The Orb of Augmentation is a fundamental crafting currency in Path of Exile 2, essential for enhancing magic (blue) items by adding a new random modifier. Unlike the Orb of Transmutation, which upgrades normal (white) items to magic rarity, the Orb of Augmentation works exclusively on magic items that have only one affix, allowing you to add a second affix and improve the item’s overall power and utility.
To use an Orb of Augmentation, you first need a magic item with exactly one modifier—either a prefix or a suffix—meaning it has an open affix slot available. Once you have such an item, simply right-click the Orb of Augmentation and then left-click the magic item you want to augment. The orb will add a random new affix, which can be a prefix or suffix depending on what slot is open. This process is crucial for early and mid-game crafting, as it enables you to progressively build stronger gear without immediately jumping to rare items.
Orbs of Augmentation are relatively common and can be obtained by defeating enemies, looting containers such as chests, and disenchanting magic items at vendors to gain augmentation shards. Farming areas with high monster density or revisiting maps at higher levels can increase your chances of finding these orbs. However, players have noted that drop rates can vary significantly, so it’s wise to supplement farming with disenchanting unwanted magic items to maintain a steady supply. For those who want to speed things up, many players turn to poe 2 currency for sale platforms as a quick way to stockpile key resources.
The strategic use of Orbs of Augmentation lies in their role as a bridge between magic and rare items. A typical crafting sequence might involve using an Orb of Transmutation to convert a white item into a magic item, then applying an Orb of Augmentation to add a second affix, and finally upgrading the item to rare rarity with a Regal Orb. This stepwise approach allows for more controlled and efficient crafting, letting you tailor gear to your build’s needs without excessive resource expenditure. If you’re short on orbs, it can be worthwhile to
buy poe 2 currency to avoid crafting slowdowns during critical leveling phases.
In addition to gear crafting, Orbs of Augmentation can also be used to enhance strongboxes found in the wild, improving the quality of loot they drop. This utility makes them valuable beyond just item crafting, contributing to better farming and progression.
Because the affix added by an Orb of Augmentation is random, there is always an element of chance involved. It’s important to apply these orbs thoughtfully, preferably on base items with good implicit stats or those that fit your build’s requirements. Avoid wasting orbs on items that you plan to replace quickly or that have poor base attributes.
The Orb of Augmentation is a versatile and indispensable crafting tool in Path of Exile 2. It allows you to add a second affix to magic items, enhancing their power and preparing them for further upgrades. By understanding when and how to use this orb effectively—combining it with other crafting currencies and farming methods—you can significantly improve your gear progression and overall gameplay experience.