Decoding the Orb of Augmentation: A Comprehensive Guide

The Orb of Augmentation in Path of Exile (PoE), despite its seemingly simple function, is a crucial currency item, especially early in a league. However, its use is exclusively for magic (blue) items, not rare (yellow) items. It adds a single, random affix to a magic item that currently only has one affix. This means you can take a magic item with either a prefix or a suffix and use an Orb of Augmentation to give it a second, and final, affix. Understanding its limitations and strategic application is key to efficient crafting and character progression. So, while it can’t directly interact with rare items, understanding its place in the item progression chain is vital.

Understanding Item Rarity and Affixes

Before diving deeper, let’s quickly recap item rarities in PoE:

• Normal (White): Basic items with no inherent modifiers.
• Magic (Blue): Items with up to two affixes (one prefix and one suffix).
• Rare (Yellow): Items with up to six affixes (up to three prefixes and three suffixes).
• Unique (Orange): Predefined items with specific and often powerful modifiers.

Affixes are modifiers that enhance an item’s stats or provide special effects. Prefixes are affixes that appear at the beginning of the item’s name when identified, while suffixes appear at the end.

The Orb of Augmentation’s Purpose

The Orb of Augmentation’s primary purpose is to elevate a single-affix magic item to a double-affix magic item. It’s a targeted crafting tool, unlike the Orb of Chance or Orb of Alchemy which re-roll an entire item.

Strategic Use Cases

While seemingly basic, the Orb of Augmentation has several strategic use cases:

• Early Game Power: In the early stages of a league, finding a magic item with a desirable single affix (like increased life or elemental resistance) and augmenting it can provide a significant power boost.

• Crafting Foundations: It can be used to create a base for further crafting. For example, if you find a magic item with a tier 1 resistance roll, augmenting it and then further crafting could lead to a strong endgame piece.

• Vendor Recipes: Certain vendor recipes require specific magic items. An Orb of Augmentation can help create these items.

Why Not Rare Items?

The core reason the Orb of Augmentation doesn’t work on rare items is that rare items already have the maximum number of affixes allowed for their rarity. They can have up to six affixes, and the Orb of Augmentation only adds one. Rare items utilize Regal Orbs to add an affix and convert a magic item to rare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I use an Orb of Augmentation on a normal (white) item?

The Orb of Augmentation can only be used on Magic (Blue) items. It won’t work on normal items. You would need to use an Orb of Transmutation first to turn the item into a magic one.

Can I use an Orb of Augmentation on a corrupted item?

No, like many currency items, the Orb of Augmentation cannot be used on corrupted items.

Is there a way to remove an affix after using an Orb of Augmentation?

Yes, the Orb of Annulment can be used to remove a random affix from an item. However, it is completely random, so be cautious when using it.

Does the item level of the magic item affect the affixes I can get from an Orb of Augmentation?

Yes, the item level (ilvl) of the item matters. Higher item levels can roll higher-tier affixes. Check the affix pool for the item base at poedb.tw to see what affixes are possible at each item level.

How do I farm Orbs of Augmentation?

Orbs of Augmentation are relatively common. They can be found as random drops from monsters, chests, and strongboxes. Selling specific items to vendors, as described on websites like GamesLearningSociety.org, is another good method of acquiring them..

What is the vendor recipe for an Orb of Augmentation?

While there isn’t a direct vendor recipe to create an Orb of Augmentation, selling specific rare items can yield Alteration Shards which can be combined into Orbs of Alteration, a more valuable currency. No direct vendor recipe exists.

Is it worth using an Orb of Augmentation on a low-level item?

Generally, no. It’s more efficient to save Orbs of Augmentation for higher-level items where the potential affixes are more valuable.

Can I control the affix I get from an Orb of Augmentation?

No, the affix added by an Orb of Augmentation is completely random. There is no way to guarantee a specific affix.

How does the Orb of Augmentation interact with Fractured items?

Fractured items, which have one affix permanently locked in, can be augmented. The Orb of Augmentation will add a random second affix.

What are some good bases to use Orbs of Augmentation on?

This depends on your build and needs. Look for bases with inherently desirable properties, such as high evasion or energy shield, and then augment them to add valuable stats like life or resistances.

Can I use an Orb of Augmentation on a magic map?

Yes, you can. This can add valuable modifiers to maps, making them more rewarding (and potentially more dangerous).

What’s the difference between an Orb of Augmentation and an Orb of Alteration?

An Orb of Augmentation adds a single affix to a magic item with one affix. An Orb of Alteration completely rerolls the affixes on a magic item, potentially changing both the prefix and suffix.

How many Orbs of Augmentation should I keep on hand?

This depends on your playstyle and crafting goals. Having a stack or two is generally a good idea, especially early in a league.

What other currency items work on magic items?

Besides Orbs of Augmentation and Alteration, other useful currency items for magic items include:

• Orb of Transmutation: Upgrades a normal item to magic.
• Regal Orb: Upgrades a magic item to rare, adding an affix.
• Blessed Orb: Rerolls implicit modifiers on an item.
• Divine Orb: Rerolls the values of explicit modifiers on an item. (Note: Divine Orbs do work on Rare items too)

When should I sell rather than augment?

Assess the value of the existing affix on the magic item. If it’s a low-tier affix or not particularly desirable, it might be more profitable to sell the item to a vendor or other players. High-tier resistance rolls or life rolls are often worth augmenting.

Conclusion

The Orb of Augmentation is a seemingly simple yet surprisingly versatile tool in Path of Exile. While it can’t be used directly on rare items, understanding its function and strategic applications on magic items is crucial for efficient progression and crafting, particularly in the early game. By understanding its limitations and potential, you can leverage the Orb of Augmentation to your advantage in the cutthroat world of Wraeclast.