Path of Exile 2: How to Get Essences

Path of Exile (PoE), the critically acclaimed action role-playing game (ARPG) developed by Grinding Gear Games, has evolved over the years into one of the most beloved titles in the genre. Since its initial release in 2013, PoE has added countless expansions, updates, and content to keep players engaged. One of the core aspects of Path of Exile's progression system revolves around items, and at the heart of many crafting strategies are Essences.

Essences are powerful crafting materials that allow players to modify items in specific ways, imbuing them with desirable affixes. In Path of Exile 2, which is set to expand upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, Essences will continue to play a vital role in crafting, trading, and item acquisition. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at what Essences are, how to acquire them, and how to use them efficiently.

What Are Essences in Path of Exile?

Essences are a category of crafting materials in Path of Exile that provide players with the ability to modify items in a more targeted way than traditional POE 2 Currency crafting methods like Orbs of Alchemy or Orbs of Chaos. Instead of randomly altering an item, Essences allow for guaranteed affix changes, with each Essence type having specific properties tied to it.

Essences come in different tiers and types, and each Essence can modify a particular item in one of the following ways:

 
Imbuing items with a specific modifier: Essences can force a particular mod to appear on an item. For example, an Essence of Horror can add the "Increased Attack Speed" modifier to a weapon.

 
Increasing the item's quality or rarity: Essences can also help improve an item's overall potential, pushing it towards higher tiers of affixes.

Unlocking new affix options: In some cases, Essences can give you access to new modifiers that you wouldn't normally be able to get on an item, allowing for customization and optimizing gear for endgame activities.

The strategic use of Essences is what sets them apart from other crafting methods in Path of Exile, as they enable players to target very specific results and are particularly useful when looking for high-end or rare items.

Types of Essences

There are several types of Essences, each with its own unique properties. The most common types include:

Essence of Woe: Grants a modifier that increases the item's life or energy shield.

Essence of Anguish: Adds mods related to damage over time or chaos damage.

 
Essence of Hatred: Adds cold damage-related modifiers, including increased cold damage or cold resistance.

Essence of Horror: Affects attack-related affixes, such as attack speed or physical damage.

Essence of Delirium: Provides mods that boost mind-affecting stats such as critical strike chance, mana regeneration, or spell damage.

These Essences differ in value, rarity, and usefulness based on what players are crafting and their playstyle. Essences are divided into several tiers, with higher-tier Essences offering stronger mods but being rarer and harder to obtain.

How to Get Essences in Path of Exile 2

Now that we know what Essences are and how they function, the next crucial step is understanding how to acquire them in Path of Exile 2. There are several methods through which players can collect Essences, each offering different opportunities based on gameplay style and in-game activities.

1. Essence Monsters

One of the primary ways to acquire Essences is through the Essence Monsters scattered throughout the game world. These special monsters are marked with a unique purple aura, and upon killing them, they drop Essences that you can harvest. Essences from these monsters come in varying tiers and types, depending on the difficulty and region in which they spawn.

As you progress through the game, Essence Monsters become more difficult to defeat, but they also offer higher-tier Essences with more powerful crafting possibilities. In Path of Exile 2, you can expect Essence Monsters to be integrated into the game world as part of the ongoing expansions, meaning that hunting them down will continue to be a crucial activity for acquiring Essences.

2. Essence Crafting on Maps

Essences can also be found on Maps, Path of Exile's endgame content system. Maps are procedurally generated areas that offer a high-level challenge and the chance to acquire valuable loot. Some of the maps contain special Essence modifiers that will increase the drop rate of Essences when completed. You can alter maps with the Essence modifier by using a currency item called the Essence of the Map.

Additionally, certain mods in the game will increase the likelihood of Essences dropping during map completion. Some maps may have higher Essence drops or include Essence Monsters as part of the layout. Be sure to check the modifiers on your maps to maximize your Essence returns.

3. Trading and Purchasing Essences

Essences are tradable items in Path of Exile 2. This opens up a pathway for players who prefer to focus on other aspects of the game, such as exploration or combat, to acquire Essences from the trading economy. By engaging in the player-driven market, you can purchase specific Essences from other players, whether it's for crafting or preparing for your next big item upgrade.

Many players accumulate Essences over time and store them for future use. If you don't have the time to hunt down Essences yourself, or if you're looking for a specific type, trading can be an efficient option.

4. Essence Vendors

Certain NPC vendors will also sell Essences in exchange for chaos orbs or other forms of in-game currency. These vendors typically offer Essences at set prices and provide a reliable way to acquire Essences for players who have a steady supply of currency and need to focus on crafting rather than hunting down Essences.

Essence vendors may appear as you progress through the story or after certain endgame milestones, and they will always offer a selection of Essences, although the types available will vary.

5. Delirium and Breach Mechanics

Both the Delirium and Breach mechanics from the previous Path of Exile expansions also provide opportunities to acquire Essences. Delirium encounters, in particular, present players with the chance to unlock multiple loot rewards, including Essences, by pushing deeper into the madness.

In Breach encounters, you can also acquire powerful rewards, including Essences, after defeating certain enemies or completing objectives in the Breach zone. While these mechanics may not be the primary source of Essences, they can certainly be a valuable supplemental method to bolster your Essence collection.

6. Essence Stashes and League Content

In Path of Exile 2, we can expect to see continued support for league content that enhances the collection of Essences. New mechanics or systems may be introduced that make acquiring Essences more engaging or rewarding. For example, the Heist League or Harvest League mechanics offered players the opportunity to gather specific resources for crafting, which could tie into future Essence collection strategies.

Keep an eye on new content updates to see how these mechanics evolve and what new ways may emerge to collect Essences.

Using Essences Effectively

Once you've acquired your Essences, the next challenge is knowing how to use them effectively. Here are some tips for maximizing the power of Essences in your crafting:

Targeted Crafting: Essences allow for targeted crafting. If you need a specific modifier for a piece of gear, use the right Essence to guarantee it. For example, if you want an item with increased critical strike chance, use an Essence of Horror or another Essence type that guarantees that modifier.

 
Upgrading Gear: Use Essences to enhance your current gear, especially when you're looking for endgame viability. Essences can improve your item's chances of being viable in high-level content, such as endgame bosses or challenging maps.

Stacking Mods: You can combine multiple Essences on the same item to stack desirable mods. Be cautious, however, as this could lead to unwanted outcomes, so it's best to experiment on lower-value items before committing to expensive ones.

Trading Essences: If you find yourself with an excess of one type of Essence, consider cheap Poe 2 trade it with other players for a more valuable one.

Conclusion

Essences in Path of Exile 2 will remain an integral part of the crafting system, providing players with a targeted and reliable way to modify and enhance their gear. Whether through Essence Monsters, trading, or using the specialized Essence vendors, acquiring Essences will be an ongoing part of the gameplay experience. Knowing how to use these powerful crafting materials efficiently will be key to maximizing your item potential and gearing up for the challenges ahead.

So, whether you are just starting your journey in Path of Exile 2 or have already experienced the depths of its world, Essences will continue to be a vital tool in your arsenal for crafting the perfect gear and improving your character's power.