Using a Vaal Orb in Path of Exile 2 is the ultimate test of a crafter’s nerve — a gamble that can transform an item into something extraordinary or turn it into a worthless brick. Each Vaal Orb has a roughly 25% chance to trigger one of four outcomes, making every use a true roll of the dice.

The first possible result is simple corruption with no change to stats. Your item stays the same but gains the corrupted tag, meaning it can no longer be modified. This is the most neutral outcome and sometimes even desirable if you want to lock in your item’s current state permanently without further risk.

The second result adds a corrupted implicit modifier, one of the most exciting outcomes possible. These implicit bonuses vary by item type and can include things like additional gem levels, extra damage, or resistances that surpass normal crafting limits. Such results can transform solid gear into something truly endgame-worthy — the kind of upgrade worth spending poe 2 currency on to chase perfection.

The third potential outcome completely rerolls the item’s explicit modifiers. This is where the true risk lies. You might get incredible affixes that push the item’s power well beyond standard crafting caps, or you could lose valuable stats and end up with a broken piece of gear. It’s the essence of gambling sometimes exhilarating, sometimes devastating which is why many players stock up and buy poe 2 currency to fund multiple corruption attempts.

The fourth and final result adds an additional socket, increasing flexibility for skill gem setups and potential damage scaling. While less flashy than corrupted implicits, an extra socket can make a huge difference in build performance and customization.

Because of these unpredictable outcomes, experienced players often prepare duplicate items or practice on cheaper gear first. Using Vaal Orbs is about balancing the thrill of potential greatness against the very real possibility of disaster. When it pays off, though, it’s one of the most satisfying moments in Path of Exile 2’s crafting system.