In the complex and loot-driven world of Path of Exile, players constantly seek ways to obtain better gear and optimize their builds. One popular method for acquiring unique or rare items is through crafting with currency orbs. Among them, the Orb of Chance stands out for its simplicity and potential. When used correctly, it can transform an ordinary white item into a powerful unique. One common target for this technique is the quarterstaff, a two-handed weapon type favored by certain spellcasters, melee builds, and energy-based characters. Understanding how Orb of Chance works with quarterstaves can greatly benefit your progression, especially if you’re aiming for a specific unique weapon.
What Is an Orb of Chance?
The Orb of Chance is a basic yet potent currency item in Path of Exile. It is used to upgrade a normal (white) item into a random item of a higher rarity: magic (blue), rare (yellow), or unique (orange). While the results are entirely random, players often use this orb strategically, especially when targeting specific base items with potential unique variants.
This randomness, however, comes with an opportunity. If you use an Orb of Chance on the correct base item, and you’re lucky, it can result in one of the unique versions of that base item. That’s where the quarterstaff comes into focus.
Why Target a Quarterstaff?
Quarterstaves are a specific type of two-handed melee weapon. They are frequently used in caster and melee builds that emphasize block chance, elemental damage, or critical strikes. Several strong unique quarterstaves exist in the game, making them valuable crafting targets with Orbs of Chance.
Popular Unique Quarterstaves
Using an Orb of Chance on a quarterstaff has a chance of producing one of the following uniques, assuming the base type is correct and the item level matches the required threshold:
- Pillar of the Caged God: A strength-scaling staff perfect for strength-stacking builds.
- Pledge of Hands: Ideal for spellcasters, granting an extra Spell Echo modifier and a significant mana bonus.
- Agnerod West, East, North, and South: Elemental-focused staves that provide bonuses for lightning, cold, and fire damage builds.
- The Searing Touch: A popular leveling staff for fire-based spellcasters, giving added fire damage and increased cast speed.
These weapons offer strong synergies for a wide variety of builds, especially in the early and mid-game stages. Because of their utility and power, players often attempt to ‘chance’ into these items rather than buy them directly.
How to Use Orb of Chance on Quarterstaffs
Step-by-Step Usage
Here’s a clear method to increase your odds and make efficient use of your Orbs of Chance:
- Acquire the correct base quarterstaff. For example, if you’re targeting Pledge of Hands, you’ll need a Judgement Staff.
- Ensure the base item is normal (white) rarity. Orbs of Chance can only be used on white items.
- Use the Orb of Chance on the item from your inventory.
- If the result is not the unique you’re aiming for, repeat the process.
This process is essentially gambling, as there is no guaranteed outcome. The probability of getting a unique is low typically under 1% so players often attempt this method in bulk.
Maximizing Your Odds
Although the Orb of Chance is fundamentally random, there are some strategies to slightly improve your chances or reduce waste.
Target Farming
Make sure you’re using the correct item base. Each unique item only drops or upgrades from specific item types and levels. Here’s how to prepare:
- Check the required item level: Some uniques only appear when the item level is high enough.
- Use vendor recipes or specific maps: These help you acquire the correct quarterstaff base more efficiently.
- Use a Magic Find or Atlas passive strategy: To increase the chance of quarterstaff drops while farming.
Item Filters and Trade
Use an item filter like NeverSink’s to highlight specific base items while mapping. Alternatively, trade for the correct base items via in-game trading websites or player-to-player exchanges. Having a large stash of appropriate white quarterstaves will allow you to use your Orbs of Chance more effectively without wasting time or resources.
Orb of Chance Farming Locations
If you’re running low on Orbs of Chance, consider farming zones and maps that drop currency frequently. The following activities yield decent quantities:
- Delve: Currency nodes in the mine often drop bulk orbs.
- Heist: Currency chests can produce a solid number of Orbs of Chance.
- Strongboxes (Arcanist Boxes): Sometimes drop multiple types of currency at once.
- Maps with increased rarity modifiers: These improve overall drop rates, including currency.
Focusing on these areas while simultaneously looking for base quarterstaffs can help you farm both components needed for your crafting attempt.
When to Stop Using Orbs of Chance
As with all gambling mechanics in games, there’s a point when it becomes inefficient to keep going. If you’ve spent a large number of Orbs of Chance without success, consider the following alternatives:
- Buy the unique directly from another player: Especially if the item is inexpensive on the trade market.
- Use Divination Cards: Some cards guarantee specific unique items or item types.
- Wait for league mechanics: Some leagues make unique items more accessible, either through crafting or rewards.
It’s essential to manage your resources wisely in Path of Exile. Using hundreds of orbs without getting the desired item can be discouraging, so knowing when to pivot strategies is important.
Using an Orb of Chance on a quarterstaff in Path of Exile is a popular and thrilling way to try and obtain a powerful unique weapon. While the odds are low, the potential reward like a Pledge of Hands or Searing Touch makes the attempt worthwhile, especially for budget-conscious players. To maximize your success, make sure you’re using the correct item base, managing your resources effectively, and exploring all acquisition options. Whether you’re a veteran exile or a new adventurer, understanding how to best use your Orbs of Chance can elevate your crafting game and bring you one step closer to building the perfect character.