PoE Orb of Intention Guide: High-Strand, Low-Loot Strategy for Memory Maps

In Path of Exile, managing risk versus reward is a constant balancing act—and the Orb of Intention is a prime example of this. Introduced as part of the Memory Strand mechanics, this currency item is designed to tilt map rewards toward higher Memory Strand density, at the cost of raw item quantity. If you’re focusing on crafting or high-end modifiers, this orb may be exactly what you need.

PoE Orb of Intention

What Is the Orb of Intention?

The Orb of Intention is a stackable currency item (max stack size: 10) that can only be applied to Memory Influenced Maps. When used, it adds a powerful enchantment that increases the number of Memory Strands found on items within that map. However, this comes with a drawback: fewer overall item drops from the area.

Usage Instructions:
Right-click the Orb, then left-click a Memory Influenced Map to apply it. You can apply up to three to a single map item to further intensify the effect. Shift-click to unstack them.

Mechanics Breakdown

Once applied, the Orb of Intention grants this modifier to the map:

  • 20% less Quantity of Items found
  • Items with Memory Strands found have +12 Memory Strands

In practical terms, this means you’re less likely to walk out of the map with armfuls of gear. But the gear you do find—if it rolls with Memory Strands—will be significantly richer in Strand count. This can be incredibly valuable when you’re trying to create high-tier items using Strand-based crafting techniques.

When Should You Use It?

This orb is not for your average loot run. It’s best used when:

  • You’re targeting high Memory Strand counts for advanced crafting.
  • You’re farming with item quantity already boosted elsewhere, such as through party play or strongbox modifiers.
  • You want to stack multiple Orbs of Intention to maximize Memory Strand potential and minimize trash loot.

It’s especially popular among players who want to min-max influenced gear rather than gather a variety of random items.

How to Get the Orb of Intention

This item is drop-restricted and can’t be found just anywhere. You’ll need to hunt down:

  • Incarnation of Dread
  • Incarnation of Neglect
  • Incarnation of Fear

These bosses are found in Memory Influenced content, so you’ll need to engage with the Atlas strategy that enables these encounters. They don’t have a guaranteed drop rate for the Orb of Intention, so farming them may require patience.

The Orb of Intention is an interesting tool in the PoE arsenal. While it doesn’t increase the number of item drops, it enhances the quality and value of specific modifiers through Memory Strands. If your endgame goals involve crafting elite gear, this orb lets you invest more directly into that process.

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