How To Upgrade Armor And Weapon Quality In Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 offers players a variety of ways to improve their gear, from adding sockets and runes for new abilities to applying orbs to modify or enhance item rarity. One essential upgrade system in the game is improving the Quality of your weapons and armor.

In PoE 2, increasing the Quality of a piece of equipment enhances its base stats, such as Damage, Speed, Armor, Energy Shield, or Evasion Rating. This can make your gear significantly stronger and more effective, especially for higher-tier content. However, upgrading Quality requires specific resources that can be difficult to find, so it’s essential to understand how the process works and when it’s worth investing in this upgrade. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to increase the Quality of your weapons and armor efficiently.

How to Upgrade Weapon Quality in Path of Exile 2

Upgrading weapon quality in Path of Exile 2 is an effective way to boost your weapon’s base stats, like damage and attack speed. Each type of weapon requires specific currency to improve its quality, and here’s how you can do it:
1. For Wands, Staves, and Scepters:
Use Arcanist’s Etcher to upgrade these caster-focused weapons.
2. For Martial Weapons (melee and physical weapons):
Use Blacksmith’s Whetstone to improve the quality of weapons like swords, bows, and axes.

Each of these items will increase weapon quality by 2% to 4% per use, up to a maximum of 20%.

Where to Find Arcanist’s Etcher and Blacksmith’s Whetstone

Both items are random loot drops from enemies, chests, and other sources throughout the game. They are relatively rare early on but become more common as you progress into Act 3, Cruel difficulty, and the endgame.

When to Use Weapon Quality Upgrades

Save your Arcanist’s Etcher and Blacksmith’s Whetstone for endgame weapons or key moments when you need an extra power boost. Avoid using these items on early-game gear, as you’ll replace weapons frequently while leveling up. Instead, store these upgrade materials in your Stash until you find weapons that will last longer or are crucial for tougher fights.

Quick Tip: Wait until you’re in Cruel difficulty or later in the game before investing in weapon upgrades unless you’re really struggling to progress. Upgrading the quality of high-tier weapons will make a bigger impact during the endgame.

By following this approach, you can maximize your resources and ensure your character is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

How to Increase Armor Quality in Path of Exile 2

Upgrading armor quality in Path of Exile 2 requires a currency called Armorer’s Scrap, which can boost the base stats of your armor. This includes improving values like Armor, Evasion Rating, and Energy Shield, but it does not affect modifiers or enchantments on the gear.

How to Use Armorer’s Scrap

• Each Armorer’s Scrap increases armor quality by 2% to 4% per use, with a maximum cap of 20% quality.
• To apply it, simply right-click on the Armorer’s Scrap and left-click on the piece of armor you want to enhance.

Where to Find Armorer’s Scrap

Armorer’s Scrap is a random drop you can find by defeating enemies, looting chests, or exploring maps. While it’s uncommon early in the game, it becomes more frequent as you progress to Cruel difficulty and later acts. You cannot craft this item, so farming is the only way to acquire it.

When to Upgrade Armor Quality

It’s best to save Armorer’s Scrap for high-tier armor or key pieces you’ll be using for a long time, particularly during the endgame. Upgrading low-level gear is not recommended, as you’ll frequently replace it as you level up. Prioritize upgrading armor that provides significant survivability bonuses for tougher fights.

By carefully managing your Armorer’s Scrap and using it strategically, you can ensure your character is well-equipped for the challenges of Path of Exile 2’s later stages.

Conclusion

In Path of Exile 2, upgrading the quality of your armor and weapons is a crucial step toward maximizing your character’s potential. By using Armorer’s Scrap for armor and Blacksmith’s Whetstone or Arcanist’s Etcher for weapons, you can enhance the base stats of your gear, improving survivability and damage output. However, these upgrade materials are rare and should be used wisely, especially in the endgame where every stat boost counts. Save these resources for high-tier gear and challenging content to ensure you’re always prepared for the toughest encounters. With careful planning and strategic upgrades, you’ll gain a significant edge in your Path of Exile 2 journey.