Path of Exile 2 is an action RPG known for its complex mechanics, deep customization, and endless possibilities for character builds. One of the most interesting and highly rewarding systems in Path of Exile (PoE) is the ability to corrupt items, essences, and outcomes, adding a layer of unpredictability and excitement. This guide will walk you through the process of corrupting essences, how corruption can impact your items and gear, and what you need to know to optimize your chances of success in Path of Exile 2.

Corrupting items and essences is an essential part of PoE's endgame, where players aim to create the most powerful and unique items, often by manipulating the corruption system to their advantage. However, corruption comes with significant risks, and understanding the process can make all the difference between disaster and success.

What is Corruption in Path of Exile 2?

Corruption in Path of Exile 2 refers to a powerful mechanic that alters the properties of items, potentially granting huge benefits, but also carrying significant risks. Corruption can affect all sorts of items—gear, weapons, flasks, and even essences—by applying random mods or granting new properties that can either enhance or completely destroy an item's value.

In Path of Exile (PoE) and its sequel, corruption can have various effects, such as:

Adding Mods: Some corruptions add powerful affixes or modifiers to an item.

Removing Mods: Corruption can also remove existing mods, sometimes improving the item's potential.

Transforming Items: Items can be transformed into entirely different types, especially with specific corruptions, such as converting a unique item into a different unique item.

Imbuing Items with Risk: While corruption may enhance the power of an item, it can also make the item unusable if you end up with a corrupted mod that harms your build.

The process of corrupting items  is done through the Vaal POE 2 Orbs, which is the main tool for item corruption. However, the specific outcome of any corruption is random, and players need to balance risk and reward when corrupting valuable items.

Essence Corruption: A Specific Case

In PoE 2, essences are a special type of item that allows players to craft specific affixes onto their gear. These essences are commonly used to improve rare items, allowing for precise control over the type of modifiers you want to apply. Corrupting essences, however, takes this concept a step further and introduces the possibility of altering an essence's influence over your items in potentially catastrophic or incredibly rewarding ways.

Here's how Essence Corruption works in Path of Exile 2:

Essences can be corrupted: You may corrupt an essence by using a Vaal Orb, much like you would with any other item. This changes the properties of the essence, possibly adding new and more powerful attributes to your item.

Corrupted Essences: Once corrupted, an essence may exhibit new characteristics that are not present in the regular essence. This can include gaining additional modifiers or changing its functionality completely.

The Risk: Corrupting an essence is a gamble. Sometimes, a corrupted essence can turn an average or good item into something much better, but other times, it could make the item unusable or worse than before.

Types of Corruptions in Path of Exile 2

There are a variety of different corruptions you can perform in Path of Exile 2, and understanding each of them will help you decide how and when to corrupt your items or essences.

1. Vaal Orb Corruption

The Vaal Orb is the primary tool for corrupting items in PoE 2. It applies random corruptions to any item, and its effect can vary significantly based on the item type. Some outcomes are beneficial, while others can be detrimental.

Common Vaal Orb outcomes include:

Adding an Item Modifier: The most common result of using a Vaal Orb on an item is adding a random modifier. For instance, an item like a weapon may gain a new affix such as increased critical strike chance, more physical damage, or elemental resistance.

Transforming the Item: In rare cases, a Vaal Orb can transform a unique item into a different version of that unique item or even turn a normal item into a unique one.

Item Modification Removal: Vaal Orb corruptions sometimes remove an affix or the last mod of the item, making it more powerful but with the cost of reducing the item's flexibility.

You should use Vaal Orbs wisely, as the outcome is unpredictable, and there is no way to control which mods will appear. It's always a good idea to consider what you're willing to lose when corrupting items with a Vaal Orb.

2. Essence Corruption

Essences themselves can be corrupted to gain new properties. Essence corruption is a high-risk, high-reward process and can create some of the most powerful items in the game.

Adding Additional Properties: Corrupting an essence could result in new and beneficial mods being added to your item, making it more powerful than before.

Removing an Essence Modifier: Some corruptions may remove one of the properties of the essence, making it either more valuable or significantly less useful.

Random Transformation: The most dangerous outcome of essence corruption is when the essence transforms into something entirely different, which might be a huge improvement or a complete downgrade.

If you are looking to boost the potential of an item created using an essence, it's advisable to do so cautiously. The essence's potential to improve a rare item could make or break your build.

3. Item-Specific Corruption Outcomes

Certain types of items can have unique corruption outcomes that are not possible on others. For example, flasks, helmets, boots, and other specific items may have their own unique set of possible corruption effects.

Some of the potential item-specific corruptions include:

Flasks: Corrupting flasks can add increased charges, duration, or other beneficial effects.

Helmets and Armour: Corruptions to these items can add powerful stats, such as increased resistances or life. Some helmets may gain additional sockets, allowing you to further enhance your build.

Weapons: Weapons may gain random modifiers or increase their elemental damage. You can also get specific corruptions that boost the effectiveness of your weapon's attack speed or critical chance.

The key to successful corruption with these items is understanding the potential mods and knowing when it's worth the risk. Some players will go after specific mods that are considered valuable or crucial for endgame builds, so knowing which corruptions you want can guide your decision-making.

How to Corrupt Essences and Items in Path of Exile 2

Corrupting essences and items in Path of Exile 2 requires a few basic steps. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Obtain a Vaal Orb: The most important item you'll need to corrupt any item is the Vaal Orb. These can be dropped from monsters, poe2 trade from NPC vendors, or obtained through specific events. Vaal Orbs are consumed when you corrupt an item, and they are required for most corruption actions.

Choose the Item or Essence: Select the item or essence that you want to corrupt. This could be a piece of gear, a flask, a weapon, or even a rare essence. Make sure the item or essence you want to corrupt is valuable to your build.

Use the Vaal Orb: To corrupt an item, simply right-click the Vaal Orb and then click on the item or essence you want to corrupt. You'll see the item change, and the result will be random. It's always a gamble, so be ready for both positive and negative outcomes.

Check the Corruption Outcome: Once the corruption process is complete, inspect the newly corrupted item or essence. If it's improved, you'll be able to further enhance your character build with a new, powerful item. If it's worse, you may need to salvage it or attempt to corrupt a new item.

Repeat if Necessary: If you didn't get the desired outcome on the first try, you can always try again with another Vaal Orb, though keep in mind that corruption can come with its risks.

Maximizing the Success of Corruption

To maximize the chances of getting the best results from corruption, here are a few tips:

Understand the Risk: Corruption is a gamble. Always weigh the potential loss before corrupting high-value items. Consider if the corruption outcome will truly benefit your build.

Use Multiple Corruptions: If you're looking for a specific type of corruption (e.g., a specific mod for your item), don't be afraid to use multiple Vaal Orbs to get closer to your goal. Just remember that each attempt will cost you an orb and the risk of a failed corruption.

Use Essences Wisely: Corrupting essences can be particularly risky because it alters an item's fundamental stats. Only corrupt essences that are likely to give you a beneficial result, especially if the item is critical for your build.

Know When to Stop: If you've corrupted an item and it has turned out extremely well, don't push your luck. Sometimes, it's best to stop while you're ahead.

Conclusion

Corrupting essences and items in Path of Exile 2 is an exciting, yet risky, process that allows players to create powerful, one-of-a-kind gear. Whether you're looking to enhance an item for your build or hoping to transform an essence into something extraordinary, the corruption system is an essential part of the PoE experience.

Remember, corruption is always a gamble, and while the rewards can be immense, the risks are equally high. By understanding the mechanics, carefully selecting your items to corrupt, and using Vaal Orbs strategically, you can maximize your chances of success and create the best possible gear for your journey through Path of Exile 2.