Path of Exile 2 brings with it a host of new systems that deepen the already vast mechanics of the original game. One of the most intriguing and potentially game-changing additions is the Recombination system — a new way to craft, upgrade, and manipulate gear. Whether you’re a veteran of Wraeclast or new to the POE 2 Currency world of PoE, understanding how Recombination works is crucial if you want to stay competitive in both the campaign and endgame.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Recombination system in PoE 2, including how it works, its benefits, strategies, and how to use it to your advantage for gear optimization.
What Is Recombination?
Recombination is a crafting mechanic in Path of Exile 2 that allows players to merge two items of the same base type in order to combine or "recombine" their modifiers. Unlike traditional crafting methods that depend heavily on currency orbs and RNG, Recombination adds a targeted randomness that allows for deeper gear customization with a more strategic twist.
Instead of applying individual modifiers or rerolling properties through orbs like Chaos, Exalted, or Divine, Recombination lets you fuse two items into one, selectively transferring and potentially amplifying affixes (mods) in the process.

How Recombination Works
At its core, the Recombination system is fairly straightforward, but its implications for crafting are massive. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Select Two Items
Both items must be of the same item type (e.g., two helmets, two bows, two rings).

They should ideally have desirable modifiers you want to preserve or combine.

Step 2: Use the Recombination Device
Found in towns or crafting hubs, the Recombination Device allows you to input your two items.

Once both items are placed, you can preview a rough probability of which mods may carry over.

Step 3: Combine
When you hit "Recombine," a new item is created, potentially keeping or mutating mods from the two inputs.

The result will retain the item type and influence, but the affixes will be a mixture based on a weighted chance.

Step 4: Evaluate and Repeat
If the result is good, great! If not, you can use it as input for another recombination, or try crafting via other methods.

Recombination is not infinite—each attempt consumes both input items.

Key Mechanics and Considerations
1. Modifier Inheritance
The system uses a weighted algorithm to determine which mods transfer to the new item. Mods with similar tags or tiers are more likely to persist.

Important Points:

Mods that appear on both items have a POE 2 Currency for sale much higher chance of staying.

Mods from influenced items can carry over, meaning you can combine influence types strategically.