Path of Exile 2 Guide | How To Farm & Use Uniques

If you're a fresh player in Path of Exile 2 and found a unique one, or you're just wondering where it is, this tutorial is going to be for you. I have spent a lot of time learning about uniques, and teaching you literally everything I know about using it, building around it, and farming efficiently goes without saying.

Understanding Uniques

Unique items, to begin with, are unusual. Let me explain what's special about unique items. These are not just usual drops. Uniques are supposed to revolutionize how you build up your character. They oftentimes, unlike regular items, require you to actually shift your playstyle or combine with certain passives or skills to get the full effect.

They are not just inherently strong in their own right and situational, and when used properly, they might even define your build. An example would be things like the Threaded Light Focus scale spell damage based on your Spirit level. This works especially well with builds that stack Spirit, such as an Invoker Monk. If your build does not scale Spirit at all, this unique will not be very good.

Likewise, the Radiant Grief Helmet gives you the ability to auto-ignite enemies, so it will be really good when causing chain explosions but less good in a build that does not exploit those features. Takeaway- you simply don't just throw on a unique and get this massive power boost. Think of them more as a way to fine-tune or even change your build altogether.

When to Use Uniques

So, where would you actually use uniques? You generally want to use them where they actually synergize and increase your overall build. Most of the time, the builds only need to use one or two uniques because the raw stats on the rares are quite a lot better. There are definitely some situations, though, where the multiple uniques together can perform incredibly well.

For instance, Everlasting Gaze with Midnight Brand, taken together, completely changes how you sustain the damage to your Mana. Add to those Chaos Inoculation and Mind Over Matter passives, and you'll start taking damage to Mana with still fairly decent regeneration. Without those two, though, these uniques would be worse than high-quality rares.

If that happens to be some weird thing that does not fit into your build, just try to build around it somehow. It may not be the most optimal of builds, but you might find a very fun and different playstyle, pun intended.

Crafting of Uniques

One disadvantage of uniques is that they don't allow for regular crafting. There are some exceptions. You can upgrade their quality, add sockets, and use Vaal Orbs on them. The latter are really interesting and can give you a chance to turn your uniqueness into something truly special. What's the catch? It can also brick your item by deleting the unique modifier. Use them carefully and only when you feel ready to gamble.

How to Farm Uniques

Farming. Well, PoE 2 doesn't exactly work like most other ARPGs, farming uniques in some area or dungeon. The game is structured in such a way that as you progress, the quality of treasures gets better. Early-game farming areas are not that abundant, and most of them, just like the Venom Caves in Act 3-contain a lot of chests with higher item rolls that just can't be relied on in the long run.

Farming uniques is best done by reaching the endgame as soon as possible. When one has reached the endgame and the catalyst system is unlocked, one will have access to maps where rares and bosses have considerably better loot. It is in these high-end fights that one will have the most chance at rare items.

Another thing to think about is the very new changes in loot systems. Rare enemies with higher modifiers grant better rewards for their defeat. Kill these uncommon monsters and endgame bosses to raise your chances of finding unusual items.

Trading for Uniques

If farming doesn't work out for the unique you're after, it's always trading time. Most unique items are exchanged for exalted orbs - the game's premium currency. Supply and demand dictate their value, but popular uniques can often sell for well over 60 exalted orbs. Their less popular brethren may, however, end up rather surprisingly cheap.

Trading goes both ways. If you find anything decent that doesn't fit your build, sell it out! Earned orbs - use them to buy items that fit your needs. The trade mechanism is pretty simple: whisper seller in the game, close the deal, and off you go.

When Not to Use Uniques

Keep in mind uniques aren't always better. Unless you're utilizing their unique synergies, a well-rolled uncommon will usually outclass it. Just because you get a drop doesn't mean you have to use it. Throw it in your other tab for potential use in another build, or sell it for decent currency.

Closing Remarks

Unique items in Path of Exile 2 are more than just shinier treasure; they let you innovate and build things totally your way, farming rares in the endgame maps, gambling with Vaal Orbs, or trading for the right piece, learn how and when to use these items.

Don't get disheartened by the first several drops not working out; there's a place for every unique, just find it. Get out there, explore, but above all, have fun experimenting with your builds.

Also, check our Path of Exile 2 Review and other guides below:

• Path of Exile 2 Class Guide | Which Class Should You Pick
• Path of Exile 2 | Monk Build Guide
• Path of Exile 2 | Warrior Build Guide
• Path of Exile 2 Beginner's Guide
• Path of Exile 2 | Witch Build Guide
• Path of Exile 2 | Ranger Build Guide
• Path of Exile 2 | Mercenary Build Guide
• Path of Exile 2 | Sorceress Build Guide
• Path of Exile 2 | How To Level Up Fast