The Orb of Augmentation is a small but powerful tool in Path of Exile 2’s crafting system. It allows players to add a random affix to a magic (blue) item that currently has only one modifier. While it’s one of the most common currencies in the game, understanding how to use it effectively can make a big difference in both crafting results and poe 2 currency efficiency.
The key to using this orb wisely lies in timing and item selection. Since an Orb of Augmentation can only be used on a magic item with one affix, your goal should be to find strong bases and use them to roll desirable combinations. For example, if you use a Transmutation Orb on a weapon and get a powerful prefix like “% increased spell damage,” that item becomes a perfect candidate for augmentation. The Orb of Augmentation can then add a useful suffix such as cast speed or elemental resistance, turning a simple item into a potent leveling tool.
This process forms the foundation of Path of Exile’s early-game crafting loop:
Use an Orb of Transmutation to make a normal (white) item into a magic (blue) one.
Apply an Orb of Augmentation to fill the empty modifier slot.
If the resulting stats are useful, keep the item. If not, use an Orb of Alteration to reroll both affixes.
Repeating this loop helps refine early gear without wasting expensive crafting currency. This system teaches the principles of affix control, a vital skill for crafting high-end equipment later.
One of the best ways to take advantage of Augmentation Orbs is through flask crafting. Magic flasks can roll crucial defensive modifiers such as “of Staunching” (bleed removal), “of Warding” (curse immunity), or “of Heat” (freeze removal). Using Augmentations to add missing modifiers to partially rolled flasks lets you customize them for specific encounters, making this orb an invaluable tool for survivability.
In the mid to late game, Augmentation Orbs remain relevant as part of structured crafting sequences. When a magic item has two good affixes, you can upgrade it into a rare item with a Regal Orb. This “transmute → augment → regal” progression is a core method used by experienced players to create controlled, incremental upgrades. It’s a low-risk, high-learning-value approach that avoids burning high-value currency items early on.
Economically, Augmentation Orbs hold steady demand within the poe 2 currency market. They’re easy to acquire, commonly used in bulk crafting, and serve as filler trade materials for other low-tier orbs like Alterations or Transmutations. While they aren’t worth much individually, their universal utility ensures they maintain relevance in player-to-player exchanges.
For efficient farming, target dense zones with strongboxes and destructible objects — early areas like The Coast, The Prison, or The Submerged Passage tend to drop these orbs frequently. You can also get Augmentation Shards from selling identified magic items to vendors, which combine into full orbs automatically.
The Orb of Augmentation may be one of the simplest crafting items in Path of Exile 2, but it’s also one of the most versatile. Used thoughtfully, it bridges the gap between basic upgrades and advanced item creation. Whether you’re fine-tuning your flasks, shaping early-game gear, or saving poe 2 currency for big crafts later, this humble orb helps you make every piece of equipment count.