The Artificer’s Orb is a valuable currency item introduced in Path of Exile 2 that plays a crucial role in the game’s crafting and customization systems. Unlike traditional orbs that modify item affixes or rarity, the Artificer’s Orb focuses exclusively on enhancing socket potential by adding Rune sockets to weapons and armor. These Rune sockets are vital for inserting Runes, which grant various enhancements and abilities, allowing for deeper build customization. For many players, this orb represents one of the most practical uses of
poe 2 currency in the sequel.
To use an Artificer’s Orb, players must right-click the orb in their inventory and then left-click on a suitable piece of gear—specifically martial weapons or armor. Applying the orb adds one additional Rune socket, provided the item has not already reached its maximum allowed sockets. This process effectively expands the number of Rune slots available, enabling players to equip more or better combinations of Runes that improve offensive, defensive, or utility capabilities.
The number of sockets an item can have varies by item type: body armor and two-handed weapons can have up to two sockets added, while other gear such as gloves, boots, helmets, shields, and focus can only receive one. Notably, caster weapons, quivers, jewelry, and belts cannot receive sockets through this method. Players should use Artificer’s Orbs strategically, targeting gear with high base stats or important modifiers that benefit most from additional Runes. If you’re short on orbs during progression, many players turn to trade markets where poe 2 currency for sale provides quicker access to these upgrades.
Acquiring Artificer’s Orbs involves salvaging socketed gear via the Salvage Bench, unlocked early in the game during the “Finding the Forge” side quest. When players dismantle socketed items, they receive Artificer’s Shards. Collecting ten shards crafts one Artificer’s Orb. Orbs can also drop as loot from enemies, chests, and destructible objects throughout the game world, though at a comparatively low rate.
Since equipping Runes into sockets is permanent, players should carefully choose which gear to upgrade with Artificer’s Orbs, ensuring the equipment complements their long-term build plans. This permanence encourages strategic socket management and thoughtful use of orbs.
The Artificer’s Orb enhances Path of Exile 2’s depth by empowering players to customize their gear more extensively through Rune slots. It enables more complex builds and better synergy between gear and character abilities, making it an essential crafting currency for serious players aiming to maximize their character’s potential.