Among Path of Exile many unique jewels, The Balance of Terror stands out as a powerful and highly flexible option for builds that rely on curses. While the jewel provides a small but reliable boost to elemental resistances, its true value lies in the unpredictable and often game-changing curse-based effects it rolls. Depending on its modifiers, Balance of Terror can dramatically alter how a build functions, which is why top-tier versions are among the most valuable jewels in the Path of Exile Items economy.Don’t let a shortage of currency hold you back – get your POE currency at MMOexp today and thrive!

Although the resistance bonus is modest, the curse modifiers are anything but. Certain combinations can significantly boost damage, survivability, or utility, making some rolls extremely desirable. Because of this, well-rolled jewels can command prices of multiple Divines on the trade market.

How to Obtain Balance of Terror

Unlike many unique items, Balance of Terror does not drop randomly throughout the game. Farming it requires a specific setup and encounter.

Defeat Lycia in the Forbidden Sanctum

The only source of Balance of Terror is Lycia, Herald of the Scourge, found at the end of a complete Forbidden Sanctum run. However, several strict conditions apply:

You must reach Lycia on Floor 4 of the Sanctum

The jewel only drops from the final version of Lycia

Your run must be started using the unique Relic The Blood of Innocence

This Relic is essential. When a Sanctum run begins with The Blood of Innocence equipped, Lycia will always drop a Balance of Terror upon defeat. Additional unique Relics may also drop, but the jewel itself is guaranteed.

Sanctum Level Does Not Matter

The item is not tied to high-tier content. You can use low-level Forbidden Tomes, which many players prefer because:

Enemies are significantly weaker

Runs are faster and safer

Reaching Lycia requires less investment

This makes Sanctum one of the most efficient and consistent farming methods in the game.

Players often confuse Lycia Sanctum encounter with her T17 map variant.

Nightmare of Lycia, found in the Sanctuary T17 map, has a completely different loot table

This version cannot drop Balance of Terror

Only the Forbidden Sanctum version with the correct Relic can reward the jewel.

For players who prefer not to engage with Sanctum gameplay, purchasing the jewel through trade is a popular alternative.

Pricing depends almost entirely on the modifiers:

Poor or niche rolls can sell for a few Chaos Orbs

Strong, build-defining combinations can exceed 50+ Divine Orbs

Because of the wide value range, many players trade or invest buy Path of exile currency to acquire multiple copies, either for resale or to hunt for the perfect roll.

Balance of Terror Modifier Pool

Each Balance of Terror jewel rolls two modifiers from a pool of 18 curse-based effects. These modifiers fall into several broad categories.

Offensive Effects

Increased damage against enemies affected by specific curses

Cast Speed or Attack Speed bonuses after applying certain curses

Critical strike bonuses against cursed enemies

Defensive Effects

Reduced elemental or physical damage taken after being cursed

Damage mitigation tied to curses such as Temporal Chains or Enfeeble

Utility and Immunities

Immunity to ailments like Ignite, Chill, or Shock when using particular curses

Movement speed or action speed bonuses triggered by cursing enemies

Because only two modifiers roll at a time, finding the perfect synergy often requires farming or buying multiple jewels.

Using Balance of Terror in Your Build

Balance of Terror can be socketed into any jewel slot on the passive tree. It has no radius requirements and does not depend on nearby nodes.

Matching the Jewel to Your Curse Setup

This jewel shines when its modifiers align with how your build applies curses:

Curse-on-Hit builds, such as Occultist, elemental bow builds, or cold damage-over-time setups

Hexblast or self-curse builds, which benefit from both offensive and defensive triggers

Support-oriented characters, including aura bots or curse-focused Guardians, who gain strong defensive or utility bonuses

You can socket more than one Balance of Terror at the same time. However, identical modifiers do not stack, so each jewel must have different affixes to be effective. High-end characters often run two to four copies with complementary rolls.

The elemental resistance roll is not the jewel main selling point, but it helps:

Cushion resistance penalties from map modifiers

Offset drawbacks from certain unique items

Simplify gearing during progression

The Balance of Terror is one of Path of Exile most creative and impactful unique jewels. Its guaranteed drop method, massive range of curse-based modifiers, and ability to reshape builds make it a standout chase item. For players willing to master the Forbidden Sanctum—or those ready to invest in trade—it offers enormous potential and near-endless customization.