Path of Exile 2 Guide: Equipping and Upgrading Charms

In Path of Exile 2, the introduction of Charms marks a significant evolution from the previously equipped non-Life and non-Mana Potions in Path of Exile 1. Unlike Potions, which offered immediate bonuses upon use, Charms activate based on specific triggers, enhancing gameplay dynamically. However, players will not have immediate access to Charms upon starting the game.

Initially, Charm Slots will appear disabled on your equipment screen. Once players attain their first Charm, they will unlock these slots, enabling them to harness the unique benefits of Charms. In addition, PoE 2 players can enhance these Charms, maximizing their intrinsic benefits through various Modifiers and Rarity upgrades.

Equipping Charms in Path of Exile 2

To start equipping Charms in Path of Exile 2, players must first obtain a Belt. Typically, your initial Belt can be found shortly after beginning Act 1; however, if luck isn’t on your side with drops, make sure to frequently visit the town vendors. Each time you level up, their item stocks refresh, potentially offering you a Belt for purchase.

If you encounter difficulties obtaining a Belt early in the game, focus on progressing through the levels while saving your Gold for vendor purchases. By around Level 10, you should be able to secure a Belt.

Once you have acquired a Belt, equip it into your Belt slot within the equipment menu. This action will reveal your first Charm slot beneath the belt, allowing you to enhance your character’s capabilities.

To acquire additional Charm slots, players should equip belts of higher tiers. In Acts 1 and 2, it’s common for belts to feature just one Charm slot. However, as players advance to Act 3 and enter Cruel difficulty and beyond, belts with multiple Charm slots become increasingly accessible.

Upgrading PoE 2 Charms

While Charms do not function as traditional equipment, players will find that they can enhance Charms in several impactful ways in Path of Exile 2.

One method of upgrading involves adding Modifiers to Rare and Magic Charms using Orbs of Augmentation and Exalted Orbs. Although Charms do not provide Stats or grant Skill levels, they can boost resistances, amplify effects, and include modifiers akin to potion enhancements, which may increase maximum Charges or expedite Charge recovery.

Additionally, players can increase the Rarity of Charms—similar to other equipment—by using Orb of Transmutation and Regal Orb Currencies. This process allows the transition from Normal to Magic, and from Magic to Rare Charms.

It is crucial, however, to use Regal Orbs carefully; apply them to Magic Charms only if they already feature two Modifiers. This is because a Regal Orb can only add a single Modifier to a Magic item, thereby ensuring the maximum possible Modifiers for your newly Rare item.

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