InPath of Exile 2(PoE2), currency items continue to serve a pivotal role in gameplay, crafting, and trade. One of the most commonly used and essential items for both new and veteran players is theOrb of Transmutation. While it might seem like a basic item at first glance, this orb plays a fundamental role in the game’s economy and item progression system. It allows players to upgrade normal (white) items into magical (blue) items, providing a stepping stone toward more complex crafting processes and better gear customization. Understanding how to use the Orb of Transmutation effectively can streamline your early-game experience and even contribute to your long-term crafting goals.
What Is an Orb of Transmutation?
TheOrb of Transmutationis a common currency item inPoE2, primarily used to convert a normal item into a magic item. This upgrade adds one or two affixes to the item, which can enhance its utility and make it viable for early combat or crafting purposes. While the orb doesn’t grant control over the modifiers it applies, its accessibility and usefulness make it a staple of any player’s inventory.
Basic Use:
- Transforms a normal item into a magic item
- Applies one or two random modifiers
- Works on weapons, armor, jewelry, and flasks
These seemingly simple mechanics lay the foundation for more advanced crafting, as well as efficient leveling and gearing strategies.
How to Use Orb of Transmutation in PoE2
Using the orb is straightforward. Simply right-click the Orb of Transmutation in your inventory, then left-click a white item you wish to upgrade. The item will instantly become a magic item with random properties. Because of the orb’s low cost and frequent drop rate, players can experiment freely with early-game upgrades without fear of wasting rare resources.
When to Use It:
- On a white item with a good base type that you want to use temporarily
- When you’re leveling and want a quick power boost
- To prepare an item for further modification using other currency
This is especially helpful in the early acts when you’re constantly replacing gear and don’t yet have access to higher-tier crafting tools.
Farming and Obtaining Orb of Transmutation
The Orb of Transmutation is one of the most common currency items in PoE2. Players will typically accumulate these naturally just by playing, but if you’re looking to stockpile them for bulk crafting or trade, there are a few ways to do so more efficiently.
Sources:
- Monster Drops: Common drop from slain enemies
- Chests and Containers: Found throughout the game world
- Vendor Recipes: Sell a full stack of identify scrolls (Scrolls of Wisdom) for a Transmutation Shard
- Breaking Down Gear: Selling magic items may yield shards that combine into full orbs
Because they are so accessible, it’s easy to keep a steady supply of Orbs of Transmutation in your stash for crafting and trading needs.
Crafting Uses and Strategies
While upgrading a white item into a blue item may seem basic, theOrb of Transmutationis often the first step in more complex item crafting. By using it strategically, players can create items tailored to specific builds or playstyles, particularly when combined with other currencies.
Crafting Strategies:
- Start a Crafting Chain: Use Transmutation to make a blue item, then add modifiers with other orbs like Alteration or Augmentation
- Pre-Crafting: Use on a white item with ideal sockets or base stats to prep it for further investment
- Use with Bench Crafting: After transmuting, you can sometimes use the crafting bench to add a useful third modifier
This early-stage control can provide a smoother experience when building gear for a specific character archetype or build goal.
When Not to Use Orb of Transmutation
Despite its usefulness, there are situations where using an Orb of Transmutation is not recommended. Recognizing these moments can save you valuable time and other resources.
Situations to Avoid:
- On high-end gear bases you plan to make rare or unique
- When you’re farming currency or playing a trade-focused strategy
- When preparing an item for a Chaos Orb recipe (requires rare items)
In many cases, especially later in the game, you’ll want to save white items for direct rare upgrades or vendor recipes rather than upgrading to magic items.
Orb of Transmutation in Trade Economy
InPath of Exile 2, currency items serve as the foundation of the economy. While the Orb of Transmutation is common, it still holds a place in trade, particularly in large bulk quantities or in crafting bundles. Some players may trade dozens or hundreds at once when preparing for large crafting projects or early league rushes.
Common Trade Uses:
- Filling up currency sets to exchange for higher-tier currency
- Trading for other small crafting resources
- Combining with other orbs for barter-style transactions
While not as valuable as Chaos Orbs or Exalted Orbs, the Orb of Transmutation remains relevant due to its foundational role in item crafting.
Interaction with New PoE2 Systems
Path of Exile 2introduces new mechanics, such as improved crafting stations, better mod previews, and gear tiering. These systems may alter how and when players use orbs like Transmutation. However, the orb still retains its basic purpose as an entry-level upgrade tool.
Enhanced Mod Clarity:
In PoE2, magic items created with an Orb of Transmutation offer clearer insight into modifier ranges and potential upgrades. This helps players better evaluate whether to keep crafting or reroll the item entirely.
Crafting Bench Integration:
With a revamped crafting bench, players can more easily plan upgrades from magic items. A transmuted item can now serve as a more informative base for further enhancement, even for casual crafters.
Best Items to Upgrade with Orb of Transmutation
Certain item types provide better value when upgraded with a Transmutation Orb. Choosing the right item ensures you don’t waste the modifier potential.
Top Picks:
- Flasks: Transmuting flasks can yield powerful utility mods early on
- Rings and Amulets: Magic jewelry can drop with strong resistances or damage bonuses
- Boots and Gloves: Early boosts to movement speed or attack speed can be game-changing
Identifying the right item to upgrade makes the most of this common currency, especially during leveling or when on a budget.
TheOrb of Transmutationmay appear modest inPath of Exile 2, but its significance in both early and intermediate crafting is undeniable. From providing the first meaningful upgrades to enabling more elaborate mod combinations, it plays a vital role in shaping a character’s power curve. Whether you’re leveling a fresh build, min-maxing flask modifiers, or setting the stage for rare item creation, knowing how to use the Orb of Transmutation effectively gives you a strategic edge. Keep a good stock in your stash you’ll be reaching for it more often than you think.