The Orb of Dominance is a powerful currency item introduced in the Echoes of the Atlas expansion. Previously known as Maven’s Orb, it plays a crucial role in crafting by allowing players to upgrade influenced modifiers to their elevated forms, significantly enhancing the power of their gear.
Overview
Item Description
Stack Size: 10
Effect: Removes one influenced modifier from an item with at least two influenced modifiers and upgrades another influenced modifier. Upgrading a modifier of the highest tier transforms it into an Elevated Modifier. Attempting to upgrade an Elevated Modifier rerolls its values.
Usage: Right-click the Orb of Dominance, then left-click an item with at least two influenced modifiers to apply it.
Applicable to: Body Armours, Boots, Gloves, and Helmets.
Mechanics
How It Works
Requirements: The item must have at least two influenced modifiers.
Process:
The Orb of Dominance removes one random influenced modifier from the item.
It upgrades another random influenced modifier to a higher tier.
If the modifier being upgraded is already at the highest tier, it transforms into an Elevated Modifier with even stronger effects.
Influence Types: The orb does not distinguish between different influence types and may pick any mod at random.
Usage Details
Magic and Rare Items: Can be used on both magic and rare items.
Multiple Influence Types: The orb works regardless of the influence types present on the item.
Legacy and Protected Modifiers: Modifiers that are legacy or protected by a meta-crafting mod (e.g., "Suffixes can’t be changed") will not be affected.
Tier Upgrades:
A tier 3 mod will be upgraded to its tier 2 version.
A tier 1 mod will be upgraded to a new "elevated" mod.
Elevated Mods: Elevated modifiers can be transferred to another item using an Awakener’s Orb.
Item Acquisition
Drop Sources
The Orb of Dominance is a rare drop from high-tier bosses, specifically:
Sirus, Awakener of Worlds
The Elder
Uber Elder
The Shaper
These bosses are encountered in endgame content, and obtaining an Orb of Dominance from them is considered a significant achievement.
Strategies and Tips
Crafting with the Orb of Dominance
Preparation: Ensure your item has desirable influenced modifiers before using the orb, as one will be removed.
Combining with Other Currency Items: Use the Orb of Dominance in conjunction with other crafting currency to fine-tune the remaining modifiers.
Risk and Reward: The process involves risk due to the random nature of modifier removal and upgrade. However, the potential for creating extremely powerful items makes it a worthwhile gamble.
Optimal Use Cases
High-End Gear: The orb is best used on items that are already close to perfect, where an elevated modifier can provide a significant boost.
Economic Value: Given its rarity and value, consider selling the orb or using it in a crafting service for other players, especially if you lack the base items to make the most of its potential.
Conclusion
The Orb of Dominance is a vital tool in the arsenal of any serious Path of Exile player. Its ability to elevate modifiers makes it indispensable for creating top-tier gear. While its use involves a degree of risk, the rewards can be substantial, offering a significant advantage in the game’s most challenging content. Whether obtained through drops or trading, the Orb of Dominance remains a cornerstone of Path of Exile’s complex and rewarding crafting system.