Vault Passes in Path of Exile are the game's premium, season-long reward tracks that unlock exclusive cosmetics, armor sets, effects, and-most importantly-league-themed microtransactions that aren't available anywhere else. They function similarly to battle passes in other live-service titles, but POE orbs with the PoE twist of focusing on cosmetic progression rather than power. Understanding how to obtain them and maximize their value is essential for players who want to expand their MTX collection efficiently.

What Is a Vault Pass?

A Vault Pass is an optional, purchasable reward track tied to a specific set of microtransactions. There are multiple versions-most notably:

Core Vault Pass

League Vault Pass

Premium/Ultimate Vault Pass (varies by cycle)

Each pass comes with a predetermined set of rewards. Unlike many battle passes, you don't level them through XP or challenges-you unlock rewards simply by purchasing the pass and completing certain in-game objectives (usually maps, bosses, or encounters).

How to Get a Vault Pass

1. Purchase Through the Official Path of Exile Website

The simplest and most common method is buying the pass directly from:

The Path of Exile shop under the Vault Pass section

Your in-game shop interface

Payment requires real money (not points), and prices vary per season-typically around $30 for the Core or League Vault Pass, and more for Premium tiers.

2. Ensure You're Logged Into the Correct Account

This may sound trivial, but it's critical:

A Vault Pass purchase is permanently tied to the account you buy it on.

Rewards cannot be transferred between Standard and League characters; they apply account-wide visually.

3. Vault Pass Availability Window

Each Vault Pass:

Is available only during its active league or content cycle.

Cannot be purchased retroactively once the cycle ends.

If you miss one, its items rarely return-this is part of their appeal.

How Vault Pass Rewards Work

Vault Passes grant rewards when you complete certain milestone encounters. These vary but often include:

Beating specific bosses (e.g., Kitava, Searing Exarch, Maven)

Reaching certain atlas progression goals

Completing map tiers or pinnacle fights

Finishing league-specific mechanics

Once you complete the requirement:

The reward automatically unlocks in your MTX stash

You can equip it on any character

Cosmetics persist permanently, even after the league ends

These rewards are purely cosmetic-they provide no gameplay advantages.

Using Vault Passes Efficiently

1. Know Your Rewards Early

Before buying, check the list of included MTX:

Decide if the rewards fit your preferred character fantasy

Evaluate whether it's worth the investment

Cosmetic enthusiasts usually find high value, especially in Premium passes

2. Complete the Required Content Early in the League

Since the tasks often involve:

Atlas completion

Boss farming

High-tier gameplay

You'll want a strong early-league build to push progression efficiently.

3. Track Your Progress

The Vault Pass menu shows:

Which tasks you've completed

Which rewards remain locked

This ensures you don't unintentionally miss unlocks before the league ends.

4. Sync With Your Build Plans

If the pass includes:

Weapon skins

Footprints

Skill effects

Armor sets

Try aligning with your league starter or late-game build so you naturally use the MTX you're unlocking.

Why Vault Passes Are Popular

Players buy Vault Passes because they offer:

High-quality cosmetics at a discounted bundle price

Exclusive items that never enter the regular shop

A sense of progression tied to end-game PvE

Strong thematic identity tied to each league or expansion

For MTX collectors, Vault Passes are essentially "value packs" that turn your natural gameplay into permanent rewards.

Final Thoughts

Vault Passes are one of the simplest and buy POE orbs most rewarding ways to expand your cosmetic collection in Path of Exile. Getting them is straightforward-purchase during the active cycle-while using them revolves around completing normal end-game content you'd likely play anyway. Whether you're a collector, a league grinder, or someone who loves customizing characters, the Vault Pass is an efficient and highly rewarding system to invest in during each league.