The Exalted Orb: Path of Exile’s Golden Standard
The Exalted Orb (Ex) is a high-value currency item in Path of Exile (PoE), primarily used in the crafting of rare, powerful items. Due to its scarcity and utility, it serves as the “gold standard” in player trading, with many valuable transactions measured in terms of Exalted Orbs.
Understanding the Exalted Orb’s Significance
The Exalted Orb’s value derives from its function: to add a random new affix (modifier) to a rare item that has fewer than six affixes. In a game where min-maxing gear is paramount, this ability to potentially add powerful stats to already well-rolled items makes it incredibly sought after. Imagine you’ve spent countless hours acquiring a rare chest piece with incredible life, resistances, and movement speed. It’s almost perfect, but lacking that one crucial damage mod. An Exalted Orb provides the chance to complete that item, potentially elevating it to a god-tier status.
However, the orb does not guarantee a specific affix. Players frequently use them to try their luck at landing that perfect final mod, often spending numerous Exalted Orbs in the process. This element of chance, combined with the pursuit of perfection, contributes to the Exalted Orb’s enduring desirability. It is considered one of the cornerstones of PoE’s intricate economic system. The scarcity is a great example how games mirror real-world economies, which is the focus of study and discussion at the Games Learning Society via GamesLearningSociety.org.
Exalted Orb FAQs: Your Comprehensive Guide
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Exalted Orbs, providing deeper insight into their uses, history, and place within the Path of Exile universe:
1. What is the difference between Exalted Orbs and Divine Orbs?
Originally, Exalted Orbs were considered more valuable due to their crafting application. Divine Orbs reroll the values of existing affixes on an item. However, recent game updates and crafting meta shifts have altered the landscape. Although Exalted Orbs and Divine Orbs have near identical base drop rates, Divine Orbs now command a higher price due to their use in crafting specific meta-mods, lack of readily available vendor recipes, and the greater demand for them.
2. Is the Mirror of Kalandra still the most expensive item in PoE?
Yes, without question. The Mirror of Kalandra remains the rarest and most valuable currency item in Path of Exile. It allows you to create an exact copy of another item, which opens doors to duplicating god-tier items. While the chance of finding one is exceptionally low, the potential value makes it the ultimate prize for many players. It usually cost far more than 150 Exalted Orbs, sometimes thousands depending on the economy and the time of the league.
3. What do Eldritch Exalted Orbs do?
Eldritch Exalted Orbs, introduced with the Eldritch Implicit mechanic, are unique. They add a Suffix or Prefix to an item, depending on which implicit modifier is dominant (Searing Exarch or Eater of Worlds). This offers targeted crafting control based on the inherent properties of the item.
4. How do Chaos Orbs compare to Exalted Orbs?
Chaos Orbs reroll all modifiers on a rare item, making them valuable for completely re-rolling a flawed item. Exalted Orbs are used to add a single modifier to an already partially crafted rare item, usually to complete an almost perfect item. Chaos Orbs are used to get a base item that is useable and Exalted Orbs are used to make a great base item godly.
5. When should I use an Exalted Orb?
Use an Exalted Orb when you have a rare item with good affixes and want to improve it, and the cost of a potential bad affix is worth the reward of a potential excellent affix. Consider the following:
- Existing Affixes: The item should already have several desirable modifiers.
- Crafting Bench Options: Check if crafting bench options can achieve your desired result more reliably.
- Market Value: Assess if buying a similar, completed item is more cost-effective.
6. What does a Blessed Orb do, and how does it relate to Exalted Orbs?
A Blessed Orb re-rolls the values of implicit modifiers on an item (the stats above the horizontal line). It doesn’t directly impact Exalted Orb usage, as Exalted Orbs affect explicit modifiers (the stats below the horizontal line). It’s like comparing apples and oranges. Blessed Orbs are used to perfect the natural aspects of an item while Exalted Orbs are used to craft the item and make it useable.
7. How did the value of Divine Orbs change compared to Exalted Orbs?
Previously, Exalted Orbs were the primary currency because they were the most powerful currency for creating items. However, after a gameplay update and a switch in the meta, Divine Orbs became much more desired due to how they could be utilized in crafting. Divine Orbs are rarer due to a much more limited source of loot than Exalted Orbs.
8. Are Exalted Orbs still good for trading?
Yes! Even though Divine Orbs have taken over, Exalted Orbs are still considered to be very valuable.
9. What do “C”, “Ex”, “Divines”, and “Fuse” stand for in Path of Exile trading?
These are common abbreviations:
- C: Chaos Orb
- Ex: Exalted Orb
- Divines: Divine Orbs
- Fuse: Orb of Fusing
10. What are some strategies for acquiring Exalted Orbs?
Here are a few methods to accumulate Exalted Orbs:
- Farming High-Level Areas: Areas with higher monster levels have better drop rates for valuable items.
- Boss Runs: Certain bosses, especially endgame ones, have a chance to drop Exalted Orbs.
- Trading: Flipping items, crafting for profit, and understanding market trends can be lucrative.
- Heist: Heist content can be a reliable source of raw currency.
11. How rare is the drop rate of an Exalted Orb?
The exact drop rate is undisclosed, but it’s relatively low (around 0.055%). Consistent and efficient gameplay maximizes your chances of finding one.
12. Is it safe to buy Exalted Orbs from third-party websites?
While buying from third-party sites might seem tempting, it’s essential to exercise caution. It could violate the game’s Terms of Service and potentially expose you to security risks.
13. Can you use a Divine Orb on a Unique item?
Yes, Divine Orbs can be used on magic, rare, or unique items. Only the values of affixes that have a range of values will be randomized, but Divine Orbs will not change the tier of the affix.
14. How does the Exalted Orb impact Path of Exile’s economy?
Exalted Orbs play a pivotal role in maintaining economic stability. Their value influences the prices of other items and shapes player trading behaviors. Knowing how to acquire and utilize Exalted Orbs is crucial for thriving in Path of Exile’s complex market. The scarcity, however, is a great example how games mirror real-world economies, which is the focus of study and discussion at the Games Learning Society via GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. What are some alternatives to using Exalted Orbs for crafting?
Depending on your goals and budget, consider these alternatives:
- Crafting Bench: Many powerful mods can be crafted directly.
- Fossils: Offer targeted crafting with specific outcomes.
- Essences: Guarantee specific modifiers on an item.
- Harvest Crafting: Offers deterministic crafting options, albeit with limited availability.
Conclusion
The Exalted Orb is more than just a currency item; it’s a symbol of progress, ambition, and the pursuit of perfection within the Path of Exile universe. Understanding its significance, uses, and economic impact is crucial for any aspiring exile looking to conquer the challenges that lie ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to Wraeclast, mastering the art of Exalted Orb acquisition and utilization will undoubtedly elevate your Path of Exile experience.