The Orb of Chance in Path of Exile 2 is a unique and intriguing currency item that allows players to gamble on transforming a normal (white) item into a powerful unique item. This mechanic, known as "chancing," offers a high-risk, high-reward opportunity to obtain rare and valuable uniques that can significantly enhance a character's power.
How the Orb of Chance Works
When you use an Orb of Chance on a normal rarity item, the item can either disappear or transform into a magic, rare, or unique item of the same base type. The key restriction is that the base item must have a unique counterpart; for example, only an Ornate Belt can be chanced into the unique belt Ryslatha’s Coil. Not all base types have unique versions, so verifying this beforehand is essential to avoid wasting orbs.
The chance of success varies widely depending on the rarity and demand of the unique item linked to the base. Some uniques are common and easier to obtain, while others—like the coveted Headhunter belt or Astramentis amulet—are extremely rare and valuable, making the chancing process a true gamble. The rarity tiers of uniques are not publicly disclosed but influence the drop rates, with Tier 0 and Tier 1 being the rarest.
If you’re pursuing this method frequently, it’s also wise to keep an eye on poe 2 currency fluctuations, as the price of orbs may change significantly based on demand during different league cycles.
Obtaining Orbs of Chance
Orbs of Chance can be acquired through several methods: random drops from monsters and chests, trading with other players, or by disenchanting unique items into Chance Shards at NPCs, which can then be combined into Orbs of Chance. This accessibility allows players to farm or trade for orbs, but the process can be time-consuming and costly, especially when targeting high-value uniques.
Strategic Use of Orbs of Chance
Because chancing is essentially gambling, a solid strategy is crucial to maximize value and minimize waste. Players often target high-value uniques that can dramatically improve their builds or have significant market value. For example, chancing a Heavy Belt for the Headhunter unique is a popular but risky strategy due to its high value and relatively low drop chance.
It’s also important to consider the base item’s rarity and the variety of possible unique outcomes. Some base items can yield multiple uniques, with the orb favoring the more common ones, which may affect your odds of obtaining the specific unique you want. Additionally, certain uniques require the base item to meet specific item level thresholds.
Risks and Rewards
The gamble with Orbs of Chance can be expensive and frustrating, as many attempts result in the destruction of the base item without yielding the desired unique. For instance, chancing a Fine Belt for Shavronne’s Satchel carries a very low success rate, meaning most orbs will be lost. However, the payoff for success can be immense, making it worthwhile for players willing to take the risk.
For those not interested in grinding endlessly, some opt to buy poe 2 currency through trusted marketplaces to speed up their crafting goals, including chancing attempts.
Mastering the Orb of Chance in Path of Exile 2 involves understanding the mechanics, carefully selecting base items to chance, and balancing risk versus reward. While it is a gamble that can lead to significant rewards, it requires patience, knowledge of the market and unique item tiers, and sometimes a willingness to accept losses. For players seeking powerful uniques without farming or trading extensively, chancing offers an exciting, if unpredictable, path to enhancing their gear.