In Path of Exile 2, the Vaal Cultivation Orb is an intriguing and potent currency item that adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement for players seeking to enhance their gear. The orb's primary function is to modify Vaal uniques and non-Vaal uniques, offering new possibilities for character builds and playstyles. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a POE 2 Currency newcomer to the game, understanding how the Vaal Cultivation Orb works can significantly improve your understanding of endgame item crafting.

Mechanics of the Vaal Cultivation Orb

The Vaal Cultivation Orb works differently depending on the type of item it is applied to: Vaal unique items or non-corrupted, non-Vaal unique items.

When used on a Vaal unique item, it has the potential to replace one or two modifiers on the item with predetermined Vaal cultivation modifiers. This mechanic introduces a new level of randomness and potential power to these items. It’s been hypothesized that the orb has a roughly 20% chance to replace two of the existing modifiers, though this is not fully confirmed.

On the other hand, when applied to non-corrupted, non-Vaal unique items, the orb guarantees a transformation into another corrupted unique item within the same item class (e.g., a belt will become another belt). This transformation alters the base type of the item, randomizes its item sockets, and may affect the item's quality. However, there is a catch: exceptional items (those with 21+% quality and/or +1 additional socket) will lose their special attributes in the process. These transformed items will also be corrupted but will not receive a random corruption outcome, further increasing the potential risks and rewards of using the orb.

Item Acquisition

The Vaal Cultivation Orb is not easily obtainable and has specific restrictions on where and how it can drop. Players can acquire it as a drop from certain endgame content, notably from the Tier 3 Sacrificial Chamber room located in Atziri's Temple. More specifically, it can be taken as a reward instead of using the crafting bench in this area. Additionally, the orb has a chance to drop from the Royal Trove in Atziri's Temple after defeating Atziri, the Red Queen, making it a valuable and highly sought-after item for high-level players looking to improve their corrupted gear.

Conclusion

The Vaal Cultivation Orb is a cheap POE 2 Currency Orbs unique addition to Path of Exile 2, offering players an exciting way to alter their endgame gear. Whether you're enhancing Vaal uniques or transforming regular items into corrupted versions, the orb provides an avenue for experimentation and customization. However, with great power comes great risk, and using the orb requires a careful balance between enhancing your gear and embracing the unpredictability of the game’s mechanics.