Crafting in Path of Exile 2 often involves a process known as “preset building,” where you carefully prepare a Magic (blue) item with two optimal modifiers—called “2‑mod presets”—before upgrading it to a Rare (yellow) with a Regal Orb. This method gives you control over the crucial starting affixes and improves your odds of producing high‑value gear. Here’s how to execute this strategy step by step:

Step 1: Selecting the Right Base

Choose a high item level base that allows your target affixes to roll at their highest tiers.

Make sure the item is of the type that fits your build, as the base will influence potential mods and crafting outcomes.

Step 2: Rolling the First Modifier

Use an Orb of Transmutation to turn a white (Normal) item into a Magic item, granting one random mod.

If the first mod isn’t what you want, use an Orb of Alteration to reroll the single mod until you hit a desirable prefix or suffix.

Your goal is to land a top‑tier affix that matches your crafting objectives—like increased life, elemental resistance, or attack speed.

Many players even choose to buy poe 2 currency to ensure they have enough orbs on hand for these early crafting steps.

Step 3: Augmenting with the Second Mod

When satisfied with the first mod, apply an Orb of Augmentation to add a second random mod (if the item only has one).

Continue to alter and augment until the item has both a premium prefix and a premium suffix. This is the “2‑mod preset.”

Patience is key: it may take many attempts to get both mods just right, but this investment sets the stage for powerful outcomes.

Step 4: Optional—Influencing Outcomes

Essences: Use an Essence instead of standard orbs to guarantee one specific modifier while rolling the second affix. This is useful if you need a certain stat locked in for your build.

Omens and Special Crafting Tools: In Path of Exile 2, certain Omens or bench crafts can further restrict what types of affixes can roll, helping refine your 2‑mod preset.

Step 5: Evaluating Your 2‑Mod Preset

Double‑check that your item has two highly desirable affixes that synergize well and provide value on their own.

The stronger and more compatible these mods are, the better your odds for a great outcome when you slam it with a Regal Orb.

Step 6: Slamming with a Regal Orb

Once your Magic item has the perfect 2‑mod combination, apply a Regal Orb to upgrade it to Rare.

This action adds a single, random affix to the item while preserving your preset mods.

The third mod could be a powerful bonus or something less useful, but your carefully crafted base ensures at least two top‑tier stats.

If you need extra currency to repeat the process, hunting for cheap poe 2 currency deals can help fund multiple attempts without slowing down your crafting cycle.

What Comes Next?

If the third mod is good, you can continue crafting with Exalted Orbs, bench crafts, or meta‑crafting techniques to further build out the item.

If the Regal slam results in a bad third mod, you can use an Orb of Annulment to try to remove it, or start over if you are aiming for perfection.

Always start with items that have the highest potential for your build—don’t settle for mediocre prefixes or suffixes.

This method is especially effective for crafting gear that requires very specific stat combinations or for meta‑crafting high‑end items.

Be prepared to repeat the process multiple times for the ideal result; crafting in PoE is always a gamble, but preset building gives you the most control possible.

Crafting with 2‑mod presets before using a Regal Orb is the cornerstone of efficient and controlled gear creation in Path of Exile 2, laying the groundwork for high‑value, endgame‑worthy rares.