How to use the Reforging Bench in PoE 2?

Path of Exile 2 introduced several improvements to crafting, and one of the most impactful is the Reforging Bench. This powerful tool allows players to convert three identical items into a single item with randomized substats, offering a fresh layer of customization for gear progression. By understanding how to use it effectively, players can turn otherwise forgettable loot into meaningful upgrades for their build.

Unlocking the Reforging Bench in PoE 2

To unlock the Reforging Bench, players must first find The Drowned City in Act 3 of the campaign. Inside this zone, you'll find an entrance to The Molten Vault, where a critical boss encounter awaits.

Progress through the vault until you hear a steady metallic pounding. This sound signals you're near the elevator that leads to Mektul, the Forgemaster. Mektul is a time-sensitive boss with high Fire Resistance and strong armor. If not defeated quickly, the fight ends in automatic failure, so entering the encounter prepared is strongly advised.

After defeating Mektul, you’ll obtain The Hammer of Kamasa. Deliver this quest item to Oswald in town to complete the side quest and receive Gold, an Uncut Gem, and permanent access to the Reforging Bench. Once unlocked, the bench appears in all major hub zones and your hideout, allowing easy access throughout the rest of the game.

How does the PoE 2 Reforging Process Work?

The reforging system is straightforward in function but has strict rules. To perform a reforge, players need three items that are exactly the same in base type and name. For example, three copies of an item named "Crumbling Mau" must be used, and similar-looking items or items within the same category won’t qualify if their names differ even slightly.

All three items must also match in rarity. That means normal (white), magic (blue), and rare (yellow) items can only be combined with others of the same color. Corrupted items are not eligible for reforging at all, since they cannot be altered through most crafting systems in the game.

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PoE 2 Reforging Bench Requirements

Matching item names and rarity is just the beginning. The Reforging Bench also requires consistency in item level and any unique properties. If any of the items have special modifiers such as enchantments or tier-based upgrades, the other two must match in every detail.

Additionally, the reforged item will adopt the lowest item level from among the three inputs. This means players should be cautious when selecting gear for reforging, especially if they intend to use the resulting item in higher-level content. Using lower-level versions can restrict the potential of the reforged gear.

What to Expect From the Final Reforging Result?

Once three qualifying items are placed into the Reforging Bench, activating the process will consume them and generate a single new item of the same base type and rarity. The substats on this item are randomized, giving players a chance to discover traits that better align with their character build or gameplay goals.

Because of the randomness, reforging doesn’t always produce stronger gear, but it provides a reliable system to re-roll unwanted duplicates and increase your odds of finding valuable item traits.

Also Read: Path of Exile 2: System Requirements, Platforms, & More!

Additional Uses for the Reforging Bench in PoE 2

Beyond standard gear upgrades, the Reforging Bench supports other useful functions. It can upgrade Waystones by combining three of the same kind into a higher-tier version. The same applies to certain consumables such as Distilled Emotions and runes, which follow the same crafting principle: three identical items become one enhanced version.

This expanded functionality makes the bench a versatile tool that supports different aspects of character progression.

The Reforging Bench lets you turn duplicate loot into valuable upgrades, making it a smart alternative to selling or discarding extra gear. Magic and rare items offer the best potential due to their higher number of substats, so prioritize reforging those.

Unlike other crafting methods, reforging doesn’t require rare materials, just surplus items, making it both efficient and accessible. With a bit of planning and organization, you can refine your gear, experiment with builds, and improve your loadout using what you already collect.

Also Read: What To Do With The Sacrificial Heart In Path Of Exile 2

Final Thoughts

The Reforging Bench brings a practical and rewarding crafting feature to Path of Exile 2, helping players find new uses for their duplicate items while reducing waste. With a clear understanding of its mechanics and a steady supply of matching gear, the system allows for consistent gear experimentation and progression.

If you're striving for endgame efficiency or looking for greater value from your loot, the Reforging Bench offers a streamlined solution for significant item upgrades and long-term strategy.

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