Does Item Level Matter for Orb of Chance in Path of Exile?
The short, direct answer is no, item level does not affect the possible unique items that can spawn when using an Orb of Chance on an item in Path of Exile. While item level is a crucial factor for many aspects of item generation in the game, the outcome of using an Orb of Chance is independent of it. This means that regardless of whether you use an Orb of Chance on a base item with a low item level or one with the highest item level possible, the chance of obtaining a specific unique item will remain the same.
This is a significant distinction, as item level heavily influences other mechanics within Path of Exile. Item level is primarily associated with determining the affixes available to an item and the maximum number of sockets it can roll naturally. However, when it comes to the specific process of “chancing” – using an Orb of Chance to attempt to transform a normal base item into a unique item – the game mechanics bypass item level. This also means quality on the item does not affect the results.
Understanding the Mechanics of Orb of Chance
The Orb of Chance is a common currency item in Path of Exile, dropped by slain monsters, chests, and destructible containers. It’s also a potential reward from Arcanist’s Strongboxes. Its primary function is to transform a normal (white) item into a magic (blue), rare (yellow), or unique item of the same base type. The specific outcome is random, although it is more likely to become a magic or rare item than a unique. The rarity of the possible unique items that can be obtained are not affected by the original items ilevel.
The ‘Chancing’ Process
The term “chancing” refers specifically to the action of using an Orb of Chance on a specific base type of item with the hopes of obtaining a specific unique item. For example, if you wish to obtain a Headhunter unique belt, you would repeatedly use Orbs of Chance on a Leather Belt. The potential unique items that can result from chancing are predefined based solely on the base item type and are not altered or affected by the item level or quality of that base item. Therefore a low item level leather belt will have the exact same possibility to become a Headhunter, as a high item level one.
Item Level’s Role in Other Item Mechanics
It’s important to differentiate the role of item level with other item mechanics. Item level is essential in determining:
- Available affixes: Higher item level items can roll higher-tier and more powerful affixes, making them more valuable for crafting.
- Maximum sockets: The maximum number of sockets an item can have is determined by its item level.
- Drop level: While item level dictates the potential affixes, the drop level is the minimum item level required for an item to drop from specific monsters or zones.
However, these functions of item level do not apply to the results of using an Orb of Chance.
The Optimal Use of Orbs of Chance
Because the item level has no bearing on the output of an Orb of Chance, you do not need to concern yourself with the item level while chancing. The focus should be on the base item type, as the chance of success will remain constant. Players will often choose to use Orbs of Chance on specific item bases known to have valuable unique versions.
Is it Worth Using Orbs of Chance?
The value of using Orbs of Chance comes down to whether the unique items for a particular base type are worth the cost. The chances of hitting a valuable unique item are generally low, so this process should be considered a gamble. If you are interested in gambling in the hopes of making a great profit, use of the Orb of Chance will be interesting.
Orbs of Chance vs. Orbs of Alchemy
The primary difference between the Orb of Chance and the Orb of Alchemy lies in their final results. The Orb of Chance can result in a random item with magic, rare, or unique rarity from a normal item, while the Orb of Alchemy always turns a normal item into a rare item. If you want a unique item, the Orb of Chance is the tool you will want to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Orbs of Chance and related topics:
1. Can item quality affect the outcome of an Orb of Chance?
No, quality does not affect the outcome of an Orb of Chance. The process only cares about the base item type, not its quality.
2. How do I get more Orbs of Chance?
Orbs of Chance can be obtained by defeating monsters, opening chests, destroying containers, and as rewards from Arcanist’s Strongboxes. They can also be purchased from various vendors, like Clarissa, Petarus and Vanja, Lani, and Yeena for an Orb of Fusing.
3. What is the most profitable way to use an Orb of Chance?
The most profitable way is typically using it on specific base item types that have valuable unique items. Researching which unique items are worth chasing before attempting to use Orbs of Chance will help.
4. What is the difference between item level and drop level?
Item level determines the affixes available on an item and the maximum number of sockets. Drop level is the minimum item level required for an item to drop from a specific source.
5. Is an Orb of Chance the best way to get a unique item?
The Orb of Chance is one of the ways to get unique items. However, it is not the only way, nor is it guaranteed. Unique items can drop from monsters and be acquired through other methods as well.
6. What rarity is an Orb of Chance?
An Orb of Chance is considered a common currency item, frequently dropped and obtainable in Path of Exile.
7. Can I use an Orb of Chance on magic or rare items?
No, an Orb of Chance can only be used on a normal (white) item.
8. Does the map tier affect the outcome of Orb of Chance?
No, map tier and area level do not affect the success of an Orb of Chance. They have no impact on the chances to get unique items.
9. How can I improve the chances of linking items using Orbs of Fusing?
Quality increases the chances of obtaining more links when using an Orb of Fusing. Try to use your fusings on 20% quality armor.
10. What is the most expensive currency item in Path of Exile?
The Mirror of Kalandra is the rarest and most valuable currency item. It is much more expensive than an Orb of Chance.
11. Can I use an Orb of Chance to re-roll modifiers on a unique item?
No, an Orb of Chance cannot re-roll modifiers on a unique item. It can only be used on a normal (white) item.
12. Can Orbs of Chance be used in races and at low levels?
Yes, Orbs of Chance can be used in races or at low levels to quickly craft a usable magic or rare item from a good base. However, chancing for uniques should be avoided due to low levels and lower wealth.
13. How does item level affect the number of sockets on an item?
The item level determines the maximum number of sockets that can naturally roll on an item. Higher level items can have more sockets.
14. Does the ‘chance to deal double damage’ stack additively in Path of Exile?
Yes, chance to deal double damage is additive, but additional chance above 100% has no effect.
15. What is the best class to start with in Path of Exile?
The Witch is often considered one of the easiest classes to start with, whether as a spell-caster or minion summoner. However, every class has some strong starting builds available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while item level is important for many aspects of itemization in Path of Exile, it has no effect on the outcome of using an Orb of Chance. This means players can focus on the base item type when attempting to “chance” for valuable uniques, without concerning themselves with the item’s level. Understanding this crucial difference can help you use your Orbs of Chance most effectively and potentially obtain high-value items in Path of Exile. Happy chancing!