Path of Exile 2: A Complete Guide to Maximizing Charms – Obtaining, Upgrading, and More

As you delve into the early access of Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), you'll quickly notice an abundance of items that can significantly impact your gameplay. Among these, the introduction of charms stands out as a notable new feature. Designed to replace the non-life and non-mana potions from the original game, charms bring a fresh layer of strategy and utility to combat.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about charms in POE 2, including their functionality, acquisition, upgrades, and placement.

 

What Are Charms in POE 2?

Charms are a unique addition to POE 2, serving as defensive accessories that provide various beneficial effects during battle. These effects are triggered when specific conditions are met, such as taking damage or being afflicted by a status ailment. For example, the Sapphire Charm grants 25% cold resistance for four seconds after you take a hit.

Unlike traditional potions, charms require charges to function. When depleted, charms become inactive until recharged. You can refill their charges by defeating enemies or visiting a well. Additionally, charms can be enhanced using modifiers or upgraded with POE 2 Currency like the Regal Orb, increasing their effectiveness and granting added benefits.

Each charm has 80 charges, with the amount consumed per use varying by type. While most charms deplete after one or two uses, certain modifiers can reduce the charge cost, making them more efficient.

Here’s a list of the charms currently available in POE 2 and their effects:

• Thawing Charm: Grants immunity to Freeze when triggered.
• Staunching Charm: Grants immunity to Bleeding when bleeding starts.
• Antidote Charm: Grants immunity to Poison when poisoned.
• Dousing Charm: Grants immunity to Ignite when ignited.
• Grounding Charm: Grants immunity to Shock when shocked.
• Stone Charm: Grants immunity to Stun when stunned.
• Silver Charm: Grants immunity to Slow effects when slowed.
• Ruby Charm: Grants +25% Fire Resistance when taking fire damage.
• Sapphire Charm: Grants +25% Cold Resistance when taking cold damage.
• Amethyst Charm: Grants +18% Chaos Resistance when taking chaos damage.
• Topaz Charm: Grants +25% Lightning Resistance when taking lightning damage.
• Golden Charm: Increases item rarity by 20% when killing rare or unique enemies.

 

How to Obtain Charms

Obtaining charms in POE 2 is relatively straightforward. They can drop from almost any enemy, meaning you’ll naturally accumulate them as you progress through the story or various campaigns. Exploring every corner of the map increases your chances of finding charms, so make sure to clear all areas thoroughly.

Since there are only 12 types of charms, collecting duplicates is common. Excess charms can be stored in your stash for future use or upgrades.

 

How to Upgrade Charms

Charms, while not classified as traditional equipment, offer various upgrade options to enhance their effectiveness:

1. Add Modifiers: Use items like Orbs of Augmentation and Exalted Orbs to add modifiers to rare and enchanted charms. These modifiers can increase resistance values or add potion-like effects, such as improved charge recovery or increased maximum charges.

2. Upgrade Rarity: Using Regal Orbs allows you to upgrade magic charms, provided they already have two modifiers. This can significantly boost their stats and utility.

3. Strengthen Base Effects: Some materials can strengthen a charm’s main effect while keeping its core properties intact. For instance, modifying a Sapphire Charm can make it restore mana in addition to its cold resistance.

 

Where to Equip Charms

Charms in POE 2 are equipped via your character’s belt. Without a belt, you won’t be able to use charms. Fortunately, belts are easily obtainable and can drop from almost any defeated enemy. Alternatively, belts can also be purchased from in-game vendors like Renly at the Clearfell camp.

Each belt comes with a charm slot, visible next to your potion slots. Higher-tier belts provide additional charm slots, allowing you to equip more charms simultaneously. Early-game belts typically have one charm slot, but by Act 3 or higher difficulties, belts with multiple charm slots become more common.

Maximize Your Gameplay

Charms are a vital component in POE 2, offering versatile defensive and utility options that can be tailored to your playstyle. By strategically equipping and upgrading charms with POE 2 Currency, you can significantly enhance your survivability and efficiency in combat.

Whether you’re exploring new areas, battling powerful foes, or seeking rare loot, charms provide an invaluable edge in your journey through Path of Exile 2. Keep hunting for those perfect modifiers, and don’t forget to recharge and upgrade your charms for maximum effectiveness. Good luck on your adventures!