As someone who has been grinding maps since the original Path of Exile’s beta days, I’ve come to appreciate the intricacies of the currency system more than any other mechanic. So today, I’m breaking down the top 10 most valuable currencies in Path of Exile 2—not just by rarity, but by how much impact they actually have on your gameplay.
Whether you're a fresh exile just figuring out how to use a Chaos Orb or a returning player trying to adapt to PoE 2’s updates, this list will save you time, currency, and a whole lot of frustration.
1. Chaos OrbLet’s be real. No PoE 2 currency guide is complete without the Chaos Orb. It’s the heart of the economy in both Path of Exile 1 and 2. It re-rolls all modifiers on a rare item, giving you a fresh set of stats with each use.
Why it matters: Chaos Orbs are the baseline for most trades. In late-game mapping or bossing, these babies are your ticket to efficient gear swapping and economy progression. In fact, the term "Chaos value" basically defines an item's worth in the trade market.
2. Exalted OrbNow we’re getting into the serious stuff. The Exalted Orb adds a new modifier to a rare item, making it one of the most potent tools for high-end crafting.
Why it matters: This isn’t something you casually use at level 30. You hoard these for elite crafting, mirror-tier gear, or heavy endgame investments. In PoE 2, deterministic crafting is more viable, so Exalts are even more important for fine-tuning.
3. Orb of AnnulmentSometimes less is more. The Orb of Annulment removes a single modifier from an item at random.
Why it matters: Great for surgical crafting. Did you roll five great mods and one trash one? This orb lets you try and fix that. It's a high-stakes tool, and if you’re lucky, it saves you hours of grinding or trading.
4. Divine OrbThese bad boys re-roll the numeric values of existing mods on a piece of equipment.
Why it matters: Got the perfect rare amulet, but that fire damage roll is too low? A Divine Orb can perfect it. In PoE 2, where min-maxing is more flexible, Divine Orbs are gaining even more traction in meta crafting.
5. Orb of FusingWelcome to your best friend and your worst enemy. The Orb of Fusing changes the links between sockets on an item.
Why it matters: Links are everything when it comes to skill synergy. Need to hit that 6-link chest for your main build to pop off? Start saving your Fusings. And I’ll be honest, it can take hundreds to land the setup you want. RNG, baby.
6. Orb of RegretLet’s be honest, we all make mistakes. Orb of Regret gives you a passive respec point.
Why it matters: New players often underestimate how valuable it is to fix a bad build. This orb becomes your get-out-of-jail-free card if you realize 40 hours in that your passive tree looks like a spider web.
7. Awakened SextantThis is a mapping currency item that modifies your Atlas strategy, which is a core part of the PoE 2 endgame.
Why it matters: For players grinding high-tier content, mapping efficiency is crucial. Awakened Sextants let you tailor map modifiers, boost currency drops, and enhance your farming loops. If you’re running juiced maps, you’ll need a stack of these.
8. Orb of AlchemyIt might seem like a low-tier currency at first, but the Orb of Alchemy turns a normal item into a rare one. Simple, right?
Why it matters: As you climb into yellow and red-tier maps, you'll need to alch maps to juice them up for better loot. This orb is also useful when you're rolling gear bases before diving into deeper crafting.
9. Mirror of KalandraThe rarest currency item in the game. It creates a mirrored copy of a non-corrupted item.
Why it matters: Mirrors are more about prestige than utility for most players. Still, they represent the pinnacle of wealth. If you find one, you’ve essentially won the lottery. Don’t use it casually—sell it or save it for something truly god-tier.
10. Vaal OrbThis little red orb corrupts an item, adding unpredictable results. It might add a powerful implicit modifier. Or it might brick the item entirely.
Why it matters: Vaal Orbs are great for endgame gambling. Want to add a second implicit mod to your amulet or corrupt a gem for increased effect? Vaal Orbs make that happen. Just be ready for heartbreak—it's a gamble every time.
How PoE 2 Changes the Currency GameIf you’re coming from Path of Exile 1, you’ll notice that Path of Exile 2 currency has a more crafting-focused design. The devs are leaning into deterministic crafting, which means less RNG if you know how to use your tools.
What this also means is: valuable currency is not just rare—it’s impactful. Understanding how and when to use your stash of crafting orbs will help you level faster, farm more efficiently, and avoid relying too heavily on trading.
The trick isn’t just hoarding—it’s knowing when to spend.
Currency Tips from a Real VeteranAlright, here's some hard-earned advice from someone who's wasted more Chaos Orbs than I care to admit:
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Don’t blow through currency early: Save your Chaos, Fusings, and Alchs for the real gear. Use magic or decent rare drops while leveling.
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Always pick up scrolls: You’ll need Scrolls of Wisdom and Portal Scrolls constantly. Never let them rot on the ground.
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Use vendor recipes: You can generate a steady flow of low-tier currency through smart vendor recipes. For example, selling an RGB-linked item gets you a Chromatic Orb.
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Use your bench: Crafting benches offer deterministic upgrades that can stretch your currency and optimize gear.
Let’s keep it real—farming in PoE 2 can be grindy. If you’re short on time or just don’t feel like flipping gear for hours, you might want to check out SSEGold. It’s one of the better-known, trusted sources for PoE 2 currency out there, and it’s especially helpful for players who want to focus more on the gameplay and less on the market grind.
Final ThoughtsThere you have it—ten of the most valuable currencies in Path of Exile 2, plus some practical tips on when and how to use them. The biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years? Currency is more than just drops—it’s decision-making. Every Orb you use is a choice, and in PoE 2, those choices are more impactful than ever.
So keep grinding, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to mess up. That’s half the fun.
See you in Wraeclast, exile.