Path of Exile's economy revolves around the constant cycle of finding, crafting, and, sometimes, disenchanting items. Disenchanting, specifically with Poe's unique system, can be confusing for new players. This guide will break down how to disenchant items in Path of Exile, focusing on the mechanics and optimal strategies.
Understanding Disenchanting in Path of Exile
Disenchanting in PoE doesn't mean destroying an item to get raw materials back. Instead, it's about extracting the implicit modifiers from an item, essentially resetting it to its base form. This is crucial for several reasons:
- Crafting: Removing unwanted implicit modifiers allows you to apply new, desirable ones through various crafting methods.
- Re-rolling: Disenchanting can be a step in repeatedly trying to get the perfect implicit modifier on a valuable item.
- Item Base Improvement: Getting the right base item is half the battle. Disenchanting lets you keep the base while improving the modifiers.
The Process: How to Disenchant Poe Items
The key to disenchanting in PoE is using a specific type of item: a Vaal Orb.
Here's the step-by-step process:
-
Obtain Vaal Orbs: These orbs are acquired through various methods, including:
- Boss drops: Many bosses have a chance to drop Vaal Orbs.
- Currency trading: Trade with other players in the game's trading system.
- Divination Cards: Certain Divination Cards can reward you with Vaal Orbs.
-
Select the Item: Choose the item you want to disenchant. Important: Only items with implicit modifiers can be disenchanted. Items without implicit mods will not be affected by a Vaal Orb.
-
Use the Vaal Orb: In your inventory, drag the Vaal Orb onto the item you want to disenchant.
-
The Result: The Vaal Orb will attempt to remove the implicit modifiers from the item. However, there's a chance the Vaal Orb will instead corrupt the item, adding a new, potentially undesirable, modifier. This is the inherent risk of using Vaal Orbs.
Minimizing Risks: Tips for Successful Disenchanting
- Identify valuable items: Only use Vaal Orbs on items with implicit modifiers that are hindering your build or crafting goals.
- Understand the risks: Always keep in mind that using a Vaal Orb has a chance of corrupting your item further, possibly making it less valuable.
- Experiment in a safe environment: Before using a Vaal Orb on a valuable item, practice with lesser items to get a feel for the process and potential outcomes.
- Backup your items: Consider using a stash tab to keep a copy of your item before you disenchant it.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Disenchanting Strategies
More advanced disenchanting often involves combining Vaal Orbs with other crafting techniques. For example, you might use a Vaal Orb to remove an unwanted implicit before using other crafting methods to add a desirable one. Exploring these advanced strategies requires a deeper understanding of PoE's crafting system, but can yield powerful results.
Conclusion: Mastering Poe's Disenchanting System
Disenchanting in Path of Exile, using Vaal Orbs, is a critical skill for crafting powerful items. By understanding the process, the risks, and implementing smart strategies, you can effectively improve your gear and progress further in the game. Remember to always proceed cautiously, and experiment to refine your approach. Good luck, exile!
