The Orb of Alchemy is one of the most iconic and frequently used crafting currencies in Path of Exile 2, but several myths and misconceptions surround its use. Clarifying these misunderstandings helps players use it more effectively and avoid wasted resources.
Myth 1: The Orb of Alchemy Can Be Used on Magic Items
A common misconception from the original Path of Exile carries over to PoE 2, where some players believe the Orb of Alchemy can upgrade magic (blue) items to rare (yellow) items. In Path of Exile 2, this is no longer true. The Orb of Alchemy only works on normal (white) items, transforming them into rare items with multiple random affixes. Magic items cannot be upgraded directly with this orb, which narrows its use but clarifies its role in crafting progression.
Myth 2: The Orb of Alchemy Guarantees the Best Possible Affixes
While the Orb of Alchemy upgrades a normal item to rare status with four to six random modifiers, it does not guarantee optimal or "god-tier" affixes. The affixes are entirely random within the pool available for that item base, so it is possible to get less desirable or even detrimental mods. This randomness means players often combine the orb’s use with other crafting orbs, like Exalted Orbs, or even turn to poe 2 currency for sale options to enhance or reroll rare items effectively.
Myth 3: Orbs of Alchemy Are Best Used Early Game Only
Though Orbs of Alchemy are crucial early on for quickly upgrading normal items, they also have valuable uses in the late game. For example, players frequently apply Orbs of Alchemy to maps to increase their rarity and affixes, enhancing the challenge and rewards. This use extends the orb’s relevance beyond simple gear upgrades and into map crafting and endgame progression.
Myth 4: The Orb of Alchemy Can Be Farmed Easily Anywhere
While Orbs of Alchemy drop from monsters, chests, and destructible objects, their drop rate is moderate and more common in mid to late-game content such as Cruel difficulty and higher-tier maps. Farming them efficiently requires targeting specific areas with high monster density or using vendor recipes. They are not as common as some other currency orbs, so players should plan their farming routes and trading accordingly. Some players also buy poe 2 currency to maintain a steady crafting flow without spending excessive time grinding.
Myth 5: The Orb of Alchemy Is the Only Way to Get Rare Items
Although the Orb of Alchemy is a straightforward method to create rare items, it is not the only way. Players can also find rare items as drops, trade with others, or use other crafting orbs like the Regal Orb to upgrade magic items to rare. The Orb of Alchemy is best seen as a reliable tool for initial rare item creation rather than the sole method.
Myth 6: Using an Orb of Alchemy on Any Normal Item Is Equally Effective
Not all normal items are equally good candidates for Alchemy. The orb’s value is maximized when used on base items with desirable implicit stats, sockets, or links that suit a player’s build. Applying it blindly to any normal item may result in wasted potential, so players should be selective about which bases to upgrade.
The Orb of Alchemy is a powerful but nuanced crafting tool. It only upgrades normal items, produces random affixes without guarantees, and remains useful throughout the game, especially in map crafting. Efficient farming and strategic use on appropriate bases are key to unlocking its full potential. Dispelling these common myths helps players make informed decisions and get the most out of this essential currency.
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