Using an Orb of Augmentation before applying a Regal Orb is a smart and efficient crafting strategy in Path of Exile 2 that maximizes the potential of your magic items while conserving valuable resources. Here’s why you should augment first:
Unlocking the Second Affix Slot
Magic items can have up to two affixes—one prefix and one suffix. When you first upgrade a normal (white) item to magic rarity using an Orb of Transmutation, it gains only one random modifier. The Orb of Augmentation adds a second random modifier to that magic item, fully utilizing its potential before moving on to rarer crafting steps. This step is essential because a magic item with two affixes is significantly more powerful and versatile than one with just one.Increasing the Value of Regal Orbs
Regal Orbs upgrade a magic item to rare rarity by adding a third affix. Using a Regal Orb on a magic item that has only one affix wastes the opportunity to have two affixes beforehand, which means you miss out on a potentially stronger and more synergistic set of modifiers. By augmenting first, you ensure that the Regal Orb adds the third affix to an already enhanced item, maximizing the item’s overall power and value.Cost-Effective Crafting Progression
Orbs of Augmentation are more common and easier to obtain than Regal Orbs. Applying augmentation before regaling allows you to incrementally improve your gear without immediately spending the rarer and more valuable Regal Orbs. This stepwise approach helps you conserve high-value currency while steadily boosting your character’s power, especially helpful when you're trying to manage poe 2 currency efficiently.Better Control Over Affix Combinations
Adding a second affix with an Orb of Augmentation gives you more modifiers to work with and increases the chance of rolling complementary stats that suit your build. Once you have two affixes, using a Regal Orb to add a third can create powerful combinations that significantly enhance your gear’s effectiveness.Avoiding Wasted Resources
If you use a Regal Orb on a magic item with only one affix, you might end up with suboptimal gear, forcing you to reroll or start over. Augmenting first reduces this risk by ensuring the item already has a solid foundation of two affixes before investing in a Regal Orb. This makes every orb count, especially if you're not planning to buy poe 2 currency and need to optimize your grind.
Augmenting magic items before regaling them is a crucial step that unlocks the full potential of your gear, makes your Regal Orbs more impactful, and helps you craft more powerful and efficient items while conserving valuable crafting resources. This approach is especially important for players aiming to optimize their crafting progression and build strength effectively in Path of Exile 2.