eld.gg Path of Exile 2 Currency: How to Use Them Efficiently

Path of Exile 2: Complete Essence Guide - How to Use Them Efficiently

In Path of Exile 2, Essences are a unique type of currency that allows players to Path of Exile 2 Currency craft specific modifiers on their gear. Understanding how to obtain, use, and optimize Essences is crucial for both leveling and endgame progression. This guide will cover everything from Essence types to Perfect Essence strategies, ensuring that you get maximum value out of this essential crafting system.

What Are Essences?

Essences are special currency items in PoE 2 used to grant specific modifiers on equipment. You can acquire them from rare mobs trapped in crystals on the map or by purchasing them from other players. They provide predictable crafting results, unlike other random currency methods, making them highly valuable for targeted gear upgrades.

A key interaction with Essences involves the Vaal Orb, which can be applied to Essence mobs in maps. Using a Vaal Orb may:

1. Have no effect.
2. Instantly release the Essence mob.
3. Add additional random Essence to the mob.
4. Upgrade the Essence by one tier (Normal → Greater → Perfect → Corrupted).

Pro Tip: Always use Vaal Orbs on Perfect Essences. You have a chance to upgrade them to one of the four Corrupted Essences, including the expensive Horror and Hysteria Essences.

Types of Essences

Essences come in five tiers:

1. Lesser Essences - Found early in the campaign; generally not worth using past the campaign stage.
2. Normal Essences - More valuable than Lesser Essences; some are worth using even in later stages.
3. Greater Essences - Provide higher-tier modifiers; commonly used in endgame crafting.
4. Perfect Essences - Replace a random modifier on a Rare item with a guaranteed modifier from the Essence. These are extremely valuable for targeted crafting.
5. Corrupted Essences - Exclusive to Vaal Orb upgrades; include Essence of Horror and Essence of Hysteria for high-end crafting.

Most players use Lesser, Normal, and Greater Essences to upgrade Magic items into Rare gear early on, while Perfect and Corrupted Essences are used later to transform endgame equipment into near-best-in-slot Path of Exile 2 Items.

Important Tips for Perfect Essences

All Essence modifiers are either Prefix or Suffix. Ensure your Rare item's other half is filled to prevent unwanted removal of good mods.
You cannot replace an existing modifier of the same type, preventing redundant upgrades.
Using Perfect Essences strategically can turn a good item into top-tier, saleable gear.

Efficient Essence Usage Strategy

1. Early Game: Use Lesser and Normal Essences on Magic items with one or two good mods to convert them into Rare gear.
2. Mid Game: Focus on Greater Essences for endgame-ready modifiers and stat boosts.
3. Endgame: Combine Perfect Essences with buy POE 2 Orbs to fine-tune Rare items into elite gear.
4. Vaal Orb Upgrades: Always target Perfect Essences to maximize value and potential Corrupted upgrades.