Path of Exile 2: How to use Orbs of Augmentation

Modified Jan 13, 2025 13:50 IST

How to find Orbs of Augmentation (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

Orbs of Augmentation are a crafting currency item in Path of Exile 2 that adds a random modifier to a magic item with an available modifier slot. From defeating enemies to looting chests, players can obtain Orbs of Augmentation in multiple ways in Path of Exile 2 — similar to how Orbs of Transmutation is acquired.

While in Path of Exile 1, Orbs of Augmentation were used to add a random modifier to an item, doing the same in PoE 2 would require the same items to have one affix available beforehand; otherwise, the Orbs will not work.

How to farm Orbs of Augmentation in Path of Exile 2

Orb of Augmentation from slain enemies (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

Orbs of Transmutation are among the common items in Path of Exile 2 that are easier to obtain if you know where to look for them. Below are the ways to acquire Orbs of Augmentation:

1) Random drops from enemies

Orbs of Augmentation can drop from random enemies and optional bosses when you defeat them. Focus on locations with a large enemy density that you can clear quickly.

One strategy to obtain Orbs of Augmentation would be to enter the Mausoleum of the Praetor. This location has a lot of enemies, including ghouls, courtesans, rattlers, and an optional boss, the Draven Eternal Praetor, making it a great location to obtain Orbs, gold, and various gear. The quantity of lootable items you get from this place significantly increases on the Cruel difficulty mode.

2) Endgame content

Drop rates significantly increase for items as you progress towards the endgame content in PoE 2, giving significantly more Orbs, gold, and better gear. In the Atlas Passive skill tree, there are skills available at the bottom right that enhance the rarity and drop chance of items. These skills will elevate the quality and quantity of items you find on your maps.

3) Looting chests/containers

When adventuring, make sure to loot chests and various items that are lootable (support gems, Orb of Augmentations, equipment items, etc.). Such items also have a chance to yield Orbs of Augmentation. Keep your eyes open and remember to check everywhere for lootable items in the world.

Also, make new instances of the map at the transition point; it will repopulate the map with enemies, loot, and chests. This process will help with finding more equipment and items.

4) Item disenchantment

Orbs of Augmentation are obtained by combining 10 Augmentation Shards, which you can get by disenchanting junk magic (blue) items at any disenchantment vendor at your town hub. In the first act, the vendor is Una in Clearfell Encampment. Similar to Una, Servi of the Ziggurat Encampment and Zarka of the Ardura Encampment can also disenchant your items.

How to use Orbs of Augmentation in Path of Exile 2

Before and after using the Orb of Augmentation (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

To use Orbs of Augmentation, you must have the magic (blue) item as well as the currency in your inventory. The magic item needs to have one modifier slot, meaning it must already have one affix available on it.

Right-click on the Orb of Augmentation, which activates it, and then left-click on the magic item to apply the Orb. This should add a random modifier to the item.

You can keep enhancing the item as long as it has a modifier slot available. Modifying your gear is a crucial part of Path of Exile 2's progression.

Magic items with one affix can be obtained as a world drop or by using an Orb of Transmutation on a white item to get one modifier. Some base item types come with an 'implicit' affix that can also appear on the rare base version of that item. This 'implicit' affix does not count towards the limits on total affixes.

Orbs of Augmentation can also be used on Precursor tablets, Waystones, and Jewels in Path of Exile 2 if they have one affix already available on them.

If you are looking to maximize your profits in Path of Exile 2 while farming the endgame, it is crucial to know how to craft or buy items with “Rarity of items found” modifiers. Stacking them alongside other stats will increase the rarity of equipment and currency found while mapping.

It’s always a good idea to keep Orbs of Transmutation and Orbs of Augmentation in your inventory if you are looking to upgrade your weapon in the early game. Consult our Path of Exile 2 complete crafting guide for beginners to learn more.

Check out our other guides to the game:

Edited by Jito Tenson