Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), the long-anticipated sequel to Grinding Gear Games' acclaimed action RPG, brings a wealth of new mechanics, loot systems, and item types. One intriguing addition to the arsenal of weapons is the Smithing Hammer, a one-handed mace base type that serves a vital role for specific melee builds. Whether you're looking to maximize your melee DPS or take advantage of crafting potential, understanding how to get the Smithing Hammer—and how it interacts with POE 2 Currency—is essential to your success.

What is the Smithing Hammer in POE 2

The Smithing Hammer is a one-handed mace-based type weapon introduced in Path of Exile 2. As with most base types in the game, the Smithing Hammer serves as the foundation upon which modifiers, stats, and affixes can be added using various currencies. The hammer typically favors strength-based characters and melee builds that rely on powerful strikes, stuns, and raw physical damage.

Its base stats include moderate attack speed and high base damage, making it an ideal candidate for skill gems like Heavy Strike, Earthquake, or Sunder. The Smithing Hammer's utility extends beyond basic combat, however—it also plays a valuable role in POE 2's revamped item crafting system.

How to Get the Smithing Hammer

There are multiple ways to obtain a Smithing Hammer in Path of Exile 2:

1. Natural Loot Drops

As with many base items in POE 2, the Smithing Hammer can drop randomly from monsters in the world. You're more likely to find it in areas that favor melee or blacksmith-themed enemies, such as underground mines, forge dungeons, or zones tied to strength-oriented foes.

To improve your chances:

    Equip gear or use modifiers that increase Item Rarity and Item Quantity.

    Clear high-density zones where elite monsters or mini-bosses appear more frequently.

    Target specific zones or questlines known for melee-themed rewards.

2. Vendors

While base items rotate frequently in vendor shops, it's possible to find a Smithing Hammer being sold by blacksmith vendors in key towns and outposts. The item level and rarity will depend on your current progression through the acts or endgame content.

Be sure to check vendor inventories regularly and use POE 2 Currency like Orbs of Alteration or Scrolls of Wisdom to refresh or identify items.

3. Crafting Bench or Drops from Strongboxes

Special crafting benches or strongboxes tied to the blacksmith archetype may drop a Smithing Hammer or allow you to create one using specific materials. These are rare but extremely valuable for crafting-focused players looking to build their ideal weapon from the ground up.

Using POE 2 Currency to Upgrade the Smithing Hammer

Once you've obtained a Smithing Hammer, the real fun begins. POE 2's currency system is more robust than ever, offering a range of tools to modify, upgrade, and fine-tune your gear. Here's how POE 2 Currency can be used to enhance your Smithing Hammer:

1. Orbs of Transmutation

Convert your normal Smithing Hammer into a magic item, opening up the potential for useful affixes such as increased physical damage or added elemental effects.

2. Orbs of Alchemy

Upgrade the hammer directly into a rare item, offering several random affixes. This is a great option if you're early in the game and need a strong weapon quickly.

3. Chaos Orbs

Reroll all the modifiers on your rare Smithing Hammer. Ideal for mid- to late-game players seeking more optimized stat combinations.

4. Crafting Bench Mods

Apply specific modifiers through the crafting bench in your hideout. You can focus on affixes like + to Physical Damage, Increased Attack Speed, or Life Gain on Hit, tailored to your build.

5. Orbs of Fusing & Jeweller's Orbs

If your Smithing Hammer has sockets, these POE 2 orbs allow you to change the number and links between them, crucial for socketing support gems alongside your primary skill gem.

your build for endgame bosses, acquiring and upgrading this weapon, can be a key milestone.

Remember, POE 2 Currency is your best friend when it comes to crafting and refining gear. Don't hesitate to spend wisely on your Smithing Hammer to shape it into the perfect weapon for your build.

As you dive deeper into the dangerous world of Wraeclast, keep your hammer ready, and your pockets full of currency.

Why the Smithing Hammer Matters

In POE 2's evolving meta, having access to a solid one-handed weapon is essential for players choosing to dual-wield or use a shield. The Smithing Hammer fills this niche perfectly:

    Physical-based Builds: Ideal for players who want a weapon that scales well with Strength and physical nodes in the passive tree.

    Crafting Potential: Its versatility allows for heavy customization using POE 2 Currency.

    Scaling with Skills: Many melee skills in POE 2 synergize directly with mace-type weapons, granting bonuses to stun duration or area of effect.

Moreover, having a strong base item early on can make the leveling process smoother, allowing players to snowball through enemies while keeping their character efficient.

Final Thoughts

The Smithing Hammer is more than just another weapon in Path of Exile 2—it's a cornerstone item for players focused on strength, melee combat, and customization. Whether you're looking to crush enemies in the campaign or optimize your build for endgame bosses, acquiring and upgrading this weapon, can be a key milestone.

Remember, POE 2 Currency is your best friend when it comes to crafting and refining gear. Don’t hesitate to spend wisely on your Smithing Hammer to shape it into the perfect weapon for your build.

As you dive deeper into the dangerous world of Wraeclast, keep your hammer ready, and your pockets full of currency.

MMOexp POE 2 Team