Mastering crafting in Path of Exile hinges significantly on understanding and leveraging the power of the Jeweller’s Orb, a specialized currency used to re-roll the number of sockets on an item. This orb is indispensable for players aiming to optimize their gear for specific builds, especially since the number of sockets directly affects the ability to link skill gems and thus greatly influence a character's effectiveness in battles and overall gameplay. Many players even track the market closely, since the value of poe 2 currency often ties into how frequently these orbs are traded and used in builds.
The Jeweller’s Orb allows players to randomly change the number of sockets on a piece of equipment, with the number ranging typically from one to six sockets depending on the item and its level. This variability means that crafting with Jeweller’s Orbs can be a process of patience and persistence, as players seek the perfect socket count for their needs. Achieving six sockets is often the goal, particularly on body armors, weapons, and other high-impact gear pieces, since this maximum number lets players link multiple skill or support gems, increasing the complexity and power of their skill setups.
One notable tactic for those who wish to avoid the frustration of bad luck in the random socket re-roll process is to use the Crafting Bench, unlocked through gameplay progression. The bench allows players to craft sockets directly for a set cost in Jeweller’s Orbs, bypassing the random chance but at a higher average orb cost. This method can be more reliable, especially for crafting serious endgame items, as it ensures the desired number of sockets without the need for repeated chance-based attempts.
Understanding the Jeweller’s Orb also means recognizing its role in the broader crafting ecosystem. It often works in tandem with other orbs like Chromatic Orbs, which change socket colors (necessary for matching gem color requirements), and Orbs of Fusing, which link sockets together. Strategic use of all three allows players to create highly specialized gear with the right number, color, and linkage of sockets—key to maximizing a character’s potential. Many veteran players will even buy poe 2 currency specifically to stockpile Jeweller’s Orbs before attempting major gear upgrades.
Efficient use of Jeweller’s Orbs not only boosts a player’s gear but also aligns with certain crafting philosophies in Path of Exile. Some players engage in a “chaos game” approach, where they upgrade items and then use orbs like Jeweller’s Orb to gamble for improvements, while others adopt a systematic method involving meticulous use of alteration, regal, and exalted orbs to get the exact mods desired first before perfecting sockets and links.
In Path of Exile 2, the crafting system has evolved, but the concept behind Jeweller’s Orbs remains important, with variations like the Greater Jeweller’s Orb that provide more controlled socket additions to gems rather than gear. This evolution reflects the developers’ intent to keep crafting engaging and strategic without making it overwhelmingly complex at the start.
Mastering the Jeweller’s Orb—and by extension, the crafting of sockets—is vital for players aiming to fully harness Path of Exile’s complex character and gear customization. The orb's ability to fine-tune the socket quantity on items transforms crafting from a simple enhancement task into a nuanced strategic endeavor that separates casual players from those who consistently excel in the game’s challenging environments. Mastery of this tool ultimately empowers players to create tailored gear setups that perfectly complement their unique playstyles and build goals.
