Orb of Chance vs Directly Buying a Unique: Which is better value?
When playing Path of Exile 2, one big question comes up for many players: should you use an Orb of Chance to try and turn a rare item into a unique, or is it smarter to just buy the unique directly from other players? This choice often depends on how much PoE 2 currency you have, what the item is, and how rare that unique can be. Let’s break this down in a simple way, so even beginners can understand.

Understanding Orb of Chance
An Orb of Chance is a type of currency that upgrades a normal or magic item into a random item of a higher rarity. This means you might get a rare, or if you are lucky, you get the unique item you want. However, the odds of hitting a specific unique are very low, especially for popular ones. For example, if you want a powerful chest piece or ring, using hundreds of Orbs of Chance may still not get you what you need.
Why Buying Might Be Better
Many players find it easier to buy PoE 2 currency and then trade it for the unique directly. This method saves time and frustration. For example, instead of spending 500 Orbs of Chance trying your luck, you could trade some Chaos Orbs or Divine Orbs to another player and get the exact item right away.Sites like u4gm provide a safe way for players to stock up on currency if they don’t have enough from farming.
When to Use Orbs of Chance
That doesn’t mean Orbs of Chance are useless. They are fun to use on base items that only have one unique version. For example, certain wands, shields, or boots have only a single unique outcome, so your odds are much better. If you pick the right base, Orbs of Chance can give you great value. Always check which bases have fewer unique outcomes before spending too much.
Tips for Better Value
Farm currency first: Gather Chaos Orbs, Divine Orbs, and Exalted Orbs before trying to chance items. This gives you backup in case luck is bad.
Check the market: Sometimes uniques are very cheap, and it’s smarter to just buy them with PoE 2 currency.
Target the right bases: Only use Orbs of Chance on bases with limited unique outcomes. Don’t waste them on items with too many possibilities.
Save high-value orbs: Exalted Orbs and Divine Orbs are better used for trading or crafting. Don’t waste them trying your luck blindly.
If you enjoy gambling and the thrill of finding your own item, Orbs of Chance can be fun. But if you want the best value, buying the unique directly is usually smarter. Always compare how many orbs you might waste versus the cost of just buying the item. Smart use of your PoE 2 currency will make your progress faster and smoother.