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If you've played any action RPG before, you're probably used to picking up “unidentified” items and flipping them over to see what's inside. Path of Exile 2 keeps that classic loop alive, and the Scroll of Wisdom is the key piece of that system. Even though it's one of the simplest currencies in the game, new players still have a lot of small questions about how it works, when to use it, and whether it still matters later on. Here's a clear, easy guide to help you use your scrolls without wasting them.

What Is a Scroll of Wisdom?

A Scroll of Wisdom is the basic “identify” item in PoE 2.
Use one on an unidentified item, and it instantly reveals that item's modifiers so you can equip it, compare it, or trade it. No scroll = no stats, no real info, and no real use.

It's simple, but it's something you'll interact with hundreds of times while leveling.

Where Do Scrolls of Wisdom Come From?

You don't need to hunt for them—scrolls drop everywhere.
Monsters, chests, random world objects… anything can give you one. Early NPC vendors also sell them, so you're never stuck without a way to identify items.

They're low-value but extremely common. Think of them as the “glue” of the early game.

Players can purchase Path of Exile 2 currency safe from U4N.

How Many Can You Stack?

Scrolls of Wisdom stack up to 40 in one inventory slot.
This makes it easy to carry a healthy amount while leveling without feeling like your bag is overflowing.

Small tip: you don't need hundreds. A stack or two is more than enough.

When Should You Use a Scroll of Wisdom?

The simple answer: use it anytime you pick up something good that's still unidentified.
The more helpful answer: be a little picky.

• Identify rares and uniques — those can change your build instantly.
• Skip low-level magic items unless you're missing a piece of gear and need a quick upgrade.
• Don't waste scrolls just to “see what this blue ring is” if you're replacing gear constantly.

Early game, you'll use scrolls often. Later, less so.

Are Scrolls of Wisdom Still Useful Later in PoE 2?

Yes… but not as much as they used to be.
As you progress, more NPCs or systems can identify items for free, and the amount of gear you need to check decreases. By mid-late game, scrolls feel more like a background item than a major resource.

Still, you'll always want a few. Unidentified rares and uniques still show up, and not carrying any scrolls means walking past something that could be an upgrade.

Do Unidentified Items Still Drop in PoE 2?

Absolutely.
Even though PoE 2 added new systems—like gold for NPC purchases—unidentified loot is still a core part of the game. That means the Scroll of Wisdom isn't going anywhere.

Are There Restrictions When Using Them?

There's only one:
You can only use a Scroll of Wisdom on an item that is currently unidentified.

If the item is already identified, nothing happens. No error, no animation, no payoff.

Should You Save Scrolls or Use Them Immediately?

Here's the simple rule:

Early Game

Use scrolls freely, but focus on:

• rares
• uniques
• items from bosses
• gear bases you actually want to wear

Mid–Late Game

Scrolls matter less.
Identify only items you care about—high-level rares, uniques, or potential trade items. Don't scroll every random drop.

You'll naturally end up with a small pile in your stash anyway.

Do Scrolls of Wisdom Have Trading Value?

Technically, yes—but only in the very early game.

Scrolls serve as a tiny, entry-level currency. Once players move into higher zones and earn better orbs, scrolls fall off the trading ladder. By mid-game, they're practically “spare change.”

PoE 1 vs PoE 2: What Changed?

Veteran players may notice the difference:

• PoE 1: Scrolls of Wisdom were extremely important and used constantly.
• PoE 2: They still exist, but gold and updated NPC systems reduce how central they feel.

They're still needed, but not the backbone of item identification anymore.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

A few small pitfalls newer players hit:

• Using a scroll on an item already identified — nothing happens, and you feel silly.
• Identifying every blue item — wastes scrolls for no gain.
• Not carrying any scrolls — you see a rare sword, and you can't even check it.
• Hoarding too much — 100+ scrolls in your bag just takes space.
• Ignoring free identification NPCs — some vendors can ID items for you at certain points.

Focus on value, not curiosity.

Summary

The Scroll of Wisdom is one of the simplest currencies in Path of Exile 2, but it's still important, especially while leveling. Use scrolls to check good drops, don't waste them on trash items, and always keep a small stack with you. As the game progresses, scrolls become less vital thanks to new NPC and identification systems—but they never fully disappear from your gameplay loop.