Path of Exile 2 Crafting Currency Guide

Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a massive expansion of the beloved Path of Exile (PoE) universe, taking the already complex and intricate systems of the game and pushing them to new heights. With a revamped skill gem system, enhanced visuals, and new mechanics, Path of Exile 2 promises to be a monumental chapter in the game's legacy.

One of the most intriguing and complex systems that remain at the heart of Path of Exile is its crafting system, which allows players to modify, improve, and even completely transform their gear. The introduction of new systems in PoE 2 will likely shake up crafting, but the fundamental crafting currencies—such as POE 2 Orbs, Fossils, and Essences—will remain essential tools in shaping your journey. Crafting is at the core of the PoE experience, and knowing how to efficiently use the available crafting currencies is crucial for maximizing your potential in the game.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about crafting currencies in Path of Exile 2, including which ones are worth using, when to use them, and how to maximize their effectiveness.

Understanding the Crafting Currency System

Before diving into individual currencies, it's important to understand the general structure of crafting in Path of Exile 2. The crafting system in PoE is highly decentralized and player-driven. Instead of a traditional system of loot and progression, the game empowers players to modify and enhance their gear through crafting processes. This is where the crafting currencies come into play.

Crafting currencies are special items that modify your gear in specific ways. These can:

Add or remove modifiers (stats) on your gear

Re-roll the stats on an item (random or specific)

Influence the rarity or item level of an item

Provide other specialized modifications like crafting an item with specific affixes or sockets

Each currency has its own set of rules on how it can be applied to an item. For example, Chaos Orbs randomly re-roll the properties of an item, while Exalted Orbs add a new random modifier to an item. The game also includes Fossils and Essences, which add more specific, targeted options for crafting.

With that framework in mind, let's take a deeper look at the most important crafting currencies that you'll encounter in Path of Exile 2.

1. Orb of Alteration

What It Does: The Orb of Alteration is one of the most basic and commonly used crafting currencies in PoE. It re-rolls the modifiers on a magic item (i.e., an item with one or two modifiers).

When to Use It: Use the Orb of Alteration when you want to re-roll the properties of a magic item to try and get better affixes. It's the most basic form of re-rolling, but it can be a stepping stone toward higher-end crafting.

Strategy: Many players use the Orb of Alteration in combination with Orb of Scouring to turn rare items into magic ones, allowing them to roll new mods at a lower cost.

2. Orb of Transmutation

What It Does: The Orb of Transmutation is used to upgrade a normal item to a magic item, granting it one or two random properties.

When to Use It: Use the Orb of Transmutation when you have a normal (white) item that you want to upgrade into a magic item, either for crafting or to begin the re-rolling process.

Strategy: This orb is useful early in your crafting process or when starting fresh items. Some crafting strategies will involve using this orb repeatedly to get a specific base type with desired affixes.

3. Orb of Alchemy

What It Does: The Orb of Alchemy is used to upgrade a normal item directly into a rare item, granting it 3-6 random modifiers.

When to Use It: Use the Orb of Alchemy when you want to turn a basic item into a fully-fledged rare item. This is an essential tool for crafting end-game gear.

Strategy: The Orb of Alchemy can be a risky choice if you're crafting high-value gear since the result is random. However, when combined with Divine Orbs (to modify the item's stats afterward), this orb can yield great results.

4. Chaos Orb

What It Does: The Chaos Orb randomly re-rolls all modifiers on a rare item, allowing for a complete overhaul of the item's stats.

When to Use It: Use the Chaos Orb when you're working with a rare item that you want to re-roll completely. It's an essential tool for any serious crafter looking to modify end-game items.

Strategy: Chaos Orbs are great for large-scale crafting or for when you want to re-roll a rare item without worrying about specific affix types. Many end-game crafting strategies involve using Chaos Orbs to attempt high-quality rolls for your gear.

5. Exalted Orb

What It Does: The Exalted Orb adds a random modifier to a rare item that already has 6 affixes.

When to Use It: Use the Exalted Orb when you want to add an extra modifier to an already rare item. This is especially useful when trying to craft high-end gear with multiple desirable affixes.

Strategy: Many advanced crafting strategies involve using Exalted Orbs in combination with other crafting currencies (like Fossils, Essences, or Mastercrafting) to target specific mods while also adding high-value, random affixes.

6. Essences

What They Do: Essences are special crafting materials that guarantee a specific affix while re-rolling an item's other properties. They come in several types, each tied to a specific set of affixes.

When to Use Them: Essences are incredibly useful when you want to target specific affixes for your gear. They can add modifiers that are otherwise difficult or rare to obtain via regular crafting methods.

Strategy: You can either use Essences directly on an item to guarantee a certain affix or combine them with other crafting methods to fine-tune your item. Some high-end players use Essences to farm powerful mods early in their crafting process.

Types of Essences:

Essence of Fear: Adds modifiers related to Life and Damage, especially for defensive-oriented players.

Essence of Hysteria: Adds damage modifiers for offensive builds.

Essence of Greed: Focuses on increased currency drops and wealth accumulation.

Essence of Woe: Provides modifiers that boost resistances and survivability.

7. Fossils

What They Do: Fossils are crafting materials that are used to modify an item in very specific ways. They affect the types of mods an item can roll and are often used to create highly specific or specialized gear.

When to Use Them: Fossils are incredibly useful for specialized crafting. Each fossil has its own set of rules about what modifiers can be rolled on an item, and you can use them to craft highly focused gear for specific builds.

Strategy: Fossils are an essential tool for creating high-end, specialized gear for end-game content. They're often used in conjunction with Essences or Orb of Alchemy to create highly desirable and powerful items.

Common Fossils:

Shuddering Fossil: Restricts mods to cold-related affixes.

Prismatic Fossil: Restricts mods to increased resistances.

Abyssal Fossil: Adds powerful modifiers to Abyss Jewels, which are crucial for specific builds.

Jagged Fossil: Restricts mods to physical damage and life-based affixes.

8. Mastercrafting (Crafting Bench)

What It Does: Mastercrafting is a system that allows you to add or change specific modifiers on your items using the Crafting Bench in your hideout. You can add prefixes and suffixes to rare items, and these mods are applied in addition to the existing ones.

When to Use It: Use Mastercrafting when you need to refine your item further after it's already been altered using other cheap POE 2 Currency. It's especially helpful for fine-tuning items and adding specific mods you may have missed during the initial crafting phase.

Strategy: Mastercrafting is a key part of advanced crafting, as it allows you to apply very specific mods, such as resistance mods, life mods, or attack speed.

Conclusion: Crafting in Path of Exile 2

Crafting is one of the most engaging and rewarding parts of Path of Exile 2. The sheer variety of crafting currencies at your disposal—each with unique properties and effects—provides endless possibilities for creating powerful and personalized gear. While some currencies are more commonly used in early-game crafting, others come into play during end-game crafting, where the stakes are much higher.

To succeed in crafting in Path of Exile 2, it's essential to understand how each currency works, when to use it, and how to combine it with other currencies to target the best possible mods for your build. Whether you are seeking powerful Essence-based mods or utilizing Fossils for specialized gear, mastering the crafting system will give you a competitive edge in both PvE and PvP content.

Remember, crafting in Path of Exile is a game of patience and experimentation. Even though the crafting system can seem overwhelming at first, with enough practice and knowledge of crafting currencies, you'll be able to craft gear that gives you the edge in any challenge the game throws your way.