In the world of Path of Exile 2, Vaal Orbs play a crucial role in the advanced crafting processes. These powerful items are indispensable for creating some of the most effective gear that offers unparalleled advantages, impossible to replicate through other means.
However, wielding a Vaal Orb comes with inherent risks. The process of corrupting an item introduces a high-stakes gamble, with potential outcomes ranging from incredible improvements to detrimental consequences or even nothing at all. Players must be wary, as corrupting an item can lead to several adverse outcomes, turning a prized possession into a worthless piece of gear. Below, we explore the various results of using a Vaal Orb in PoE 2.
All Vaal Orb Outcomes in PoE 2
When applying a Vaal Orb to an item, players can experience one of four distinct outcomes:
- No changes occur.
- A new corrupted modifier is added.
- Existing modifiers are rerolled.
- A socket is added.
It’s important to note that a Vaal Orb can only result in one of these four outcomes at a time, never multiple effects simultaneously.
Outcome: Nothing Happens
One possible scenario when using a Vaal Orb is that it may leave the item in its original state, aside from adding a corrupted tag. Unfortunately, this means the item’s stats and modifiers remain unchanged, and further currency cannot be used on it due to its corrupted status.
Outcome: Adds a Corrupted Modifier
Vaal Orbs can add a new affix to the item from a curated list of corrupted modifiers, even if the item has already reached its maximum number of affixes. This can yield excellent results if a critical modifier is added, but the gain may feel minimal if the new affix is less impactful. Notably, Vaal Orbs are the only means to obtain Jewels with five modifiers in PoE 2.
Outcome: Rerolls Modifiers
Vaal Orbs possess the ability to reroll all or selected modifiers on an item, distinct from Divine Orbs. Whereas Divine Orbs respect the upper and lower limits of modifiers, Vaal Orbs can exceed these bounds. Thus, players can enhance a modifier beyond its usual constraints, which can only be applied to Unique items.
For instance, the Temporalis item has a modifier that offers a cooldown reduction ranging from -2 to -4 seconds. By using a Vaal Orb, it’s plausible to achieve -4.1 seconds, which Divine Orbs cannot facilitate.
Outcome: Adds a Socket
Through the use of Vaal Orbs, players can add an additional socket to certain items, allowing them to transform two-socket items into three-socket ones. For instance, even the Morior Invictus Grand Regalia, a unique body armor, can be upgraded from four to five sockets. However, this ability is limited to items that can accommodate extra sockets; amulets, rings, belts, and flasks are among those that cannot gain sockets.
Consequences of Vaal Orb Usage on Skill Gems in PoE 2
Using a Vaal Orb on Skill and Spirit Gems triggers a tailored outcome pool with six potential results:
- Gains a level.
- Loses a level.
- Gains an additional support gem slot.
- Loses a support gem slot.
- Loss of 2% Quality.
- Gain of 2% Quality.
Many players use Vaal Orbs on Skill Gems to achieve a 5-link or 6-link configuration or to reach Level 20 without extensive farming. It’s crucial to remember that while corrupted Skill and Spirit Gems can still be leveled up, they cannot have their quality increased further.
Understanding Omen of Corruption in PoE 2
The Omen of Corruption is a unique Omen obtained through various Rituals that specifically removes the possibility of a neutral outcome when a Vaal Orb is applied. This enhancement effectively raises the chances of achieving beneficial or detrimental results, making it a strategic tool for players looking to optimize their corruption efforts. However, given their cost in currency exchanges, it’s advisable to apply them only to items with considerable potential value.
Essential Precautions Before Using Vaal Orb in PoE 2
One fundamental lesson players often forget is that using a Vaal Orb must always be the final step in the crafting process. Once a Vaal Orb is applied, no further modifications can occur using any currency. When enhancing a valuable gear piece, ensure to:
- Utilize an Exalted Orb to unlock all affixes before vaaling.
- Employ an Artificer’s Orb to add sockets beforehand.
- Increase the item’s Quality to +20% (or +50% for Breach Rings).
- Add Anoints to amulets using Distilled Emotions.
Consider also using a Chaos Orb, Divine Orb, or Orb of Annulment before applying a Vaal Orb, as no alterations can be made post-corruption. There are two exceptions:
- A corrupted Skill Gem/Spirit Gem can still level up afterward.
- Socketed Runes or Soul Cores may be swapped for other Runes or Soul Cores.
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