Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated expansions in the Path of Exile universe. As players eagerly await its release, many are brushing up on mechanics, including the currency system, which is essential for progression, crafting, trading, and building in Path of Exile (PoE).

In Path of Exile, the currency system is unlike that of many other RPGs. Instead of gold or a similar universal currency, PoE uses a unique collection of items that serve as its currency. These items can be traded, consumed for crafting, or used to modify gear. Understanding the value and use of each currency item is crucial for making the most out of your time in the game. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into Path of Exile 2's currency system, covering how it works, the most commonly used currencies, and tips for effectively managing them.

What Is the Currency System in Path of Exile 2?

POE 2 Currency items function as tools for progression. They are used to:

Craft and modify items (via crafting recipes, adding affixes, etc.)

Trade with other players

Upgrade and improve gear

Enhance and reforge various aspects of your character

Unlike other games where a single currency type is used for everything, PoE utilizes a range of currency items, each with its own specific purpose. Some are used to modify gear, while others help in trading or crafting specific items.

Currency items in Path of Exile 2 are not just collectible, but they serve as essential tools to help you build the best possible gear and trade it with other players. This unique approach to currency makes PoE more engaging and allows for endless customization and economic depth.

Types of Currency in Path of Exile 2

The most basic currency items in Path of Exile 2 are the Orb types, which come in different varieties. These orbs are used to alter, improve, or reroll specific aspects of items in the game. Below are the most commonly used currency items you'll encounter in PoE:

1. Orbs of Exaltation (Exalts)

Purpose: The Orb of Exaltation is perhaps the most well-known currency item in PoE. It is used to add a random affix (modifier) to a rare item.

Usage: When you use an Exalt on a rare item, it adds an additional modifier to that item, making it more powerful. Exalts are one of the most sought-after currency items in the game due to their role in crafting end-game items with powerful stats.

Exalts can also be used in trading and item crafting. Players generally use Exalts for high-tier gear crafting, especially when they're trying to perfect rare items for their builds.

2. Chaos Orbs

Purpose: Chaos Orbs are essential for re-rolling rare items, replacing their existing affixes with new ones.

Usage: This is one of the most frequently used orbs by players who want to optimize their gear. Unlike Exalts, which only add a modifier to a rare item, Chaos Orbs allow players to completely change the set of modifiers on a rare item.

Chaos Orbs are the go-to currency for crafting items to fit specific builds. For instance, if you're trying to get a certain resist or damage stat, you'd use a Chaos Orb to attempt a re-roll until you get what you need.

3. Orb of Fusing

Purpose: The Orb of Fusing is used to link sockets on an item, allowing you to create or reroll the linking of sockets in your gear. This is crucial for creating specific gem setups, which are central to any build in PoE.

Usage: When you use an Orb of Fusing, it will modify the socket links on an item. For example, if you have an item with several sockets, the Orb of Fusing may change them to be linked in a specific way (e.g., a 6-link setup for optimal skill gem support). Getting a 6-link item is often considered a high-end achievement in crafting.

Orbs of Fusing are crucial for crafting your perfect gear and are often used in high-end crafting strategies, especially for end-game content.

4. Orbs of Alchemy

Purpose: The Orb of Alchemy is used to convert normal items into rare ones.

Usage: You can use this orb on normal (white) items to upgrade them to rare (yellow) items with random affixes. This is often used for crafting and finding rare items quickly when you're trying to generate high-value loot for trade or personal use.

The Orb of Alchemy is a staple of the item upgrade system in PoE, used by both casual and hardcore players to increase item quality.

5. Orb of Scouring

Purpose: The Orb of Scouring is used to remove all modifiers from a rare item, reverting it to its base state.

Usage: This orb is particularly useful when you want to re-craft an item but don't want to keep any of its previous affixes. It's often used in conjunction with Chaos Orbs or Exalted Orbs to create and test new modifiers for a piece of gear.

6. Vaal Orbs

Purpose: Vaal Orbs are used to corrupt an item, adding a variety of potential modifiers, sometimes beneficial, sometimes not.

Usage: When used on an item, a Vaal Orb corrupts that item, often altering its properties in unexpected ways. Corruptions can add powerful or dangerous bonuses and sometimes turn the item into a unique item or alter its properties. They are useful for end-game crafting, where the risk-reward mechanic is most prevalent.

Vaal Orbs are commonly used by end-game players looking for that extra edge for their high-tier gear.

7. Divine Orbs

Purpose: Divine Orbs are used to re-roll the values of modifiers on an item. They can improve or downgrade the numbers of specific stats on the item, offering a way to fine-tune your gear.

Usage: For example, if you have a rare item with an affix like "+% Life," you could use a Divine Orb to re-roll that affix, possibly getting higher percentages.

Divine Orbs are useful when you've crafted the perfect item but need to perfect the exact value of certain affixes.

Trading with Currency: The Economy of PoE

Currency plays a crucial role in Path of Exile 2's economy. It is the basis for almost all player interactions, from crafting and modifying items to poe2 trade and bartering. Here's a breakdown of how trading works with the various currencies:

Barter System: Unlike other RPGs that have fixed prices for items, PoE uses a barter system where players trade currency items for goods. One player's Exalts may be worth several Chaos Orbs, or vice versa, depending on the market and demand.

Value Fluctuation: Currency values can fluctuate based on supply and demand. For example, during an expansion or league, certain items may become much more valuable, causing demand for specific orbs (like Exalts or Chaos Orbs) to rise.

Vendor Recipes: The game also includes various vendor recipes, where players can trade specific combinations of items to NPC vendors in exchange for valuable currency items. These recipes can be a reliable source of currency for players who need to stockpile.

Tips for Managing Currency in Path of Exile 2

Managing your currency efficiently can make a significant difference in how quickly you progress through the game. Here are some tips:

Trade Efficiently: Always keep an eye on the value of different currency items and stay informed about the current market trends. Use trade websites or in-game trade features to find the best value for your orbs.

Craft Smartly: Don't waste currency items on low-tier crafting if you're aiming for high-end gear. Focus your crafting efforts on important items that can boost your build's performance.

Save Currency for Important Upgrades: Don't use your Exalts or Chaos Orbs on every item you come across. Focus on upgrading high-value or unique items.

Currency Stashes: Keep a separate stash for your various currencies so you don't accidentally spend them. Organize them to easily access the orbs when needed.

Conclusion

The currency system in Path of Exile 2 is one of the most unique and important aspects of the game. Understanding how to use, trade, and craft with currency items like Exalted Orbs, Chaos Orbs, and Divine Orbs will significantly enhance your experience and success in the game. The economy is player-driven, and mastering it is essential for progressing through Path of Exile 2: The Third Edict. Whether you're crafting perfect gear, optimizing your build, or trading with others, knowing the ins and outs of the currency system will help you become a more effective player in this ever-evolving world.