, one magic, and one rare item of the same base type.
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Two Orbs of Augmentation – Sell one normal, one magic, and one rare item (all unidentified) of the same base type.
3. Currency Exchange
In Path of Exile 2, players can exchange other lower-tier currency items for Orbs of Augmentation at the Currency Exchange NPC, available after Act 3 on Normal difficulty. This can be a convenient way to restock if you're running low.
Best Ways to Use Orbs of Augmentation
While Orbs of Augmentation may seem like basic crafting materials, they play a vital role in item enhancement, map crafting and vendor recipes. Here are the most important ways to use them effectively:
1. Crafting Magic Items
At low levels, players frequently use Orbs of Augmentation to craft better gear. The typical process involves:
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Using an Orb of Transmutation to upgrade a normal item into a magic item.
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Applying an Orb of Augmentation to add a second modifier.
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Using Orbs of Alteration to reroll the modifiers until you get desirable stats.
This method is particularly useful for weapons, armor, and accessories early in the game before transitioning into rare and unique items.
2. Enhancing Strongboxes
Strongboxes are special chests in Path of Exile 2 that can contain extra loot when modified. By using an Orb of Augmentation, you can add an extra affix to a strongbox, increasing your chances of finding better items.
3. Crafting Maps
Later in the game, Orbs of Augmentation are used to modify maps before running them. This can help improve loot drops, monster density, or difficulty for better rewards.
4. Vendor Recipe Upgrades
Orbs of Augmentation are used in several vendor recipes to upgrade items, including:
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Magic Boots with Increased Movement Speed – Combine White Boots + Any Quicksilver Flask + Orb of Augmentation.
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Weapon with Added Damage – Combine a weapon + Granite/Ruby/Sapphire/Topaz Flask + Orb of Augmentation.
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Ring or Amulet with Chaos Resistance – Combine a ring or amulet + Amethyst Flask + Orb of Augmentation.
Orb of Augmentation vs. Other Crafting Currency
The Orb of Augmentation is often used in combination with other common currency items in Path of Exile 2:
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Orb of Transmutation – Converts a normal item into a magic item (often used before applying an Orb of Augmentation).
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Orb of Alteration – Rerolls the affixes on a magic item (useful after augmenting an item if the mods aren't ideal).
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Exalted Orb – Adds a new affix to a rare item (the high-end version of an Orb of Augmentation, but much rarer).
Should You Stockpile or Use Orbs of Augmentation?
Since Orbs of Augmentation are fairly common, most players don't hoard them like Exalted Orbs or Chaos Orbs. However, they are essential for crafting, vendor recipes and map modifications, making them an essential part of any currency stash.
If you're new to the game, use them freely to craft magic items. If you're an experienced player, you'll probably use them in more advanced crafting techniques, along with Orbs of Alteration and Orbs of Transmutation.
Final Thoughts on POE 2 Orb of Augmentation
The Orb of Augmentation is a fundamental currency item in Path of Exile 2, essential for crafting and upgrading items. Whether you're trying to roll the perfect attachments on a magical item or modifying cards for better rewards, this currency remains a staple throughout the game.
Want to trade for currency instead of farming? Check out G4MMO's Path of Exile 2 currency exchange. Happy crafting, Exile!