In Path of Exile 2, the Artificer's Orb is an essential currency item that allows players to add sockets to their weapons and armor, significantly enhancing their build customization. Unlike the original game, where sockets were somewhat fixed or altered through other means, PoE 2 introduces the Artificer's Orb as a dedicated crafting tool to expand your gear's potential.

What is the Artificer's Orb?

The Artificer's Orb adds a rune socket to your equipment, enabling you to insert runes or soul cores that grant various bonuses. Most gear pieces can have only one socket, except for body armor and two-handed weapons, which can hold up to two sockets. This limitation means you need to be strategic about where and how you use these orbs to maximize your character’s effectiveness.

How to Obtain Artificer's Orbs

There are two primary ways to acquire Artificer's Orbs. The first is through random drops from enemies, chests, and destructible objects, though this method is relatively rare. The more reliable method is salvaging socketed gear at the Salvage Bench, which you unlock early in Act One by completing the "Finding the Forge" side quest.

Salvaging gear that already has sockets yields Artificer's Shards, and collecting ten shards allows you to craft one Artificer's Orb. To maximize shard collection, focus on acquiring gear with sockets, which you can identify by white squares next to the item’s name. Fighting unique enemies, bosses, and clearing special map areas repeatedly increases your chances of obtaining socketed items to salvage.

Using the Artificer's Orb

To use an Artificer's Orb, simply right-click the orb in your inventory and then left-click the item you want to socket. The item will gain one additional rune socket, provided it hasn't reached its maximum allowed sockets. This process is crucial for equipping runes or soul cores that enhance your character’s abilities, such as increasing elemental damage, resistance, or health.

Runes and Soul Cores

Sockets created by Artificer's Orbs allow you to insert runes and soul cores, which provide various buffs. Popular examples include the Soul Core of Azcapa, which increases item rarity and spirit, and the Soul Core of Tacati, which boosts chaos resistance. Elemental runes improve specific resistances, while offensive runes like the Iron Rune enhance physical damage output. This system adds a layer of depth and customization, letting you tailor your gear to your playstyle.

Strategic Tips

Since Artificer's Orbs are valuable, it’s wise to use them on high-quality gear that will impact your build significantly. Prioritize socketing body armor and two-handed weapons first, as these pieces can hold two sockets each. Also, keep an eye out for cheap poe 2 currency deals if you want to stock up on these orbs without spending excessive time farming. Additionally, players looking to enhance their gearing efficiency can explore poe 2 currency for sale through trusted marketplaces.

Mastering the use of Artificer's Orbs is key to optimizing your character in PoE 2. By efficiently gathering shards, crafting orbs, and socketing your gear with the right runes and soul cores, you can greatly enhance your build’s power and versatility. Whether you’re a casual player or aiming for endgame content, understanding socket crafting with Artificer's Orbs is a fundamental skill in Path of Exile 2.