Utility in Crafting and Modifying Gear

One of the main factors that determines the value of currency in Path of Exile 2 is its utility. Currency items like Chaos Orbs, Exalted Orbs, and Divine Orbs are not just used for trading but are also essential tools in crafting and modifying gear. This dual functionality ensures a steady demand from both crafters and traders. For example, Exalted Orbs allow players to add new modifiers to rare items, making them crucial for high-end gear optimization. Similarly, Divine Orbs can re-roll the values of modifiers, offering players a way to fine-tune their best equipment. This intrinsic connection between crafting potential and currency value means that any item with strong utility will maintain a high market price.

Scarcity and Drop Rate

Another major contributor to currency value is its rarity and how often it drops in the game. Items that are hard to find naturally carry higher prices. Mirror of Kalandra is a perfect example, being one of the rarest items in the game and thus the most expensive. Its rarity makes it a symbol of wealth within the community. On the other hand, more common currencies like Orbs of Alteration or Transmutation are frequently found during gameplay and are therefore worth far less. Players often trade these lesser currencies in bulk or use them as crafting components rather than for major trades. Drop rate has a direct impact on availability, and scarcity creates value over time.

Market Demand and Meta Relevance

The current meta and popular builds also play a key role in determining what currency is considered valuable. If a specific build requires a certain set of gear modifications, the currency used to craft those items will spike in demand. For example, during leagues where critical strike or elemental builds dominate, currency items used to optimize those builds become more valuable. Players rushing to perfect their characters create a temporary surge in demand, driving prices upward. This market behavior makes understanding the shifting meta essential for players looking to profit through trading and investment.

Vendor and Trading Functionality

Currency in Path of Exile 2 also holds value based on its use in vendor recipes and player-to-player trading. Certain currencies are required to complete vendor recipes that provide high-end gear or crafting items. Additionally, many players use standard currencies like Chaos Orbs as the base unit of trade, similar to how real-world economies use a standard currency for exchange. This establishes a baseline for price comparison and provides consistency in trading platforms and forums. Items that are recognized and trusted in player transactions will always hold more market weight than obscure or niche currencies.

Long-Term Utility and League Stability

Finally, the staying power of currency across leagues also determines its value. Some items retain their usefulness regardless of the league or patch, giving them long-term demand. Items that are evergreen in crafting or character progression, such as Orb of Fusing or Orb of Regret, consistently appear in trade deals and gameplay strategies. These currencies are not tied to specific league mechanics, which makes them a safe investment for players planning to trade over time. Long-term utility creates economic stability and reinforces the value of certain currencies in both short-term gameplay and long-term planning.