Path Of Exile 2: How To Find And Use Orbs Of Chance

TL;DR

  • Orb of Chance offers 50/50 odds to upgrade normal items to unique rarity or destroy them
  • Farming requires Cruel difficulty or higher, with bosses and rare enemies providing best drop rates
  • Chance Shards from disenchanting uniques provide alternative acquisition method
  • Strategic item selection and timing significantly impact success rates
  • Endgame content dramatically increases both orb and shard drop frequency


GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

Among the various crafting currencies available in Path of Exile 2, the Orb of Chance stands out as one of the most coveted and strategically complex items. This rare consumable enables players to transform ordinary white-rarity items into powerful unique equipment through a high-risk gambling mechanic. Since unique items represent the pinnacle of gear progression in Path of Exile 2, successfully utilizing these orbs can dramatically accelerate character power development.

However, mastering the Orb of Chance requires understanding its nuanced mechanics and inherent risks. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything from basic functionality to advanced farming strategies, helping you maximize your chances of obtaining and effectively using this valuable resource.

Let’s begin with the fundamental mechanics of the Orb of Chance. The item description reads: “Unpredictably either upgrades a normal to Unique rarity or destroys it.” Normal items, distinguished by their white text color, constitute the most commonly encountered gear throughout your journey. When applied to such an item, the orb initiates a transformation process that either elevates it to unique status with enhanced stats and specialized affixes or completely annihilates both the item and the orb itself.

The critical risk factor involves the exact 50% probability of either outcome occurring. While losing a standard white item might seem inconsequential, the simultaneous destruction of your hard-earned Orb of Chance represents a significant setback, particularly considering the extensive farming time required to acquire each orb. This binary outcome structure demands careful consideration before application.

To optimize your acquisition and utilization of Orbs of Chance, continue reading for detailed farming methods, strategic application techniques, and risk management approaches.

How Orbs of Chance work

The most straightforward acquisition method involves defeating enemies and opening containers throughout Wraeclast. Orbs of Chance exist within the global drop table, meaning any slain foe or unlocked chest possesses a minute chance to yield this valuable currency. Boss encounters provide substantially improved drop probabilities, while rare and magic monsters offer moderately enhanced chances compared to standard enemies.

Beyond complete orbs, players may discover Chance Shards as alternative loot. These fragments accumulate in your inventory, and collecting ten shards automatically combines them into a single Orb of Chance. Although Chance Shards remain scarce, they appear more frequently than full orbs, particularly during Cruel difficulty progression and endgame mapping content.

Kill enemies and loot chests for Orbs of Chance and Shards

Difficulty settings profoundly influence drop availability. Players progressing through Normal difficulty will virtually never encounter Chance Shards or complete Orbs of Chance. The loot tables expand significantly upon reaching Cruel difficulty, where both shards and full orbs begin appearing with meaningful frequency.

Disenchant Uniques for Chance Shards

Regarding Chance Shard acquisition, disenchanting unique items provides the most reliable method. Each disenchanted unique guarantees exactly one Chance Shard as compensation, creating a sustainable conversion system for unwanted unique equipment.

Advanced farming techniques involve targeting specific content known for enhanced currency drops. Endgame mapping strategies, particularly those focusing on high monster density and increased item quantity modifiers, can dramatically improve your orb acquisition rates. Consider pairing these approaches with optimized class builds to maximize clear speed and efficiency.

Trade for an Orb of Chance

Seasoned Path of Exile 2 players employ several sophisticated techniques to optimize their Orb of Chance usage. First, prioritize applying orbs to normal items with superior base types and high item levels, as these factors influence the potential unique outcomes. Second, consider stockpiling multiple orbs before attempting conversions on critical gear slots, ensuring you maintain progression momentum despite unsuccessful attempts.

Common mistakes include wasting orbs on low-level base items and attempting conversions without backup equipment options. To avoid these pitfalls, always research the unique item pool for your target base type and ensure you have alternative gear available if the item destruction occurs.

For optimal farming efficiency, focus on endgame content with confirmed enhanced currency drop rates. Mapping strategies that incorporate increased rarity and quantity modifiers typically yield the best results. Allocate approximately 2-3 hours of focused farming in optimal zones to accumulate a single Orb of Chance through combined shard and orb drops.

Advanced players should integrate Orb of Chance farming into their broader endgame strategy planning, balancing time investment against potential character power gains. Remember that while the gamble carries significant risk, successful conversions can provide game-changing equipment upgrades that would otherwise require extensive farming through alternative methods.

The trading economy provides another acquisition avenue, though prices typically reflect the orb’s scarcity and utility. Before engaging in trades, consult comprehensive equipment guides to ensure you’re making value-conscious decisions that align with your build requirements and resource availability.

Action Checklist

  • Progress to Cruel difficulty to unlock orb and shard drop possibilities
  • Farm bosses and rare enemies in high-density areas for optimal drop rates
  • Disenchant unwanted unique items to accumulate Chance Shards
  • Target farm endgame maps with item quantity modifiers for enhanced drop rates
  • Apply orbs strategically to high-item-level base types with desirable unique outcomes

No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Path Of Exile 2: How To Find And Use Orbs Of Chance Master Path of Exile 2's Orb of Chance mechanics, farming strategies, and risk management techniques