In Path of Exile, the in-game economy is built around a wide variety of crafting items known as currency orbs. One of the most fundamental and widely used of these is the Orb of Transmutation. While it may seem basic compared to higher-tier orbs like Chaos or Exalted Orbs, the Orb of Transmutation serves an important function in item progression and crafting. Its simplicity masks its value, especially in the early game and for certain crafting recipes. Understanding how, when, and why to use the Orb of Transmutation is essential for efficient play in both trade leagues and solo self-found modes.
What is the Orb of Transmutation?
The Orb of Transmutation is a basic currency item in Path of Exile that upgrades a normal (white) item to a magic (blue) item. This change applies one or two random modifiers to the item, depending on its item level and RNG. It is the first step in most crafting processes and a staple tool for early-game gear customization.
Basic Properties
- Name: Orb of Transmutation
- Function: Upgrades a normal item to a magic item
- Stack Size: Up to 40
- Trade Value: Often used in bulk trades for other low-tier currency
Players frequently collect Transmutation Orbs while leveling and continue to use them throughout the game for crafting bases, rolling gear, and fulfilling vendor recipes.
Where to Get Orb of Transmutation
The Orb of Transmutation is one of the most commonly found currency items in the game. It drops from monsters, chests, and destructible containers. However, there are also specific ways to farm or acquire them more reliably.
Common Acquisition Methods
- Monster Drops: Especially common in early areas of the game
- Vendor Recipes: Sell identified magic items to vendors
- Strongboxes: Often contain stacks of low-tier currency
- Delve and Heist Loot: Side content can yield many orbs
- Map Farming: White maps and low-tier content still drop these orbs frequently
You will naturally accumulate Transmutation Orbs while progressing through acts and low-tier maps. They are also often given as quest rewards or found in town vendors’ inventory for low cost.
When to Use Orb of Transmutation
While the Orb of Transmutation seems minor, using it at the right time can save you resources and help progress your build. Its main function is to make a normal item into a magic item, which is necessary for several crafting methods.
Best Use Cases
- Crafting Utility Flasks: Rolling useful modifiers like ‘Removes Bleeding’ or ‘Instant Recovery’
- Preparation for Augmentation/Alteration: Must be a magic item to apply these orbs
- Vendor Recipes: Some recipes require magic items
- Fulfilling Atlas Missions: Using it on a map to create a magic-tier map for missions
Transmutation Orbs are especially helpful in early progression when you lack rare gear or strong modifiers. Upgrading white gear that already has good base stats or sockets can give you an edge without spending higher-value currency.
Crafting with Orb of Transmutation
Though simple, the Transmutation Orb is part of more advanced crafting strategies when combined with other orbs. After using it, the item becomes eligible for further modification using other crafting currency.
Common Crafting Sequence
- UseOrb of Transmutationon a normal item
- UseOrb of Augmentationto add a second mod if only one was applied
- If the mods are not what you want, useOrb of Alterationto reroll
- Repeat until desired modifier(s) appear
This crafting loop is common when trying to roll specific modifiers on flasks, jewelry, or leveling weapons. It’s an inexpensive way to tailor gear before moving to higher-level crafts like regal or chaos orbing.
Transmutation Shards and Vendor Recipes
Players often end up with Transmutation Shards, which combine to form a full Orb of Transmutation. These shards come from specific vendor recipes or fractured item destruction. Knowing how to trigger these recipes can make farming more efficient.
Vendor Recipe Example
- Sell a stack of identified magic items to any vendor
- You will receive Transmutation Shards in return
- 20 shards = 1 Orb of Transmutation
This is an excellent method of clearing your inventory while generating a steady supply of low-tier currency. Keep in mind that unidentified magic items yield Alteration Shards instead, which are more valuable, so choose based on your needs.
Orb of Transmutation in Flask Crafting
One of the most important and often overlooked uses of the Orb of Transmutation is crafting utility flasks. You can’t apply useful suffixes to a flask unless it’s first converted into a magic item.
Common Flask Crafting Steps
- Apply Orb of Transmutation to a normal flask
- Use Orb of Alteration to roll useful effects like immunity to bleeding or curses
- Finish with Orb of Augmentation to add a second modifier if needed
Flask crafting is a vital part of surviving endgame content, and Transmutation Orbs are your starting point for that process.
Trading and Value of Transmutation Orbs
In a trade league, Orb of Transmutation holds minimal direct value but is still used in bulk trades. Most players won’t trade them one-to-one but will accept large stacks when bartering for other low-tier items like Jeweller’s Orbs, Chromatics, or Glassblower’s Baubles.
Trade Examples
- 40 Transmutation Orbs for 1 Jeweller’s Orb
- 80 Transmutation Orbs for 1 Chaos Orb (not always accepted)
- Bundled in mixed bulk trades for convenience
If you’re playing in a solo self-found mode, you’ll find more value in using them than trading them, especially when rolling maps or utility flasks for boss fights.
Orb of Transmutation in Map Crafting
Magic-tier maps are sometimes needed for completing Atlas objectives or triggering specific missions from Masters like Alva or Zana. The Orb of Transmutation is used to upgrade white maps into magic maps.
Map Crafting Steps
- Use Orb of Transmutation on a white map
- Apply Orb of Augmentation if needed
- Check for dangerous mods like ‘No Regen’ before running
This method is a cost-efficient way to ensure your maps qualify for bonus objectives without consuming expensive currency like Chaos Orbs or Alchemy Orbs.
The Utility of the Orb of Transmutation
While the Orb of Transmutation may seem like a basic crafting item in Path of Exile, it is incredibly versatile and forms the foundation of many crafting systems. From preparing flasks and jewelry to converting maps and fulfilling vendor recipes, this small orb plays a big role. Understanding when and how to use it helps you progress more efficiently, save valuable resources, and get better gear sooner. Whether you’re a new exile learning the ropes or a veteran crafting your perfect flask setup, the Orb of Transmutation remains a reliable and essential tool in your journey through Wraeclast.