Path of Exile 2: Orb of Alchemy Guide

If you’re diving into Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), there’s a lot to wrap your head around. From powerful loot to crazy endgame bosses, the game throws a lot at you. But one thing you’ll get used to real fast is crafting. And at the heart of crafting? The Orb of Alchemy.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “What’s the big deal with the Orb of Alchemy?” Well, sit tight because we’re about to break it down. This little gem of a currency can seriously power up your gear and help you survive some of the toughest fights in the game. So, let’s talk about how it works and why you should definitely keep a few in your stash.

What Is the Orb of Alchemy in PoE 2?

Alright, let’s start with the basics. The Orb of Alchemy is a currency item in Path of Exile 2 that upgrades a normal item (an identified item) into a rare item with 4 random modifiers. That’s right—four random mods, each one giving your item a nice boost. We're talking stuff like increased cast speed, critical strike chance, or even resistances. It’s a total game-changer when you’re looking to make your gear way stronger.

The beauty of this is that you’re not just upgrading a random piece of gear; you’re turning it into a rare item that could really fit your build’s needs. Sure, it’s a bit random (because, well, PoE 2), but the right modifiers can make a huge difference.

How Does the Orb of Alchemy Work?

So, how do you actually use the Orb of Alchemy? It’s pretty simple—just take a normal item (you know, one that’s been identified but isn’t rare yet), slap the orb on it, and boom—it turns into a rare item with 4 random modifiers.

Now, here’s where things get interesting: those mods are totally random. You might get something perfect for your build, or you might end up with a roll that makes you wish you’d saved that orb for another item. But hey, that’s the fun of crafting in PoE 2, right?

The key here is to pick the right base item to use the orb on. If you’re upgrading something that already has potential—like an item with a high item level (ilvl)—you have a better shot at getting top-tier affixes. So, make sure the base item is one that will actually benefit from becoming rare.

Why Use the Orb of Alchemy?

You might be asking, “Why should I bother with the Orb of Alchemy?” Well, here are a few reasons why this orb is worth your attention:

1. Upgrading to Rare Items: As you play through PoE 2, rare items become essential for dealing with tougher bosses and endgame content. The Orb of Alchemy makes this process way easier by turning normal items into rare ones with powerful mods.

2. Cost-Effective Crafting: The orb is relatively cheap compared to some of the more complicated crafting methods in the game. If you’re looking to upgrade your gear without spending a ton of resources, this is the way to go.

3. It’s Simple to Use: You don’t need to be a crafting expert to make use of the Orb of Alchemy. Just apply it, and you’re good to go. Of course, the randomness means you might need to use it on a few items, but hey, it’s all part of the fun.
   

Where to Farm the Orb of Alchemy

Now that you know why the Orb of Alchemy is awesome, let’s talk about how to get your hands on it. Here are a few ways to farm or buy them:

1. Rift Maps

If you’re deep into PoE 2 and pushing into the tougher tiers, Rift Maps are one of the best places to farm Orbs of Alchemy. These maps, especially at Tier 12 or higher, drop Orbs of Alchemy pretty regularly. Look out for specific maps like Frozen Rift, Ember Rift, and Storm Rift. These are gold mines for Orbs of Alchemy.

2. Trading

If you’re not into farming and just want the goods right away, you can always buy Orbs of Alchemy from other players. There are plenty of places to trade in PoE 2, including well-known platforms like SSEGold. Sure, it’ll cost you a bit, but if you’re in a rush, this is an easy option.

3. Rift Bosses

Don’t forget about Rift Bosses. Deep Rift Overlords, the bosses in T14+ Rift maps, drop Orbs of Alchemy quite frequently. These guys are no joke, though, so make sure you’re ready for a tough fight before you take them on.

Crafting with the Orb of Alchemy

Once you’ve got your Orb of Alchemy, it’s time to craft some awesome gear. The key here is knowing which mods you’re after. The orb will give you 4 random modifiers, but you want to make sure those mods fit your build.

If you’re a spell-caster, for example, you’ll probably want mods like cast speed, spell damage, and critical strike chance. On the other hand, if you’re running a minion-based build, you’ll be after minion damage and minion attack speed.

If the first roll isn’t perfect, don’t panic! You can always try again with another Orb of Alchemy or combine it with other crafting methods, like Essences, to force certain mods onto the item.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Orb of Alchemy

Even though the Orb of Alchemy is a great tool, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

1. Upgrading Low-Value Items: Don’t waste an Orb of Alchemy on a cheap item. Make sure the base item has potential, especially if it’s a high item level (ilvl). Otherwise, you’re just burning orbs for no good reason. (Check our Best base item List) 

2. Expecting Perfection: The orb’s affixes are random, so don’t expect every item to be perfect right out of the gate. Sometimes, you’ll get great rolls, and other times… well, not so much. Be prepared to re-craft if necessary.

3. Ignoring Resistances: It’s tempting to focus on damage mods, but resistances are super important, too. If your item’s resistances aren’t capped, you might end up getting squashed by a random boss hit. Always check your resists first!

Final Thoughts

In PoE 2, the Orb of Alchemy is a fantastic tool for upgrading your gear and making sure you’re ready for tougher challenges. It’s straightforward, it’s effective, and it can really help power up your character.

Just remember to use it wisely—don’t waste it on low-tier items, always aim for useful mods, and be prepared for some randomness. And if you’re ever short on currency or need to buy those hard-to-find items,SSEGold has got your back.

Now, get out there, start crafting, and watch your gear go from basic to boss-slaying in no time!