Everything Quality Does in Path of Exile 2
Image Credit: Grinding Gear Games, Path of Exile 2 (POE2)
If you’ve ever looked at the “Quality” stat on an item in Path of Exile 2 and thought, “Is this important, or just flavor text?” it’s ok so have we. Quality can be found on all kinds of equipment and does different things depending on the item. Here’s a straightforward breakdown and answer to how it works.
What Does Quality Do?
Quality improves specific aspects of items based on what type of item it’s on. It’s like a universal upgrade system but with a twist—every item type gets something a little different. The maximum quality for most items is 20%, and getting there can make a noticeable difference.
Armor Quality
Effect: Increases the base defense (Armor, Evasion, or Energy Shield) by the percentage of quality.
Example: A helmet with 100 base evasion becomes 120 evasion with 20% quality.
How to Upgrade: Use Armor Scraps, which drop from enemies or can be obtained by salvaging armor with quality.
Fun Fact: It stacks with other defense modifiers, so don’t underestimate its impact—it’s like adding padding to your in-game bubble wrap.
Weapon Quality
For Melee and Ranged Weapons:
Effect: Increases the base physical damage by the percentage of quality.
How to Upgrade: Use Blacksmith’s Whetstones, which drop randomly or can be salvaged from other weapons.
For Caster Weapons (Scepters, Wands, Staves):
Effect:
Scepters: Increases the base Spirit stat.
Wands/Staves: Adds a bonus to the skill granted by the weapon.
How to Upgrade: Use Arcanist Etchers, which also drop or can be salvaged.
Pro Tip: Check the bonus by holding ALT (PC) or pressing the right stick (console) while viewing the skill tooltip.
Skill Gem Quality
Effect: Improves the skill’s performance based on its type.
Example: Fireball might gain increased burn damage, while Cyclone might have improved area of effect.
How to Upgrade: Use Gemcutter’s Prisms, which add 5% quality per use (so you’ll need four for max quality).
Warning: These prisms are rare, so save them for your best gems unless you enjoy regret.
Flask Quality
Effect: Increases the amount of Life or Mana restored by the flask.
How to Upgrade: Use Glassblower’s Baubles, which add a random amount of quality based on the flask’s level.
Hot Tip: Always upgrade your utility flasks. Extra survivability is never a bad thing.
Charm Quality
Effect: Increases the duration of the charm’s effect.
How to Upgrade: You can’t. The only way to get quality on charms is to find ones that drop with it (look for “Superior” in the item name).
Jewelry Quality (Rings and Amulets)
Effect: Boosts specific modifiers (e.g., cold resistance or life) based on the type of Catalyst you use.
How to Upgrade: Use Catalysts from endgame Breach encounters.
Example: A Sapphire Ring with cold resistance can use a Cold Catalyst to increase that stat by up to 20%.
Important: You can only have one type of quality on a piece of jewelry. Applying a new Catalyst will overwrite the old quality type.
Why Is Quality Important?
Quality isn’t the most exciting stat in the game, but it’s one of those “little things” that adds up. Whether you’re squeezing out a bit more defense, extra damage, or longer flask uptime, it’s worth the effort.
Pro Tip: Focus on quality upgrades for items that will stick with you for a while—don’t waste resources on gear you’ll replace in five minutes.
Final Blurb
Quality in Path of Exile 2 is like seasoning on a good meal—it’s not flashy, but it makes everything better. Whether you’re boosting your armor, weapon damage, or gem effectiveness, understanding and using quality is an easy way to get stronger without diving into complex crafting systems.
Now go forth and start upgrading—but maybe keep an eye on your stash of Blacksmith’s Whetstones. Those things disappear faster than you’d think.
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