The Exalted Orb in Path of Exile (PoE) is a highly valued and scarce currency item. It plays a critical role in the game's economy and crafting system by allowing players to add a random, powerful modifier to a rare item, thereby significantly enhancing its stats and overall power PoE 1 Currency.

What is the Exalted Orb?
An Exalted Orb's primary function is to "slam" a rare item, adding a new, random affix to it . This makes it indispensable for crafters aiming to create top-tier gear, as it can transform a good rare item into an exceptional one by potentially adding a sixth, powerful modifier . Due to its utility in endgame crafting, the Exalted Orb is one of the most significant economic indicators in PoE's player-driven trade market.

Rarity and Drop Rate
Exalted Orbs are among the rarest currency items in PoE, with an approximate drop rate of around 0.0558% from regular monsters. This low drop chance means that acquiring them often requires extensive farming or engaging in the game's robust trading system.

Farming Methods for Exalted Orbs
While direct drops are rare, several strategies can increase a player's chances of acquiring Exalted Orbs:

1. Slaying Mobs and Clearing Zones: This is the most straightforward, albeit time-consuming, method. Players continuously clear areas with high monster density or other endgame maps. Focusing on fully clearing zones, including breaking environmental objects like barrels and chests, can also yield drops.
2. Trading and Vendor Recipes: One of the most reliable ways to obtain Exalted Orbs is through trading other, more common currency items (like Chaos Orbs) or valuable gear on the in-game market. Additionally, players can combine 20 Exalted Shards to create one Exalted Orb. Exalted Shards are obtained by vendoring a full set of rare Shaper or Elder items, with unidentified sets yielding more shards.
3. High-Level Maps and Boss Encounters: Running high-tier maps and engaging in endgame content, such as Legion encounters, significantly increases the likelihood of Exalted Orb drops. Utilizing map modifiers and Atlas passive tree optimizations that boost currency drops, such as those that increase "Map Bosses Drop Additional Currency," can further enhance efficiency.
4. Divination Cards: Specific divination cards can be collected and exchanged for Exalted Orbs, providing another avenue for acquisition, though this method can be situational.
5. Targeted Farming Strategies: Focusing on specific bosses with higher currency drop rates, such as the Golden Beetle Boss in Act 2, or areas with high mob density like the Ardura Caravan (Act 2), can be effective for early-game farming. For endgame, "juiced" T14+ maps and Expedition Sites are recommended PoE Currency.

Summary
Exalted Orbs are critical for crafting highly optimized items, often allowing for the addition of a crucial sixth mod. Their demand ensures they remain a high-value currency, frequently traded for many Chaos Orbs, especially during the early stages of a league when players are rapidly upgrading their gear. Their value can fluctuate based on league mechanics and market trends, but their importance in crafting ensures consistent demand.