Introduction
Many fans of the first game are eagerly awaiting the release of PoE 2, as it will bring new content and streamline certain game mechanics. One of the most important and intriguing changes involves the in-game currency. Like PoE 1, PoE 2 is a unique game that stands out for its economic mechanics. You won’t find the usual gold, silver, or money in this game. All player transactions (trading, purchases, etc.) are carried out using special orbs. Players will obtain these orbs through various activities, such as defeating monsters, or they will buy PoE 2 currency on specialized marketplaces.
Orbs also have functional significance in crafting, so any changes or manipulations with them can entirely reshape the mechanics of item creation and enhancement. Below, we’ll review the changes known so far and how they might affect gameplay.
Changes in PoE 2
After analyzing all the information regarding the changes, the PoE 2 currency can be classified into three categories:
- Removed Currency: This currency exists in the first part but will not be present in the second. This change is due to the developers altering certain game mechanics, rendering these currencies obsolete. A total of 5 orbs have been removed.
- Modified Currency: This category includes types of currency that have undergone balancing or changes to their properties. Three currencies have been modified.
- New Currency: This refers to currency introduced in the new installment that did not appear in the previous version. It emphasizes new gameplay opportunities or serves as an alternative to the old currency. One new currency has been added.
Removed currency
Orb of Scouring
The Orb of Scouring was an important currency in the first installment that allowed players to revert a specific item to its base state, removing all modifiers. It was frequently used for progressing through endgame content. Players could reset all modifiers on maps and configure new ones, as well as restore items after unsuccessful upgrades.
The removal of this currency will significantly impact the crafting system, making it more challenging to create ideal items. As a result, standard items will become more valuable compared to the first part.
Orb of Regret
The Orb of Regret allows players to reclaim a passive skill point to allocate it elsewhere. The removal of this currency is linked to the fact that another currency will now serve this function, rendering the Orb of Regret unnecessary.
Orb of Fusing and Chromatic Orb
The Orb of Fusing and Chromatic Orb are discussed together because they both pertain to mechanics involving item sockets: the Chromatic Orb changes the color of an item’s socket, while the Orb of Fusing modifies their connections.
In the new game, this system has been revamped; items no longer have sockets. Instead, the Skill Gem menu features nine gem slots that automatically have all connections, and the color of these sockets is irrelevant. Skill Gems have a minimum of two sockets each, which can be upgraded to five using various types of Jeweller's Orbs.
Orb of Alteration
The Orb of Alteration was a currency that allowed players to reroll random modifiers on magical equipment. It has been removed in the second installment to prevent the widespread use of this currency for chasing desired modifiers.
New Currency
Gold
Gold is the only new currency known at this time, but it shouldn't be taken too seriously. It will be relevant mainly during the early stages of the game in the acts, as it will primarily be used to purchase items from vendors.
The gold acquisition is not influenced by luck; players can earn it consistently by defeating monsters. Additionally, gold will replace the Orb of Regret, removing the element of randomness for players. This change will allow for more flexibility in changing builds at any point during the game.
Modified Orbs
Alchemy Orb
The Alchemy Orb is a relatively common but useful currency that is well-suited for crafting gear in the early stages of the game. It allows players to convert a normal item into a rare one, granting it modifiers.
The main change in the new installment is that the item will now be endowed with four random modifiers, whereas, in the first part, players could receive between three to six modifiers.
Chaos Orb
It was one of the most popular orbs in the first installment, as it was one of three currencies used for trading with other players. In the new game, the use of this orb has changed: previously, it rerolled all random modifiers on an item, but now it removes one modifier and adds a new one in its place.
This change may affect the rarity of this currency, as players will likely need to use it more frequently than before.
Orb of Transmutation
Similar to the first installment, the Orb of Transmutation is used to convert a normal item into a magical one, but there is one key difference. In PoE 2, players will no longer be able to receive both prefix and suffix modifiers simultaneously; instead, they will only get one.
General Direction of the New Game
Analyzing the changes in the Path of Exile 2 currency, it can be summarized that the new game aims to be more welcoming to newcomers. The removal of complex mechanics, the creation of more intuitive interactions, and the introduction of new currency will help attract a new audience without requiring them to spend countless hours learning the game.
While this shift may lead to a loss of authenticity, these are justified actions. Excessive complexity can hinder the enjoyment of the gameplay and force players to invest significant time in less enjoyable tasks.
