In Path of Exile 2, the Vaal Orb is one of the most intriguing and risky items in the game's crafting system. Known for their ability to "corrupt" items, Vaal Orbs introduce a high-risk, high-reward mechanic that can either greatly enhance or completely ruin your equipment. This guide will explain what Vaal Orbs are, how they work, and the different results you can expect when using them.
What is a Vaal Orb?
Vaal Orbs are a unique currency item in Path of Exile 2 that players can use to corrupt other items. To corrupt is to make an irreversible change to an item's properties. Once an item is corrupted, it cannot be modified by any other currency, adding a layer of strategy and caution to its use.
How do Vaal Orbs work?
Use: To use a
Vaal Orb, simply right-click on it and then left-click on the item you wish to corrupt.
Irreversibility: Once corrupted, the item is permanently altered and cannot be further modified using standard crafting methods such as Exalted Orbs or Chaos Orbs.
Possible results of using a Vaal Orb
Using a Vaal Orb on an item can result in one of several outcomes:
No change:
The item may remain unchanged in terms of stats or modifiers, except that it will be tagged as 'Corrupted'. This means that the item's properties will remain the same, but it will no longer be able to be crafted.
Add or enhance an implicit modifier:
A new implicit modifier can be added, even if the item already has the maximum number of modifiers. This can be particularly useful if the new modifier is powerful or synergises well with your build.
Add a new socket:
For items such as body armour or weapons, a Vaal Orb can add an extra socket, allowing for more gem links. This is particularly valuable for increasing the potential of your equipment.
Reroll attachments:
The Orb can reroll existing affixes on rare items, offering the chance to turn sub-optimal rolls into highly valuable ones. However, this can also work in the opposite direction, potentially reducing the effectiveness of your item.
Special considerations
Uniques and cards
Unique items can gain additional sockets or change their implicit modifiers, which can either increase or decrease their value.
For cards, corruption can increase their level, add modifiers that increase monster density or rarity, or even introduce new corrupted specific modifiers.
Skill gems
Corrupting
skill gems can increase or decrease their level or quality. There's also the possibility of gaining a corrupted implicit, such as "reduced mana cost" or "increased area of effect".
Strategic use of Vaal Orbs
Risk assessment: Given the irreversible nature of corruption, Vaal Orbs should be used on items where the potential gain outweighs the risk of loss. This is often the case with equipment you're willing to experiment with, or items where an extra socket or new implicit could be game-changing.
Endgame Crafting: In the endgame, players often use Vaal Orbs to push their gear to its limits, especially on high-level maps or when trying to create the perfect unique item for their build.
Farming and Acquisition: Vaal Orbs can drop from various sources throughout the game, but are more common in Vaal-related content. Players will also be able to trade for them due to their importance in crafting.
Thank you for reading
Vaal Orbs in Path of Exile 2 are the epitome of risk versus reward in item crafting. They can turn an average piece of equipment into something extraordinary, or render a valuable item almost useless. Understanding the mechanics of corruption and planning your use of Vaal Orbs can lead to significant advantages in your gameplay. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility - or in this case, great risk.
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