Path of Exile 2 item corruption system, explained: What do Vaal Orbs do?

Corrupting items in Path of Exile 2 is one of the primary crafting mechanics players should familiarize themselves with. Crafting relies on an individual's luck, as certain currencies can only roll random modifiers on an item, and there is no way to guarantee anything. Vaal Orb is one of the currencies that should be the "endgame" in your crafting journey, beyond which an item cannot be enhanced further.

This article lists the basics of corrupting an item in Path of Exile 2, and other usages of Vaal Orb in the game.

Item corruption explained in Path of Exile 2

Most in-game items with rarities and modifiers can be corrupted in two ways in Path of Exile 2. This includes any armor piece, weapon, and Waystone, with Precursor Tablets being the exception. Vaal Orb is the primary currency for corrupting an item, alongside a Corruption Altar for one-time use during the Act. Right-click on a Vaal Orb, and then release after moving the Orb onto an item to corrupt it.

Before vs after applying Vaal Orb on a Rare item (Image via GGG)

As mentioned, corrupting an item should be your final goal in crafting, as any corrupted item cannot be further enhanced or crafted in any way. Hence, actions such as increasing an item's quality, affix modifiers, or increasing Rune sockets should be done before you plan on applying a Vaal Orb.

Before vs after corrupting a Unique item in Path of Exile 2 (Image via GGG)

There can be numerous outcomes upon applying a Vaal Orb on an item, which are as follows:

A new implicit or modifier will be added randomly while corrupting the item.
A new Rune socket can be added randomly while corrupting the item.
Half of the affixes on your item will be rerolled while corrupting the item.
Nothing will happen to the item while corrupting it.
Tier 15 Waystones can be upgraded to Tier 16 using Vaal Orbs only.
For Unique items, an additional Rune slot can be added during the corruption process. Moreover, you can lose the Unique modifier on the item as well, demoting it to the Rare tier. At the same time, the Unique modifiers will have their value rerolled, which can be more or less than before.

Maximum quality and modifier on a corrupted armor piece (Image via GGG)

Lastly, you should use Vaal Orbs on your Skill Gem to obtain the fourth socket. This will allow you to save your Exalted Orbs, as it can be done by collecting only Vaal Orbs and Lesser Jewellers for cheap, instead of Greater Jewellers for an increased price. Here's how to do it:

Collect a specific level of Skill Gem and get the skill you want.
Apply Lesser Jeweller to get the third socket.
Next, apply Vaal Orbs to corrupt the gem, or obtain the fourth socket. Keep doing this until you get the fourth socket.
Equip the Skill Gem, and then use another high-level Skill Gem to upgrade the skill.

Vaal Orbs can drop from anywhere in the game. They can be purchased from the Currency Exchange shop as well. Currently (January 2025), one Exalted Orb can give you five Vaal Orbs.

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Edited by Niladri Roy