Understanding the Orb of Augmentation: A PoE Beginner&#8

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The Orb of Augmentation is a fundamental crafting currency in Path of Exile that allows players to add a random modifier to a magic (blue) item that currently has only one affix. This makes it an essential tool for enhancing gear by increasing the number of affixes from one to two, thereby improving the item's overall power and utility.

Using the Orb of Augmentation is straightforward. First, ensure the item you want to augment is of magic rarity and has only a single affix—either a prefix or a suffix. Then, right-click the orb and left-click the target item. This action adds a new random modifier, which could be a prefix if the item initially had a suffix, or vice versa. Because the new affix is random, the result can vary, so it’s wise to use this orb strategically.

One of the best early-game uses for the Orb of Augmentation is in conjunction with the Orb of Transmutation. After upgrading a normal item to magic rarity with a Transmutation orb, you can use an Orb of Augmentation to add a second affix, creating a more powerful magic item that can carry you through early content more effectively. This stepwise crafting process is a foundational part of Path of Exile’s gear progression. Some players looking to save time during the early grind choose to buy poe 2 currency so they can apply these orbs more liberally across multiple gear sets.

Orbs of Augmentation also play a key role in vendor recipes. Some recipes require magic items with specific affixes, and augmenting an item can help meet these conditions, enabling you to craft or trade more effectively. Additionally, these orbs can be used to improve strongboxes found in the wild, enhancing the quality of loot they drop, which can be particularly rewarding.

Obtaining Orbs of Augmentation is relatively accessible. They drop from monsters, chests, and destructible containers, especially in higher-level zones. You can also acquire them through vendor recipes by selling specific sets of items or by disenchanting magic gear into currency fragments that combine into full Orbs of Augmentation. This makes them easy to farm and maintain in your inventory.

Strategically, Orbs of Augmentation are valuable not only for early upgrades but also as a stepping stone for more advanced crafting. After adding a second affix to a magic item, players often use Orbs of Alteration to reroll affixes or Regal Orbs to upgrade the item to rare status, unlocking even more customization options. This layered crafting approach allows for precise tailoring of gear to suit your build. Keeping a stash of cheap poe 2 currency also helps when engaging in repetitive crafting to chase high-value affix combinations.

The Orb of Augmentation is a versatile and cost-effective currency that enhances magic items by adding a second random modifier. It is crucial for early and mid-game crafting, vendor recipe completion, and improving loot quality from strongboxes. By understanding when and how to use Orbs of Augmentation, players can significantly boost their gear’s power and customize their equipment to better fit their playstyle in Path of Exile.