Path of Exile 2 introduces several changes to the itemization and crafting systems, making efficient resource management crucial for character progression. Understanding how to salvage gear, use crafting materials, and optimize socketed items can provide a significant power boost. This guide will walk you through the essential mechanics of salvaging, acquiring POE 2 Currency shards, and making the most out of your gear.

Salvaging Gear for Valuable Currency

One of the key mechanics in Path of Exile 2 is salvaging unwanted gear to obtain useful crafting materials. Whenever you find socketed items, make sure to bring them to the salvaging bench rather than simply selling them. This will provide Ariser Shards, a crucial resource for socketing and modifying gear. Since the game heavily relies on socketed items for skills and power-ups, these shards become essential early on.

Additionally, salvaging magic (blue) and rare (yellow) items provides valuable crafting materials. Breaking down blue items grants blue currency shards, which are used for modifying and crafting items. Similarly, salvaging rare items yields Regal Shards, which can upgrade a blue (magic) item into a rare (yellow) item. Once you accumulate 10 Regal Shards, they automatically combine into a Regal Orb, a key component in higher-tier crafting and metacrafting strategies.

Salvaging Checklist:

• Always salvage socketed gear for Ariser Shards.

• Salvage blue (magic) items for crafting currency.

• Salvage rare (yellow) items for Regal Shards.

• Keep track of your Regal Shards—once you collect 10, you can perform powerful upgrades.

Checking Vendors for Upgrades

Vendors are often overlooked as a source of high-quality gear, but Path of Exile 2 introduces more opportunities to find useful items from NPC merchants. Rare items with strong affixes and good sockets can sometimes be purchased directly from vendors. This means you should always check vendors after leveling up or progressing through a new area.

What to Look for at Vendors:

• Socketed gear: Even if the base item isn’t perfect, having good sockets makes it worthwhile.

• Rare weapons/armor: Sometimes, vendors sell powerful rares that can be an immediate upgrade.

• Crafting base items: If you find an item with great sockets, you can craft it into something useful.

Enhancing Gear with Sockets and Runes

Sockets play a massive role in character power in Path of Exile 2. Once you’ve obtained enough Ariser Shards, you should use them to ensure your gear has the correct sockets for your build.

Key Strategies for Socketing and Runes:

• Prioritize weapons: Adding flat damage runes into your weapon significantly boosts your damage output.

• Defense Matters: Slot life or resistance runes into your armor for better survivability.

• Balance Offense and Defense: A good mix of damage and durability runes ensures a smoother gameplay experience.

By carefully managing your socketed items, salvaging gear wisely, and using your crafting currency effectively or buy Path of Exile 2 Orbs, you can maximize your character’s power and efficiency in Path of Exile 2. Stay ahead of the game by constantly upgrading your gear and utilizing all available resources!