Corruption: What are corrupted items in Path of Exile 2?

Corruption is one of the riskier mechanics in Path of Exile 2 ^[1] that alters items, gems, or maps with random effects. These effects are unpredictable and usually change the aforementioned items in negative ways. Using Vaal Orbs or similar methods, corruption can make gear stronger but also has a chance to ruin it.

When an item is corrupted, it can no longer be modified by regular crafting. The outcome is random since some items gain powerful upgrades while others basically become useless. Thanks to this, corrupting an item is pretty much a gamble that may or may not pay off. Classic high risk high-reward play.

Corruption can add unique effects, like extra modifiers, improved stats, or hidden properties. Some builds rely on corrupted items to reach their full potential. However, bad corruption results can break an item completely, making it completely useless.

Vaal Side Areas and special encounters provide chances to obtain corrupted gear. These areas are filled with dangerous enemies and often contain rare loot, making them high-risk but rewarding.

Despite its risks, corruption is essential for high-end crafting and optimization. Many of the game’s most powerful builds depend on perfectly corrupted items to maximize their strength.

References

1. [1] "Official PoE 2 website". pathofexile2.com. Retrieved February 05, 2025