Path of Exile Guide: How to Get Orb of Regret
What is an Orb of Regret?
The Orb of Regret is a currency item in Path of Exile that lets players undo a single passive skill point spent on the Passive Skill Tree. This is incredibly useful when you want to re-spec your character without starting over or losing progression. For example, if you realize you've made a mistake or want to try a new build, you can use an Orb of Regret to refund a specific skill point and reallocate it to a different node.
Though the Orb of Regret only allows you to remove one skill point per orb, it's often needed in large quantities as you may want to re-spec multiple points over time. This makes the Orb of Regret a highly sought-after currency, especially in the later stages of the game when players are experimenting with different builds or facing the consequences of their previous skill tree decisions.
Why Do You Need Orb of Regret?
Before diving into how to obtain the Orb of Regret, let's first explore why you might need it:
1. Build Optimization
If you're experimenting with different passive skills or learning the game mechanics, you may realize that certain skill point investments were either unnecessary or inefficient. The Orb of Regret allows you to fix those mistakes without restarting your character.
2. Adapting to Endgame
As you progress through Path of Exile, you may encounter different challenges or change your endgame approach. For example, after reaching the endgame maps, you might discover that your character's build isn't performing as well as you hoped. By using Orbs of Regret, you can reallocate your passive points to better suit your new goals.
3. League Changes and Meta Shifts
At the beginning of a new league or with balance updates, certain builds or mechanics may receive buffs or nerfs. You may decide that your character needs to change with the times, and Orbs of Regret can help you adjust accordingly.
4. Refining Builds
Even after a long time of playing a specific build, you might want to fine-tune your character further. Orbs of Regret provide the means to improve your existing passive skill tree or respec points to more optimal locations.
How to Get Orb of Regret in Path of Exile
There are several ways to obtain Orbs of Regret in Path of Exile. The methods for obtaining Orbs of Regret vary depending on your progression in the game, so let's look at the most reliable sources:
1. Vendor Recipes
One of the most common and easiest ways to acquire Orbs of Regret is through vendor recipes. As you play through the game, you can exchange certain items with vendors in exchange for Orbs of Regret. Here's how it works:
1.1 Currency Vendor Recipe
You can obtain an Orb of Regret by trading one Orb of Alteration and one Orb of Transmutation to a vendor. This is one of the most basic and consistent ways to acquire Orbs of Regret early on in the game, especially when you have an excess of Orbs of Alteration or Transmutation from farming low-level content.
1.2 Vendor Recipe for Exalted Orbs
In higher levels of play, you may also discover more complex vendor recipes that involve trading higher-value or rare items for Orbs of Regret. These might require you to trade items like Exalted Orbs or Chaos Orbs for Orbs of Regret. However, these recipes are more rare and often not recommended unless you're in a late-game situation where currency is abundant. You can buy POE exalted orbs to get more.
2. Quest Rewards
In Path of Exile, you can also earn Orbs of Regret as part of the quest rewards during your progression through the main storyline.
2.1 Act 3: The Trade of Regrets
The most prominent quest reward for Orbs of Regret comes in Act 3, where you can earn two Orbs of Regret after completing the quest The Trade of Regrets. Here's how to unlock them:
Location: The quest is available after completing the Sewer System in Act 3.
Objective: The quest requires you to visit the Gemling Legion and return to Siosa in the Library.
Reward: After completing this quest, you will be rewarded with two Orbs of Regret. This is an invaluable reward early in the game if you want to correct your passive skill tree as you approach the end of Act 3.
This is one of the few ways to earn Orbs of Regret for free while progressing through the story.
3. Buying from Other Players
If you have a surplus of currency and don't want to farm or wait for quests, you can also buy Orbs of Regret directly from other players through the trade system. Path of Exile's robust player-to-player trading system allows you to negotiate and purchase Orbs of Regret, as well as other valuable currency items, like Chaos Orbs or Exalted Orbs.
If you have an abundance of other currency items, you might find it more efficient to barter for Orbs of Regret. Many high-level players use Orbs of Regret for respecs and are often willing to exchange them for other currencies or items they need.
4. Divination Cards
Another method for obtaining Orbs of Regret is through Divination Cards. Divination cards are collectible items that can be turned in for rewards when you complete sets. Some Divination Cards are specifically tailored to give Orbs of Regret as a reward.
4.1 Notable Divination Cards for Orbs of Regret
Several Divination cards reward Orbs of Regret when you collect a full set. A few examples include:
The Regret: A Divination Card that, when turned in, grants a set of Orbs of Regret.
The Wanderer: Another set of cards that provides Orbs of Regret among its rewards.
You can find these cards by farming specific areas or bosses that drop them as loot. While the chances of finding Divination Cards can be somewhat random, focusing on areas that drop these cards can increase your chances of obtaining Orbs of Regret.
5. Endgame Farming
Once you reach endgame content in Path of Exile, particularly Maps, you'll begin encountering tougher enemies that drop more valuable loot, including currency items like Orbs of Regret.
5.1 Map Drops
Orbs of Regret can sometimes drop directly from bosses in maps or special events. While this is not a guaranteed drop, farming higher-tier maps increases the likelihood of obtaining Orbs of Regret as part of your loot pool.
5.2 Special Event Drops
Certain events in Path of Exile may introduce increased drop rates or the opportunity to farm Orbs of Regret. Be sure to pay attention to the events during each league for opportunities to farm these items.
Conclusion
The Orb of Regret is one of the most essential items in Path of Exile, offering players the flexibility to experiment with builds, respec characters, and adapt to new challenges without starting from scratch. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran, obtaining Orbs of Regret can make all the difference in refining your character.
From vendor recipes to quest rewards, trading with other players, and endgame farming, there are many ways to get Orbs of Regret throughout your journey in Wraeclast. Keep in mind that while Orbs of Regret are highly valuable, they aren't unlimited, so use them wisely when respec-ing your character's passive skill tree. With the right approach, you can make the most out of your Orbs of Regret and continue your path to victory in Path of Exile.