Normal Items

Normal items are the most basic tier of gear in Path of Exile 2. They appear white in color and come without any modifiers or affixes. While they offer no immediate advantages, they are essential crafting bases and can be used with currency items like Orbs of Transmutation or Essences to begin the crafting process. For example, players might take a white six-linked armor base and upgrade it to a magic or rare item tailored for a specific build. Normal items are also frequently used in vendor recipes and serve as a clean slate for more advanced crafting methods.

Magic Items

Magic items are a step above normal items and appear blue in color. These items can have up to two modifiers: one prefix and one suffix. Magic items are commonly found throughout the early stages of the game and can be crafted from normal items using Orbs of Transmutation. They are especially useful when players need temporary upgrades early in a league or event. While magic items are rarely endgame-viable, they are often used as intermediate steps in crafting, such as when using Orbs of Alteration and Augmentation to reroll stats before upgrading to a rare item with a Regal Orb.

Rare Items

Rare items appear yellow and can have up to six modifiers, including a combination of prefixes and suffixes. They offer the widest variety of stat combinations, making them core to character progression and customization. Rare items can drop from monsters, be crafted from magic items using Regal Orbs, or be upgraded directly from normal items using an Orb of Alchemy. High-quality rare items with ideal affix combinations can rival or even surpass unique items in power, especially when min-maxing a build. Because of their complexity, rare items are also the subject of deep crafting systems involving Exalted Orbs, Chaos Orbs, and advanced meta-crafting techniques.

Unique Items

Unique items are marked with an orange border and possess fixed stats that do not change. Unlike rare items, which vary greatly in power depending on their affixes, unique items are designed with specific themes and effects in mind. Some uniques define entire builds, offering powerful synergies or game-changing mechanics. Others are niche or serve as leveling tools. While they cannot be modified through normal crafting means, some unique items can be enhanced using special currencies like Divine Orbs or Corruption via Vaal Orbs. Players often trade for powerful uniques to optimize their builds or complete specific progression milestones.

Legendary and Special Rarities

Though not part of the standard rarity tiers, some special items exist in Path of Exile 2 that transcend conventional rarity. These may include quest-specific items, relics introduced in league mechanics, or event-exclusive rewards. Items like fractured rares, synthesized items, or mirrored gear from high-end crafting also fall outside normal categories. While not marked with unique colors, their mechanics and power level distinguish them from the usual item types. Understanding how to identify and evaluate these advanced items is key for players interested in deep economic engagement or top-tier crafting in the game’s evolving endgame.

Currency and Non-Equipment Items

While not traditional gear, currency items, fragments, and crafting components play a huge role in the game's economy and progression. These items are technically a separate category but follow their own internal rarity and drop distribution. Some are common, like Scrolls of Wisdom, while others, such as Divine Orbs or Mirrors of Kalandra, are incredibly rare and valuable. Understanding the functional role and scarcity of these items helps players plan their gameplay, manage their inventory, and make informed trading decisions in the vibrant Path of Exile 2 economy.