Welcome to this guide to items in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2)! Whether you're a newcomer or a returning player, this guide will help you understand the various item types and how currency items function, especially in comparison to Path of Exile 1.

Gear Types

In PoE 2, items are categorized similarly to PoE 1, with four primary gear types:

•     Normal (Grey)

•     Magic (Blue)

•     Rare (Yellow)

•     Unique (Orange)

The rarity of an item determines the number of modifiers it can have. Each item can possess up to three prefixes and three suffixes. As you upgrade an item's rarity, it gains more modifiers. However, unique items are special; their prefixes and suffixes cannot be altered, and only the percentages of those stats can be modified.

Currency Items

Throughout your journey in PoE 2, you'll encounter random item drops. To enhance these items, you can use currency items. Here's how some of them work:

1. Orb of Transmutation: Upgrades a normal item to a magic item (one modifier).

2. Orb of Augmentation: Adds a second modifier to a magic item.

3. Regal Orb: Upgrades a magic item to a rare item, allowing for three modifiers.

4. Exalted Orbs: Grants an additional three modifiers to a rare item.

Acquiring Currency Items in PoE 2

1. Killing Monsters

Currency items drop more frequently in PoE 2 compared to PoE 1. As you defeat monsters throughout the campaign, you'll collect these valuable items.

2. Disenchanting

You can also obtain currency by disenchanting unwanted gear at the Magic Item Vendor. Disenchanting magic items can yield Orbs of Transmutation, while disenchanting rare items can provide Regal Orbs.

Sockets

Some items come with sockets that can hold Ezomyte runes, which add additional modifiers. For example, inserting a Glacial Rune into a helmet increases Cold Resistance, helping you optimize your build for resistance or damage.

Salvaging Items

Items with sockets can be taken to the Salvage Bench in town to work towards an Artificer's Orb, which allows you to add sockets to existing items. Body armor and two-handed weapons can have up to two sockets, while other armor types and one-handed weapons can have one socket.

You can also salvage quality items to create Armourer's Scraps and Blacksmith's Whetstone, which increase the quality of your items by up to 20%.

Utilizing Gold in PoE 2

1. Buying Items

If you prefer not to disenchant or salvage items, you can sell them for gold. PoE 2 gold can be used to purchase items from vendors, who upgrade their inventory each time you level up.

2. Gambling

Some vendors in PoE 2 offer a gambling feature. By paying a flat amount of gold, you can receive a random item of a specific type, potentially enhancing your gear.

3. Respec Passive Skills

Gold is also used to respec your passive skills, allowing you to experiment with your skill tree and make adjustments as needed.

4. Currency Exchange

You can participate in Faustus's Currency Exchange, where you can trade currency items with other players.

Process:

1. Select the currency you want to exchange and the currency you have.

2. Set a ratio based on common market values.

3. Place your order and pay the gold fee.

Once a compatible order is available, your transaction will be completed.

Note that any stackable item that is related to currency can be listed on the market. Gear or items that don't stack, such as unique items, crafted Waystones and tablets, crafted rares, and jewels, can not be listed.

In the game of Path of Exile 2, all items are freely tradable, except for gold, which remains bound to your character.

Unique Items

Unique items are a special category in PoE 2, featuring handcrafted modifiers that can significantly alter your character's build. They are not merely superior rare items; they can provide unique effects that change gameplay dynamics.

Examples of Unique Items:

•     Corpsewade Iron Greaves: Causes corpses you pass through to explode into clouds of poison.

•     Sands of Silk Shrouded Vest: Transforms your dodge roll into a blink, allowing you to teleport past enemies.

•     Quill Rain: Doubles your attack speed, turning bow attacks into automatic fire.

This guide should provide some basic information for you to understand items in Path of Exile 2. Happy gaming, and may your loot be plentiful!