Salvage Workflow: Converting Scrap Into Artificer Shards Efficiently
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In Path of Exile 2, the salvage workflow is a critical loop for efficiently converting scrap gear into Artificer’s Shards, which then combine into Artificer’s Orbs—key currency for adding rune sockets to your gear or even to fund more orbs, you might consider buy poe 2 currency.
The process begins with unlocking the Salvage Bench, which is accessed by completing the Act 1 quest “Finding the Forge.” This quest directs you to recover Renly's blacksmith tools in Ogham Village, after which the Salvage Bench appears in your hideout. Once unlocked, the bench lets you break down specific gear. Not all items can be salvaged; only those with rune sockets or quality modifiers qualify. Gear with rune sockets yields Artificer’s Shards when salvaged—specifically, gear with one rune socket gives one shard, while those with two sockets provide two shards. Quality gear instead yields different crafting materials like Blacksmith’s Whetstones or Armorer’s Scrap, useful for improving weapon or armor quality.
To optimize your shard gain:
Prioritize salvaging socketed gear you don’t need. Even white and magic items with sockets are valuable for this purpose.
Keep an eye out for rare drops with sockets, as salvaging these nets more shards—especially if you’re spending cheap poe 2 currency to restock.
Use loot filters to highlight socketed/quality items, so you don’t accidentally vendor or discard valuable gear.
Regularly salvage collected socketed gear instead of hoarding; shards combine into orbs automatically once you reach ten.
Artificer’s Orbs from shards are incredibly valuable for adding sockets on your weapons and armor, unlocking runes that boost damage, survivability, or utility. Establishing an efficient salvage loop early collecting socketed gear, salvaging it promptly, and using the shards to craft orbs gives you ongoing crafting resources to improve gear continuously. By integrating these steps into your playstyle, every piece of scrap turns into meaningful progress, fueling your upgrades and power growth through the campaign and beyond. This workflow is a cornerstone of crafting mastery in Path of Exile 2.