PoE 3.26: New Crafting Orbs & Veiled Chaos Return
Time: 2025-06-02 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile Guide Tags: Secrets of the Atlas
Path of Exile community is buzzing with excitement as the Secrets of the Atlas expansion (patch 3.26) approaches, bringing a fresh wave of crafting possibilities. Among the highlights of the latest teasers are the return of the Veiled Chaos Orb and the introduction of two new crafting orbs: the Shaper Exalted Orb and the Elder Exalted Orb. These additions promise to shake up the crafting meta, offering both mid-tier and endgame players new tools to refine their gear. If you're an Exile looking to stay ahead of the curve, bookmark our site for the latest Path of Exile updates and swing by our Poe currency & item store for all your gaming needs—your next epic build might depend on it!
Veiled Chaos Orb: A Welcome Return for Mid-Tier Crafting
The Veiled Chaos Orb, a fan-favorite currency that vanished a few leagues ago, is making a triumphant comeback in 3.26. This orb is perfect for players transitioning from early mapping to tackling tougher content like pinnacle bosses or Tier 17 maps. Unlike its pricier cousin, the Veiled Orb (now renamed the Veiled Exalted Orb), the Veiled Chaos Orb is more accessible and forgiving, making it ideal for mid-tier gear upgrades.
How It Works
The Veiled Chaos Orb adds a random veiled modifier to a rare item, which tends to be stronger than standard mods. Previously, these orbs were obtainable as rare drops (about twice as rare as Exalted or Divine Orbs) in level 68+ content or through deterministic farming via Research Safehouses with Aisling. This accessibility made them a staple for players looking to craft solid gear without breaking the bank. Pairing the Veiled Chaos Orb with meta-crafts like “Prefixes Cannot Be Changed” or “Suffixes Cannot Be Changed” allows players to lock in desirable fractured mods or prefixes/suffixes, then roll for a powerful veiled mod to round out the item.
Why It Matters
For the average player, the Veiled Chaos Orb bridges the gap between basic gear and high-end crafts. It's particularly effective when used with fractured items and Searing Exarch or Eater of Worlds influences, enabling semi-deterministic crafting that can yield impressive results without the high costs of Veiled Exalted Orbs. Expect this orb to become a go-to for players aiming to push their builds into late-game content.
New Crafting Orbs: Shaper and Elder Exalted Orbs
Patch 3.26 introduces two new crafting currencies: the Shaper Exalted Orb and the Elder Exalted Orb. These fill a gap in the game's influence system, which previously only included Exalted Orbs for the four Elder Slayer influences (Redeemer, Hunter, Warlord, and Crusader). Now, the classic Shaper and Elder influences get their own dedicated orbs, opening up exciting crafting opportunities.
Shaper Exalted Orb: A Totem Build Game-Changer
Shaper Exalted Orb is poised to be a powerhouse, especially for totem builds. When applied to a non-influenced item, it adds Shaper influence and a random Shaper mod. For shields, this is particularly notable because the Shaper influence mod pool for prefixes is extremely limited—currently, there's only one prefix available: +1 to Maximum Number of Summoned Totems. This makes crafting a Shaper-influenced shield with three strong suffixes and an open prefix slot a near-guaranteed way to secure this coveted mod, which is a massive boost for totem-focused builds.
However, a word of caution: Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has a history of tweaking overly deterministic crafting methods. For example, during Harvest League, a similar deterministic craft for Tailwind boots was nerfed due to its strength. While the Shaper Exalted Orb's potential is huge, GGG might adjust the mod pool in 3.26 to prevent it from being too predictable. Keep an eye on patch notes when the expansion drops on June 5th!
Elder Exalted Orb: Expanding Endgame Options
Elder Exalted Orb functions similarly, adding Elder influence and a random Elder mod to an item. While specific use cases for Elder mods are less clear-cut than the Shaper's totem prefix, they offer flexibility for builds that rely on Elder-influenced gear, such as those chasing unique modifiers like increased life or specific skill bonuses. These orbs are likely to drop from their respective bosses (Shaper and Elder), though GGG could surprise us with alternative sources.
Strategic Crafting Tips
When to Use: Reserve Shaper and Elder Exalted Orbs for situations where their unique mod pools are critical. For example, if a Redeemer or Crusader Exalted Orb can achieve a similar result (e.g., % increased life on a Stygian Vise), consider using those instead, as they're likely to be cheaper in trade leagues due to easier farming.
Harvest Influence Swap: In trade leagues, you can save currency by using a cheaper Elder Slayer Exalted Orb (like Redeemer's) on an item, then using a Harvest craft to randomly swap the influence to Shaper or Elder. This is riskier but cost-effective if the existing mods aren't critical.
Solo Self-Found (SSF): For SSF players, prioritize farming Shaper and Elder for their respective orbs, as these will likely be rarer than Elder Slayer orbs.
What to Expect in Secrets of the Atlas
The Secrets of the Atlas expansion is shaping up to be a crafting-focused update, with these new orbs complementing earlier teasers about quality-of-life improvements for the Atlas and Betrayal mechanics. The full reveal on June 5th on Twitch.tv/pathofexile will dive deeper into what's coming. Still, the return of the Veiled Chaos Orb and the addition of Shaper and Elder Exalted Orbs suggest GGG is aiming to make crafting more accessible and impactful for all players.
Whether you're a casual Exile or a hardcore min-maxer, these changes offer new ways to refine your gear and tackle the game's toughest challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release, and keep experimenting with your crafts—those veiled mods might surprise you!
FAQs About Path of Exile 3.26 Crafting Orbs
What does the Veiled Chaos Orb do in Path of Exile 3.26?
It adds a random veiled modifier to a rare item, making it ideal for mid-tier gear upgrades. It's less costly than the Veiled Exalted Orb and can be used with meta-crafts for semi-deterministic results.
How can I get Veiled Chaos Orbs in 3.26?
Based on past leagues, they drop in level 68+ content (twice as rare as Exalted or Divine Orbs) or can be farmed deterministically via Research Safehouses with Aisling.
What makes the Shaper Exalted Orb so powerful?
For shields, it can guarantee the “+1 to Maximum Number of Summoned Totems” prefix due to the limited Shaper prefix pool, making it a must-have for totem builds.
Are Shaper and Elder Exalted Orbs worth using in trade leagues?
They're powerful but likely expensive due to their rarity and novelty. Consider using cheaper Elder Slayer orbs with Harvest influence swaps if the specific influence isn't critical.
Will GGG nerf the Shaper Exalted Orb's deterministic crafting?
It's possible, as GGG has adjusted overly deterministic crafts in the past (e.g., Harvest's Tailwind boots). Check the 3.26 patch notes for any changes to the mod pool.
Thanks for Reading
The Secrets of the Atlas expansion is set to reinvigorate Path of Exile's crafting system, giving players more tools to chase their perfect gear. Keep an eye on MMOJUGG for the latest news, guides, and tips to dominate.
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