Mastering the use of Vaal Orbs in Path of Exile 2 requires understanding their high-risk, high-reward nature and the specific outcomes they can produce. Vaal Orbs are special poe 2 currency items used primarily to corrupt equipment, which results in permanent changes that can either significantly enhance or completely ruin the item. The key to using them safely lies in knowing their mechanics, possible results, and strategic timing.
When a Vaal Orb is applied to an item, it becomes corrupted—meaning it cannot be altered by any other currency or crafting means afterward. However, corruption is unpredictable and can lead to various outcomes, some beneficial and others potentially disastrous. The main possibilities upon vaaling an item include no change beyond corruption (leaving the item’s existing stats intact but locked), adding a powerful implicit modifier that can greatly boost the item, rerolling existing affixes which can either improve or worsen the stats, or adding an extra socket on certain unique items. Because these effects are random, the gamble can pay off with exceptional results or leave the item effectively worthless.
To navigate this gamble safely, players should consider several strategies. First, use Vaal Orbs on items that already have good or promising stats, because corruption locks these stats in but can also risk destroying them. It is wise to avoid wasting Vaal Orbs on low-value or poorly rolled gear. Second, some uniques respond particularly well to Vaal Orbs; for example, certain items benefit greatly from an added socket or specific corrupted modifiers, so knowing which unique items are worth corrupting can maximize returns.
An item called Omen of Corruption can be used before vaaling to increase the unpredictability and outcomes of the corruption. This can reduce the chance of no effect and improve odds for positive results but also increases risk, so it should be employed cautiously, usually on items that justify the gamble.
Another aspect of safety is gradually testing Vaal Orbs on similar bases or less valuable copies of the desired item. This experimentation can provide insight into the possible outcomes and risk levels without losing your best gear immediately. Players often collect multiple copies of an item or invest in materials that help mitigate the loss.
Vaal Orbs are powerful yet dangerous tools in the crafting arsenal. Successful use involves balancing risk and reward by targeting the right items, learning about the specific corruptible mods available, and using additional tools like the Omen of Corruption where appropriate. Mastery comes with experience, patience, and a readiness to embrace the gamble inherent in this unique crafting mechanic. When done right, vaaling can elevate gear to levels of power otherwise impossible to achieve, making it a thrilling part of the buy poe 2 currency endgame crafting experience.
