In Path of Exile, respecing your character is a crucial aspect of the game. Whether you've made a mistake in your skill tree, want to change your build, or need to adjust your passive tree for a different playstyle, understanding how to refund your skill points and respec your character will make a big difference in how you approach the game. Fortunately, Path of Exile provides several methods for refunding skill points and adjusting your character, but knowing how to do so efficiently is key to optimizing your playthrough.

 

This guide will walk you through the steps involved in refunding skill points and respecing your character, while also discussing the limitations, costs, and strategies for making changes without wasting resources.

 

1. Understanding the Skill Tree and Respeccing

In Path of Exile, the passive skill tree is one of the most significant ways to customize your character. It's filled with nodes that grant bonuses to various stats, such as damage, defense, and attributes. Over the course of the game, players will likely find themselves needing to adjust their passive tree to better suit their build or react to new circumstances, such as switching gears or making a new strategy.

 

When you allocate a passive skill point to a node, it's a permanent investment unless you specifically refund the point. Refunds allow you to adjust your decisions without starting from scratch, but they come with some limitations.

 

2. Refunding Skill Points: Basic Methods

There are two main ways to refund skill points in Path of Exile: via Respec Points and Refunding via Orb of Regret. Let's break down each method:

 

2.1 Respec Points (Skill Point Refunds)

Respec Points are awarded when you reach certain milestones, such as completing major quests in the game. They are used to refund skill points allocated in your passive tree. This method is straightforward and is often the most cost-effective option.

 

How to Use Respec Points:

Open your Passive Skill Tree.

 

Select the Refund button located at the bottom of the tree.

 

You'll be able to refund a single skill point for every Respec Point you have.

 

You can refund any point, even those in clusters or nodes that lead to larger passives.

 

Where Do Respec Points Come From?

Main Story Quests: For each act in the game, you'll earn Respec Points after completing major quests. For example, in Act 1, you receive your first Respec Point after defeating Hillock. As you progress through the acts, you'll gain more Respec Points.

 

Character Level Milestones: Some milestones or special events also grant Respec Points. For instance, leveling up your character or completing specific endgame content might unlock additional points.

 

The amount of Respec Points you can acquire is limited, so it's important to use them wisely for necessary changes, especially early in the game.

 

2.2 Refunding via Orb of Regret

For players who need more flexibility and want to change their character's passive tree in a more customized way, Orb of Regret is the go-to option. This item is a Path of exile currency that allows you to refund a single skill point anywhere on the tree, regardless of how far you've progressed through your build.

 

How to Use an Orb of Regret:

Acquire the Orb: Orbs of Regret can be obtained by using Vaal Orb on items, as rewards from certain missions, or by purchasing them through trade or vendors.

 

Refund a Skill Point: Open the Passive Skill Tree, select the node you want to refund, and use an Orb of Regret to remove the point. This will free up the skill point, which can be reallocated elsewhere.

 

Where to Get Orbs of Regret:

Drops from Monsters: Orbs of Regret can be dropped from high-level enemies, especially in later acts and maps.

 

Vendors: Some NPC vendors sell Orbs of Regret for a price, especially after completing certain quests or milestones in the game.

 

Trade: You can buy and sell Orbs of Regret with other players using the in-game trade system.

 

Orbs of Regret are a valuable resource for players who want to completely redesign their character's passive tree. However, they are limited, so it's best to use them for significant respecs rather than minor adjustments.

 

3. Refunding Your Ascendancy Points

In addition to refunding skill points in your regular passive tree, you may also want to adjust your Ascendancy. Ascendancy is a more advanced layer of character customization available after completing the Labyrinth. Unlike the regular skill tree, respecing your Ascendancy is not as simple as using an Orb of Regret.

 

Refunding Ascendancy Points requires a special item called the Unmaking Orb.

 

How to Use an Unmaking Orb:

You'll need to obtain an Unmaking Orb (often through trading or purchasing from NPCs).

 

Use the orb on your Ascendancy to remove points and refund them.

 

This process is more expensive and resource-heavy than refunding points on the regular skill tree, so plan carefully before changing your Ascendancy.

 

4. The Cost of Refunds and Respecs

Respeccing your character in Path of Exile isn't entirely free. Depending on the method you choose, the cost of respecing can add up:

 

Respec Points: These are free but limited. Each respec point is earned through progression in the main story, and you're typically only awarded a few per character, which means you need to use them sparingly.

 

Orb of Regret: Each Orb of Regret refunds one skill point, but Orbs of Regret aren't unlimited. While they are not overly expensive at the start of the game, they can become quite costly as you reach the late stages of the game. Players may need dozens or even hundreds of these orbs for a full respec, depending on how much of the tree they've changed.

 

Unmaking Orb (for Ascendancy): This orb is the most costly option, so it's important to carefully consider if you want to respec your Ascendancy. These orbs are typically rare and expensive, so ensure that the changes you're making are truly necessary for your build.

 

5. Strategic Respec Tips

While it's possible to refund skill points and respec your character, there are strategies to avoid wasting time or resources. Here are some tips for smart respeccing:

 

5.1 Plan Your Build Before Respeccing

Before respecing or refunding points, take some time to thoroughly research your new build. Using online resources, such as community guides or websites like Path of Building, can help you map out the optimal path through the passive tree and Ascendancy.

 

5.2 Test New Skills in the Labyrinth

If you're uncertain about your Ascendancy choices, consider experimenting with different setups in the Labyrinth. It's a controlled environment where you can test builds and make changes without committing to full refunds.

 

5.3 Use Respec Points Early

Early in the game, use your Respec Points to correct any small mistakes or adjust your build based on how the game plays out. Don't hesitate to take advantage of these free points before you encounter limited Orbs of Regret.

 

5.4 Trade for Orbs of Regret

If you need a lot of Orbs of Regret for your respec, consider trading items or currency with other players. This can often save you time and provide you with the resources needed for significant changes. You can also buy POE orbs to get it.

 

6. When to Respec Your Character

In Path of Exile, respecing should be done thoughtfully. Here are a few key moments when respecing might be necessary:

 

Mistakes in Early Levels: If you've made a poor decision early on, such as allocating points into nodes that don't fit your desired build, it's best to refund these as early as possible to avoid wasting valuable resources.

 

Changing Builds Mid-League: If you want to switch to a new build halfway through a league, respecing your character might be the best way to go.

 

Endgame Optimization: As you approach the endgame, you may want to adjust your character for specific map mods, bosses, or encounters. Respeccing can help you make these adjustments.

 

7. Conclusion

Refunding skill points and respeccing your character in Path of Exile is a valuable tool that allows you to adapt and refine your build as you progress through the game. While Respec Points, Orbs of Regret, and the Unmaking Orb provide the flexibility to make changes, it's essential to use them wisely to avoid wasting resources.

 

Whether you're fine-tuning your character for a new challenge or correcting earlier mistakes, respecing is an essential skill in your Path of Exile toolkit, and learning to do it efficiently will help you make the most of the game's incredible depth and customization.