Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt is set to launch in just a couple of weeks, bringing an array of exciting new features, including the highly anticipated Huntress class, new support gems, revamped ascendancies, and much more. However, amid all the hype, a particularly interesting rumor has caught the attention of the Path of Exile community: the potential return of the Orb of Alteration—one of the most useful currencies in the original game.
Is there any truth to this speculation, or is it just another case of wishful thinking? Let's dive into everything we know about Patch 0.2.0, the new Huntress class, crafting possibilities, and the possible reintroduction of one of the most beloved Path of Exile 2 currency items.
The Huntress: A New Playstyle for PoE 2
One of the standout additions in Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt is the introduction of the Huntress class. Designed for players who enjoy a hybrid of ranged and melee combat, the Huntress comes with unique abilities that blend mobility, precision, and deadly traps.
Huntress Abilities and Gameplay
The Huntress specializes in:
·Trap-based mechanics that allow her to control the battlefield
·Bow and dagger hybrid combat, making her a versatile damage dealer
·Stealth and evasion, enabling her to reposition efficiently in fights
With the Huntress class debuting in Patch 0.2.0, players will have a fresh new playstyle to master, especially those who enjoy ranged combat with strategic positioning.
New Support Gems and Ascendancies
Aside from the new class, Patch 0.2.0 will introduce new support gems and ascendancy changes, further expanding character customization.
Support Gems
New support gems will provide additional skill interactions and improve build variety. Some rumored additions include:
·Projectile Splitting Support, allowing projectiles to hit multiple enemies
·Trap Chain Support, which makes traps trigger multiple times
·Aura Link Support, enabling more efficient party synergy
Ascendancy Changes
With new ascendancies, players can expect a significant meta shift. Some leaks suggest new passive skills focused on:
·Damage over time effects for poison and bleed builds
·Evasion-based defenses to complement the Huntress
·Totem and minion synergy, enhancing summoner playstyles
The Orb of Alteration: What Was It and Why Was It Removed?
Before we analyze whether the Orb of Alteration is returning, let's first break down what it was and why Grinding Gear Games (GGG) removed it in Path of Exile 2.
What Is the Orb of Alteration?
In Path of Exile 1, the Orb of Alteration was a currency that allowed players to reroll the modifiers on a Magic (blue) item. This made it a fundamental tool for crafting, especially when trying to force specific affixes onto an item. It was also an essential step in high-end crafting, allowing players to roll a desired set of mods before upgrading an item to a Rare (yellow) tier.
Why Was It Removed?
GGG decided to remove the Orb of Alteration (along with the Orb of Scouring) in Path of Exile 2 to reduce deterministic crafting. Without these orbs, players had to rely more on finding or purchasing new item bases rather than endlessly rerolling existing ones.
However, this decision was not well-received by the community. Many players felt that the removal of these orbs made crafting far more tedious, requiring them to farm entire new item bases if they rolled an undesirable mod. This has fueled recent speculation about GGG possibly reintroducing the Orb of Alteration in some capacity.
Is the Orb of Alteration Returning in PoE 2 Patch 0.2.0?
The Community's Speculation
The rumor about the Orb of Alteration's return began circulating when players spotted a mysterious currency item in a video preview of the Map Stash Tab. Although the footage was later edited and re-uploaded, some keen-eyed fans managed to capture a screenshot of an unidentified blue-colored currency item in the inventory.
Given its color and iconography, many players speculated that this was none other than the Orb of Alteration returning in Path of Exile 2.
Could It Be a New Currency Instead?
While the resemblance is striking, there is also the possibility that this is a completely new currency with a different name. However, if it functions similarly to the Orb of Alteration, it would be a welcome addition to the Path of Exile 2 crafting ecosystem.
Why the Return of the Orb of Alteration Would Be Good for PoE 2
If the Orb of Alteration does make a comeback in Patch 0.2.0, it would address some key crafting frustrations currently plaguing PoE 2:
1. More Efficient Crafting – Players wouldn't have to farm entire new bases just to reset an item's mods.
2. Better Build Flexibility – Crafting powerful magic items with the right mods would be easier.
3. Encourages More Market Activity – The return of the orb could revitalize PoE 2's economy, with players trading for high-quality crafted gear.
Additionally, GGG has stated that they are hesitant to add a Crafting Bench to Path of Exile 2, meaning that alternative crafting methods—like the Orb of Alteration—would be an ideal compromise.
What This Means for the Future of PoE 2
Whether or not the Orb of Alteration returns, Patch 0.2.0 is shaping up to be one of the most game-changing updates in Path of Exile 2 so far. The introduction of the Huntress class, new ascendancies, and support gems will already shake up the meta—but the possible return of this beloved crafting currency could make the update even more significant.
Final Thoughts: Will GGG Bring Back the Orb of Alteration?
While nothing is confirmed yet, the evidence from leaked footage and community speculation suggests that GGG may indeed be planning to reintroduce a currency item similar to the Orb of Alteration. If true, this would mark a significant shift in PoE 2's crafting mechanics, making item customization far more accessible and rewarding.
What do you think? Will the Orb of Alteration return in PoE 2: Dawn of the Hunt? Let us know in the comments below!
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Rumors aside, one thing that's not a mystery is our PoE 2 Store! If you're looking to buy PoE 2 Orbs, powerful gear, or crafting essentials, be sure to check out our shop for the best deals to enhance your Path of Exile 2 experience!