Path of Exile 2 Vaal Orbs: My Experience and Best Tips

Vaal Orbs have always been one of the most exciting—and sometimes terrifying—currencies in Path of Exile. In Path of Exile 2, they continue to be a massive game-changer, influencing both crafting and endgame builds. After countless attempts at corruption, I've had my fair share of both amazing wins and crushing losses. If you're wondering whether to take the plunge and start corrupting your gear, let me walk you through my personal experiences and the best lessons I've learned along the way.

What Are Vaal Orbs in Path of Exile 2?

In Path of Exile 2, Vaal Orbs are a powerful PoE 2 currency used to apply corruption to items, permanently altering their properties with unpredictable results. They are a high-risk, high-reward crafting mechanic that can elevate an item to god-tier status—or completely destroy it. Here’s what can happen when you use a Vaal Orb:

• The item gains a special implicit modifier (the best-case scenario)

• The item’s sockets are randomized, sometimes making it unusable

• The item gains or loses quality and stats

• The item becomes corrupted beyond use

• Or... nothing happens at all (which is the worst anti-climax)

My First Time Using a Vaal Orb in Path of Exile 2

I still remember the first time I used a Vaal Orb on a weapon. I was running through late-game maps, feeling pretty confident, and had just found a solid unique staff that fit my build perfectly. A friend in my party casually said, "You should corrupt it." Without thinking twice, I did.

Boom—bricked. The weapon became completely useless for my build. That was my first hard lesson: Vaal Orbs are not for the faint of heart.

My Luckiest Vaal Orb Success

After a few unlucky corruption attempts, I decided to get more strategic. I found a high-value six-link chest piece that was already amazing, but I wanted to roll the dice. I hesitated, stared at the item in my inventory for a solid minute, then clicked.

Boom—+1 to all socketed gems.

I couldn't believe it. The sheer rush of excitement when corruption actually works in your favor is why so many of us keep coming back to Vaal Orbs. That chest piece carried me through some of the hardest content in the game, and to this day, I think of it as one of my best corruption moments.

How to Get Vaal Orbs in Path of Exile 2

Vaal Orbs aren’t the easiest to come by, but if you know where to look, you can farm a decent amount. Here’s how I usually get mine:

1. Farming Vaal Side Areas

These areas often contain corrupted chests that have a chance to drop Vaal Orbs. Whenever I see a Vaal side area on the map, I never skip it.

2. Vendoring Corrupted Items

I once had a pile of corrupted gear I thought was worthless—until I realized you can vendor certain items for Vaal Orbs. It’s not the most efficient method, but it’s a good backup plan.

3. Boss Drops and Map Runs

Running high-tier maps and defeating certain bosses increases your chances of getting Vaal Orbs. I usually stack map mods that enhance currency drops to maximize my loot.

4. Trading

Sometimes, farming takes too long, and if I need Vaal Orbs fast, I just trade. Sites like PvPBank make it easy to grab some extra currency when I’m in a hurry.

When Should You Use Vaal Orbs?

After dozens of corruption attempts, I’ve learned that timing is everything. Here’s when I personally choose to use Vaal Orbs:

• On Endgame Gear: If I’m already using an item long-term, a successful corruption could take it to another level.

• For Specific Corruption Mods: Some builds rely on Vaal-specific modifiers, so I target key items for corruption.

• If I Can Afford to Lose It: If I’m not emotionally or financially attached to an item, I take the risk.

My Biggest Vaal Orb Mistakes

I won’t sugarcoat it—Vaal Orbs have burned me more times than I can count. Here are a few hard-learned lessons:

• Don’t Corrupt Something You Can’t Replace: I once lost a best-in-slot weapon because I got greedy. Never again.

• Be Prepared for the Worst: If you go in expecting to win every time, you’re in for heartbreak.

• Check the Market First: Some corrupted items sell for crazy amounts, while others lose value completely. Always check trade prices before you corrupt.

Final Thoughts: Are Vaal Orbs Worth It?

Absolutely—if you know what you’re doing. The thrill of using Vaal Orbs is unmatched, and while there are risks, the rewards can be game-changing. I’ve had my fair share of heartbreaks, but the few incredible successes make it all worthwhile.

If you want to up your corruption game, getting more PoE 2 currency is always a good idea. Whether you farm it yourself or trade for it, having a steady supply of Vaal Orbs can give you more chances to hit those god-tier corruptions.

Have you had any crazy Vaal Orb successes (or disasters) in Path of Exile 2? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!