POE 2: What is Corrupted?
Path of Exile 2 (POE 2) has been a hot topic among gamers since its announcement, and one of the most intriguing aspects of the game is its corrupted system. If you’re new to the Path of Exile series or just curious about how corruption works in the sequel, this article will guide you through everything you need to know about corrupted items, mechanics, and their impact on gameplay.
What Are Corrupted Items in POE 2?
In Path of Exile 2, corruption is a game mechanic that introduces randomized modifications to items. When an item becomes corrupted, it gains unique properties that can either enhance or hinder its effectiveness. Unlike the first game, POE 2 has refined the corrupted system to make it more balanced and strategic. Corrupted items can be obtained through various means, such as dropping from enemies, looting chests, or using specific crafting methods.
How Do You Get Corrupted Items?
Obtaining corrupted items in POE 2 is both exciting and challenging. Here are a few ways to acquire them:
Enemy Drops: Certain enemies, especially bosses and rare monsters, have a higher chance of dropping corrupted items.
Chests and Containers: Loot from chests, especially in high-tier areas, often yields corrupted items.
Crafting: Players can use specific crafting orbs or corruption orbs to intentionally corrupt an item. However, this process is risk-and-reward, as it can either improve or degrade the item.
What Makes Corrupted Items Unique?
Corrupted items in POE 2 are highly unpredictable. When an item is corrupted, it can gain positive, negative, or even neutral effects. For example, a corrupted weapon might gain increased damage but also reduced accuracy, forcing players to weigh the pros and cons. This unpredictability makes corrupted items incredibly valuable for players who enjoy experimentation and strategic planning.
Types of Corruptions
In POE 2, corruption can manifest in several ways:
Implicit Mods: These are hidden modifiers that are only revealed when the item is corrupted. They can provide unique bonuses that are not available on regular items.
Explicit Mods: These are visible modifiers that are added to the item when it becomes corrupted. They can be beneficial or detrimental.
Crafting Mods: These are special modifiers that can only be obtained through corruption. They often provide powerful synergy with other skills or builds.
How Do Corrupted Items Impact Gameplay?
The corrupted system in POE 2 adds a layer of depth to the game. Players must carefully consider whether to keep a corrupted item or attempt to modify it further. This system encourages experimentation and risk-taking, making the game more dynamic and engaging.
Strategic Considerations
Risk vs. Reward: Corrupting an item can lead to amazing results, but it can also ruin a perfectly good piece of gear. Players must decide whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Build Synergy: Corrupted items often provide unique modifiers that can enhance a character’s build. For example, a corrupted amulet might grant life leech, which is invaluable for certain builds.
Economic Impact: Corrupted items can be highly sought after by other players, making them valuable for trading. This adds another layer of strategy and economy to the game.
Real-World Examples
To better understand how corrupted items work, let’s look at a few examples:
Example 1: A player corrupts a rare sword and gains +50% critical strike chance. This makes the sword extremely powerful for a critical strike-based build.
Example 2: Another player corrupts a pair of boots and ends up with reduced movement speed. While this might seem like a drawback, it could be mitigated by other items or skills that increase movement speed.
Example 3: A player corrupts a jewel and gains +10% to all elemental resistances. This provides excellent defensive synergy for a build that relies on elemental damage.
The Future of Corruption in POE 2
As Path of Exile 2 continues to evolve, the corrupted system is likely to become even more complex and rewarding. With the introduction of new mechanics and item types, the possibilities for corruption are endless. Whether you’re a