Path of Exile 2 isn’t just another installment in the series; it’s an overhauled version of the original with ‘ambitious’ as its middle name. Out of its many changes, the in-game currency system has received the most love for a good reason. While PoE 2 manages to keep some semblance of the base currency system from the original PoE, it adds fresh mechanics in how players will now trade, upgrade, and, more importantly, craft their gear.
In this walkthrough, we will highlight the most noteworthy PoE currency, discuss its new features, and explain how players can optimize their loot.
What’s New in PoE 2’s Currency System?
To cut straight to the chase, Path of Exile’s approach to economies is already unique, and unlike traditional RPGs that rely on gold or coins, PoE follows a barter-based economy where items like Orbs serve as both currency and crafting tools. The principle, however, remains the same in PoE 2, although some orbs serve different purposes now and new items have been added to enrich crafting and character progression.
One key difference is streamlining. Several older currencies have been rebalanced or merged into new items for improved player control and consistency.
Main Currencies in PoE 2
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Chaos Orb
As it stands, the Chaos Orb is still a trusted currency. Chaos Orbs are now integral in crafting. Instead of completely randomizing all modifiers on a rare item, it replaces one random modifier for more control. This enhances the item’s mid-tier crafting reroll which is generally rather expensive.
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Exalted Orb
In PoE 2, the Exalted Orb continues its practice of adding a new modifier to rare items, although with a slightly adjusted weighting system. You are now more likely to receive modifiers that relate to the base item type; This change means the Exalted Orb won’t be wasted as much and will be more targeted.
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Divine Orb
With POE 2, Affix rerolling has become a very specific function of Divine Orbs. While that’s not new, their value has increased due to the tighter control PoE 2 offers in crafting. Fine-tuning gear to perfection is now easier than ever.
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Mirror of Kalandra
Remaining the rarest and most prestigious currency item, the Mirror of Kalandra is able to duplicate any non-unique rare item. Used by top-tier players to clone god-tier gear almost exclusively, the mirror is still a powerful tool.
New Currency Items in PoE 2
Path of Exile 2 brings Runes and Soul Cores, both of which add a new layer of customization to gear.
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Runes
Similar to jewels or skill gems (though far more powerful), runes can be added to specified gear slots to grant modifiers. With these runes, players are able to customize their builds in accordance with the type of enemies or the mechanics of the bosses they are going to face.
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Soul Cores
They are associated with a new crafting system in PoE 2 and are considered rare drops. Soul Cores allow applying unique effects or powerful enhancements, altering the gear considerably. Picture them as one-shot boosters that can drastically change the capabilities of your gear.
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Omens: A Game-Changer
The Omen system is widely regarded as one of the most discussed additions. Omens are a new class of currency that changes the behavior of the next currency item you use.
For instance:
An Omen of Precision will guarantee your next Chaos Orb rerolls only to a specific modifier.
An Omen of Preservation would make sure that a valuable mod will not be removed while crafting.
Omens introduce an additional strategic layer and give players the ability to prepare for valuable items before crafting.
PoE 2 Trading and Economy
An adjustment on the orbs has caused an ever-changing meta on trading currency. Probably, players will value chaos orbs more than ever thanks to their semi-targeted behavior. Divine orbs are still valued more by the have-nots due to their rerolling power.
After PoE 2 launches, expect the first few months will have players running through the different currencies testing the best methods for crafting, this, alongside with trading will most likely cause a fluctuation on the value of Chaos Orbs.
Efficient Currency Strategy Tips
Here are helpful strategies on how to maximize your currency value in PoE 2:
- Refrain from consuming Omens on low-end crafts for leveling gear, save them for high-tier ones.
- Spend currency to prepare gear for skill synergy for the late game by refraining from ripping off the links and sockets until late in the game.
- Utilize targeted chaos orb crafts to flip masquerade and other sought-after items for an instant profit.
Beware of the current market trend. The arising demand might die out by next week.
Final Thoughts
With the newly added features in Path of Exile 2, the currency system retains all the core elements while improving and expanding how it can be used.
As the game develops, the economy, crafting tactics, and dealing with certain currencies will evolve as well. It doesn’t matter if you are a trade league acquired or a solo self-found crafter; knowing the secrets of PoE 2 currency will help you immensely in Wraeclast’s unforgiving landscape.