Before using a Vaal Orb in Path of Exile 2, careful preparation is crucial to safeguard valuable gear and optimize your chances of rewarding corruptions. Since using a Vaal Orb permanently corrupts the item, preventing any further crafting modifications, taking the right prep steps can make the difference between a powerful upgrade and a ruined item. For players looking to acquire Vaal Orbs, they are often available through poe 2 currency for sale or in trade markets at cheap poe 2 currency rates during early league phases.

First, complete all possible standard crafting on the item before corruption. This includes rolling desirable affixes with alteration orbs, adding quality, sockets, and links, and using exalted or chaos orbs to maximize stats. The foundation you build before corruption ensures that if the Vaal Orb adds meaningful corrupted mods, your item is already strong.

Second, make backup copies of the item or have alternative gear options if possible. Corruption outcomes are highly random, and the item can lose value or become unusable, so having duplicates or comparable gear mitigates risk.

Third, consider using an Omen of Corruption alongside the Vaal Orb to reduce the chance of a “no change” outcome and boost the odds of impactful corruption results. Omens are valuable but can be worthwhile on high-end gear.

Fourth, thoroughly research or understand the specific item’s corruption outcomes and potential benefits. Some unique and rare items have exclusive corrupted affixes or can gain extra sockets, making them ideal for Vaal usage, while other items may fare poorly under corruption.

Fifth, if applying a Vaal Orb on skill gems, understand the risks such as permanent gem level reduction, so save these for when the potential reward merits the gamble.

Lastly, only use Vaal Orbs when you are comfortable accepting the risk that the item could be irreversibly changed or destroyed. Corruption is a gamble best placed on gear or gems that are replaceable or deserve the risk for the possibility of a game-changing outcome.

Safeguarding gear before Vaal Orb use requires thorough prior crafting, making backups, considering Omens of Corruption, and understanding item-specific corruption mechanics. Thoughtful preparation helps tilt the balance toward reward and reduces the chance of crippling losses in this high-stakes crafting step.