Path of Exile 2: How to get and use Orbs of Transmutation

Modified Jan 13, 2025 15:16 IST

Orb of Augmentation — An Orb of Transmutation (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

Transmutation Orbs are one of the many currencies in Path of Exile 2, and their purpose is to turn base/normal (white) items into magic (blue) items. However, they only add a single random modifier (also called an affix) during the conversion process. Magic items can have up to two affixes (excluding implicit ones), so this leaves a slot free for another affix, which can be obtained by using an Orb of Augmentation.

Now that we know how important a Transmutation Orb is, let's find out how to get them in the game.

How to get Orbs of Transmutation in Path of Exile 2

Orbs of Transmutation dropped by slain enemies (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

Orbs of Transmutation are obtained as a potential loot drop from slain enemies. One way to gather large amounts of Orbs of Transmutation in Path of Exile 2 is to focus on areas that spawn a large number of mobs that can be easily cleared, such as the Cemetery of the Eternals in Act 1.

It is always recommended to create new instances of the map you're on, as doing so will re-roll everything in your area. Doing this also allows your character to get stronger and helps you find different gear, items, and currency in that region.

One easy way to collect Orbs of Transmutation is to disenchant unused magic (blue) items in PoE 2 at certain vendors. If the item has one affix, you will get one shard of transmutation, but if it has two affixes, you'll get a shard of augmentation. 10 Shards of Transmutation automatically combine into one Orb of Transmutation.

Items can be disenchanted by Una at Clearfell Encampment (Act 1), Zarka at the Ardura Caravan (Act 2), and Servi at the Ziggurat Encampment (Act 3). This process allows players to accumulate a substantial amount of Orbs without solely depending on drops from enemies.

You can also sell the Orbs of Transmutation to the aformentioned vendors to receive gold. However, we suggest you hold onto them.

Upscaling your gear is a crucial part of Path of Exile 2’s progression. However, the probability of receiving the desired affix by transmuting a base (white) item is quite slim. Hence, it's a good idea to keep orbs in your inventory to try out different base items and discover the most suitable affix for your character.

How to upgrade an item to magic (blue) in Path of Exile 2

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

The best way to scale your build is to upgrade your equipment. To use the Orb of Transmutation, right-click on it and then left-click on the desired normal (white) item you want to upgrade. Once applied, the Orb of Transmutation applies a random modifier to the item.

How to select items for upgrading with the Orb of Transmutation in Path of Exile 2

For maximum effectiveness, items with the highest level relatively close to your character level should be upgraded rather than lower-level ones. Higher-level items have multiple benefits — they not only come with higher base stats (damage for martial weapons, defense for body armor) but also have the potential to score higher affix tiers, which broadly means a high affix value range.

If you already have a good rare/unique leveling item with great affixes but low base stats and values, it will require some value judgment on your part to calculate whether a newly rolled magic item is good enough to ditch what you have been using.

After you’ve managed to roll the best-case affix for your build, you can roll the dice further with an Orb of Augmentation and then possibly a Regal Orb if fortune favors. Consult our crafting guide for beginners to learn more.

Check out our other guides on the game:

Edited by Shraman Mitra