Path of Exile 2: How to Use the Reforging Bench to Optimize Equipment Stats

In Path of Exile 2, players often accumulate a variety of equipment that may not align with their character's build. While it’s easy to sell, disassemble, or stash unwanted gear for other characters, some items might have potential despite their lackluster stats.

Selling or dismantling such items outright can feel like a waste, as they still hold value. This is where the Reforging Bench becomes an invaluable tool. By using it, players can combine multiple items of the same type to re-randomize their properties, offering a chance to create more suitable gear.

This feature allows players to make the most of their resources, sometimes yielding exceptional results, including gear superior to the individual items used in the process. If further enhancements are needed, additional upgrades can be achieved by using POE 2 Currency. Below, we’ll guide you through finding and using the Reforging Bench in Path of Exile 2.

When to Unlock the Reforging Bench

The Reforging Bench is a powerful feature unlocked during Act 3 of Path of Exile 2. Players will gain access after completing specific quests in the story. Early in Act 3, the quest Legacy of the Vaal will guide players to a new area called the Drowned City.

After completing the quest, return to the Ziggurat Encampment and locate Oswald in the northwest corner. Speaking with Oswald will initiate the Treasures of Utzaal quest. Successfully completing this questline will unlock the Reforging Bench.

 

How to Unlock the Reforging Bench

Unlocking the Reforging Bench requires progressing through the Treasures of Utzaal quest. When players reach level 40 and follow the quest marker to the Drowned City, they’ll enter the Molten Vault, a dungeon filled with fire-themed enemies. To prepare for this area, equip fire-resistant gear and consider using ice-based attacks for an advantage.

Inside the Molten Vault, players will face a formidable boss, Mektul, The Forgemaster. Mektul deals devastating fire damage but has a slower attack speed, with significant cooldowns between moves.

To defeat Mektul:

• Learn his attack patterns.
• Use cold damage to exploit his weakness.
• Focus on dodging and counterattacking during cooldowns.

The fight is time-sensitive, with a four-minute limit. Failure to defeat Mektul within the time frame results in the room filling with lava, leading to instant death. After a successful battle, players will receive the Hammer of Kamasa, which opens a portal back to town. Speak with Oswald upon your return to unlock the Reforging Bench and receive an Uncut Skill Gem as a reward.

 

How to Use the Reforging Bench

The Reforging Bench allows players to combine three items of the same type and rarity to create a new item with randomized properties. To use it, simply interact with the bench, which can be found in towns or placed in your personal hideout.

Important Notes:

• The three items used in reforging will be destroyed. Ensure they are no longer needed.
• The new item’s properties depend on the input items, but outcomes are random.
• The level of the output item matches the lowest-level input item.

Eligible Items for Reforging:

• Weapons, armor, or accessories of the same type and rarity
• Unique items
• Catalyst
• Essence
• Soul Core
• Precursor Tablets
• Distilled Emotion
• Runes
• Relics
• Waystones of the same tier

Certain items, such as Waystones and Distilled Emotions, are more likely to yield higher-tier results during reforging. However, damaged items cannot be reforged, and most results will require identification using a Hooded One or Scroll of Wisdom to reveal their full potential.

Maximizing the Reforging Bench

To get the best results:

1. Choose items carefully: Combine gear of similar levels to avoid wasting high-level items.
2. Focus on rarity: Higher-rarity items often produce better results.
3. Understand limitations: Some item types may not yield expected results, so plan combinations strategically.

The Reforging Bench is a strategic tool that enhances the crafting process, allowing players to turn underwhelming gear into valuable assets. By carefully selecting the right combinations, players can maximize their resources and improve their character's power. In your pursuit of the perfect gear, make sure to explore other crafting systems in the game and utilize items like POE 2 Currency for further upgrades.

This feature not only adds depth to equipment customization but also introduces an element of surprise and creativity. With practice and careful planning, the Reforging Bench can significantly boost your Path of Exile 2 experience.