Path of Exile 2: Corrupted Items Guide | Vaal Orb, Corruption Altar, Jiquani’s Sanctum

Corrupted Items are special items in Path of Exile 2. You can make them through various means, such as using Vaal Orbs or a Corruption Altar.

The main thing that sets Corrupted Items apart is that they can’t be modified any further. However, the corruption process itself has a chance to add huge bonuses to the items. The key word here is “chance”, as it’s all down to luck in the end!

For more details, read on and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Corrupted Items in Path of Exile 2.

Corrupted Items Guide for Path of Exile 2 | Vaal Orb, Corruption Altar, Jiquani’s Sanctum

Before you do anything, you’ll first want to know what corrupting an item does. It has the following random effects:

• Adds a random Modifier, even if your item already has the maximum amount possible.
• Rerolls up to 3 of the item’s existing Modifiers.
• Adds a Rune Socket, even if you already upgraded the item’s Rune Sockets to the max.
• Breaks the item, deleting it permanently.
• No change, just applies the Corrupted effect.

Whatever the outcome you get, your item will also become Corrupted. This will prevent you from further modifying it at all through crafting. However, there’s no penalty of any sort for using the item itself.

Due to the highly risky and randomized nature of Corruption, you don’t want to use it on any irreplaceable items. You also want to avoid using it on any items that you plan to modify further since they will be locked out from further crafting.

On the other hand, getting lucky also means you can create some truly powerful gear. The ability to add an extra Modifier or Rune Socket while ignoring the limit makes it worth trying!

With the basics laid down, though, let’s go over how to actually create Corrupted Items.

How to Corrupt An Item

The first way that you’re likely to encounter Corrupted Items in Path of Exile 2 is by using the Corruption Altar at Jiquani’s Sanctum. Jiquani’s Sanctum becomes available during Act 3 of the campaign. It’s fairly challenging, too, so come prepared!

The Corruption Altar inside the sanctum allows you to turn any normal items you have into Corrupted Items at no cost. Its location is, as usual with PoE 2’s maps, randomized in each instance.

Either way, you can simply interact with the Corruption Altar and drag the magic rune on it onto any item you wish to corrupt. You can only corrupt 1 item per visit to the altar, though.

Alternatively, you can use a Vaal Orb. You can get them as a reward for clearing the Trial of Chaos at the Vaal Jungle in Chapter 3. Just drag and drop the Vaal Orb onto the item you wish to corrupt, keeping in mind you’ll consume the Vaal Orb on use.

So, there you have it, that’s everything you need to know about Corrupted Items in Path of Exile 2. Corrupting an item is both very risky but also very rewarding if you get lucky enough. It’s a big gamble, but it can help minmax some builds in the endgame!