Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) is an exciting addition to the franchise, with many players looking to jump into the game and get the best gear as quickly as possible. Early on in a league, currency plays a significant role in the progression of your character, especially when you're looking to upgrade your rare items. So, what is the best POE 2 currency to use on rare items in the early league? Let's take a look at the various options and how you can make the most of your currency.

1. Chaos OrbsChaos Orbs are likely the most important and commonly used currency in Path of Exile 2, especially when you're working with rare items. These orbs allow you to reroll the modifiers on a rare item, making them highly useful in the early stages of a league. Since you will be obtaining many rare items through drops and vendor recipes, using Chaos Orbs on your gear will help you tweak your equipment and maximize the stats that benefit your build. This makes Chaos Orbs essential for any serious POE 2 player.

2. EssencesEssences are a fantastic alternative to Chaos Orbs when it comes to modifying rare items. These items offer a more deterministic way to craft powerful rare gear early in the league, especially since they can provide a specific modifier that is hard to roll with regular Chaos Orbs. Essences are highly valuable in the early stages, as they can help you craft items with useful stats for your build, such as increased damage or resistances. The downside is that Essences are limited, so using them efficiently will be important for long-term progression.

3. Altering OrbsAlteration Orbs are relatively inexpensive and are often used to modify rare items in the early stages of a league. While they offer a less deterministic approach than Chaos Orbs or Essences, they can still help you adjust the rolls on a rare item to suit your needs. They are best used when you’re looking for a specific affix or when you are just getting started and need to upgrade basic gear. While not as powerful as the other currencies mentioned, Alteration Orbs still have their place early on.

4. Fusing OrbsWhile not directly used to modify item stats, Fusing Orbs are crucial when trying to link sockets on your gear. Linking items is essential for socketing gems that will boost your damage output and provide additional utility. In the early league, having the right number of linked sockets on your rare items will help you maximize your build’s effectiveness. Fusing Orbs can be used to increase the chances of getting those perfect links for your gear.

5. Regal OrbsRegal Orbs are another currency used to improve rare items. They upgrade a magic item into a rare one, adding an additional affix. While they are not as commonly used early in the league as other currencies like Chaos Orbs or Essences, Regal Orbs can still be valuable in specific situations. If you find a magic item with some useful modifiers but want to add one more, using a Regal Orb can be an excellent way to complete your gear.

6. Scouring OrbsScouring Orbs are essential when you want to remove all mods from an item, effectively resetting it. While they are not commonly used early in the league for rare items, Scouring Orbs come in handy if you’re crafting with a rare item and want to reroll its modifiers entirely. This is a useful currency if you're trying to completely rework an item, though it can be costly in terms of other available currencies.

In the early stages of POE 2, your focus should be on using Chaos Orbs for rerolling rare items, as they give you flexibility and a wide range of potential outcomes. However, utilizing other currencies like Essences, Alteration Orbs, and Fusing Orbs can further enhance your gear and build. Always be mindful of your available currency and use it strategically, as making smart decisions early can set you up for success throughout the league.