Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Orb of Chance

[Jerry]

When using an Orb of Chance in Path of Exile 2, several common mistakes can undermine your efforts and waste valuable resources. Understanding these pitfalls helps you use this crafting currency more effectively and avoid frustration.

1. Using the Wrong Base Item
One of the most frequent errors is applying an Orb of Chance to a white item that does not have a unique counterpart. Each unique item corresponds to a specific base type, and the orb can only upgrade a normal item into a unique if that base matches a unique in the game. Using the orb on an invalid base results in failure or an error message stating the item cannot increase in rarity. Always verify the base item’s compatibility before chancing to avoid wasting orbs.

2. Ignoring Item Level Requirements
Some unique items require the base item to meet a minimum item level. If your base item is too low level, the orb cannot transform it into that unique, no matter how many attempts you make. This often leads to confusion and wasted orbs. Checking the item level and ensuring it meets the unique’s requirements is essential before using an Orb of Chance.

3. Chancing High-Tier or Extremely Rare Uniques Without Preparation
While the thrill of potentially getting a powerful unique is tempting, trying to chance very rare or expensive uniques without sufficient orbs or the right base items is often inefficient. The odds for such items are extremely low, and many players waste hundreds or thousands of orbs chasing them. It’s better to focus on more common or mid-tier uniques or save orbs for bulk chancing when targeting rare items. If you're short on time, you might consider using cheap poe 2 currency to buy the unique directly rather than gambling with low odds.

4. Not Bulk Chancing
Applying Orbs of Chance one by one can be tedious and inefficient. Bulk chancing—gathering many base items and using orbs in batches—improves efficiency and reduces downtime. It also helps track your success rate and manage inventory better. Neglecting this approach slows progress and wastes time.

5. Selling Orbs or Chance Shards Accidentally
Some players mistakenly sell Orbs of Chance or Chance Shards to NPC vendors, especially early in the game when they may not realize their value. Since ten Chance Shards combine into one Orb of Chance, holding onto these shards is important for maintaining a steady supply of orbs.

6. Overlooking Market Alternatives
Sometimes players insist on chancing an item even when the unique is cheap or readily available on the market. Buying the unique outright or trading for it can save time and currency. Many players buy poe 2 currency to quickly access these gear upgrades without relying on random chance.

7. Misunderstanding RNG and Expecting Guarantees
The Orb of Chance operates on pure random chance with no pity system. Some players expect a unique after a certain number of attempts and become frustrated when it doesn’t happen. Recognizing that each use is an independent roll helps maintain realistic expectations and patience.

Avoiding these mistakes—using the correct base item, checking item level, focusing on appropriate uniques, bulk chancing, safeguarding your orbs and shards, considering market options, and understanding RNG—will greatly improve your experience with the Orb of Chance. This knowledge allows you to use your resources wisely and increases your chances of successfully crafting valuable unique items.