Guide:Crafting

This is a guide on the subject of crafting techniques.

Last updated on March 29, 2024.

Bench crafting a helmet.

Crafting refers to creating or improving items by adding and removing modifiers. There are a variety of methods to do this, including randomly with certain orbs and other currency, and sometimes with the help of fixed vendor recipes, the Crafting Bench, or various league content such as Harvest crafting.

Path of Exile's in-game currency is required for both crafting and trading items. Since most crafting techniques are costly and unpredictable, only the most successful crafting attempts are cost-efficient. As a result it is often preferable to buy a desired item from another player instead of crafting it yourself. As a rule of thumb, advanced crafting for equipment and weapons should also be avoided until the player has access to high level items (with an item level of 81 or more) to make sure the highest tier of modifiers is available (though some niche crafting methods use lower level items to decrease the number of mods that can be rolled).

Despite its unpredictability and high initial capital requirement, successful crafts can be very lucrative for the player(s) involved. There might be a buyer willing to pay more than the initial investment and allow you to make a profit. Owners of the crafted item can also set up a mirror service, through which other players use their Mirrors of Kalandra to make a copy of the crafted item. The owner of the crafted item is paid a fixed mirror fee every time a player mirrors his item. This repeated income can be used to earn back the crafting investment. Crafting is even more important for Solo Self-Found players, since you'll only be allowed to use items you've found or crafted yourself.

Under some circumstances, an item with the desired combination of mods may simply not yet exist. In that case crafting it is the only way of obtaining it.

Crafting techniques

There are a number of crafting techniques that you can choose from. They differ in terms of the amount of orbs required, as well as the rarity of the base item and the item you're going to craft.

Basic crafting techniques

You have a few options to directly upgrade a white (normal) item to either a magic or rare item. They don't require very expensive currency, but don't have much customization possible either. One orb will usually do the job.

There are three ways to do this (taken from Invalesco's Crafting Guide)

• Use an Orb of TransmutationOrb of TransmutationStack Size: 40Upgrades a normal item to a magic itemRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it. on a white item (Normal/Common) to upgrade it to a magic item.
• Use a Orb of ChanceOrb of ChanceStack Size: 20Upgrades a normal item to a random rarityRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it. on a white item to get either a magic, rare or unique version of the item. The rarity is chosen completely randomly (although higher rarities are less likely).
• Use an Orb of AlchemyOrb of AlchemyStack Size: 20Upgrades a normal item to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it.. This makes your white item rare.

These basic methods are inexpensive but their outcome is arbitrary.

Intermediate crafting techniques

Instead of changing all the modifiers on an item at once, you can also add each one separately. This is a more reliable way of crafting and you can make sure that you add only desirable mods. This is however quite pricey and therefore you are recommended to only use these techniques to craft high-level gear.

• Chaos OrbChaos OrbStack Size: 20Reforges a rare item with new random modifiersRight click this item then left click a rare item to apply it. crafting: after you have alched an item, you use chaos orbs until you get the desired mods. You can also use ScourOrb of ScouringStack Size: 30Removes all modifiers from an itemRight click this item then left click on a magic or rare item to apply it. + AlchOrb of AlchemyStack Size: 20Upgrades a normal item to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it. to get the same effect. This method is not recommended for getting specific modifiers.
• Essence crafting: similar to Chaos Orb spamming, but allows you to guarantee a specific modifier granted by the Essence, some of which can only be gotten from Essences. This is a more powerful alternative to Chaos Orbs.
• The Systematic Alt/Regal/Exalt Method: an effective method to get the mods you want. It consists of a series of steps you follow.

1. Start with a white item (preferably with a high item level and optionally an influence).
2. Increase the item's quality to 20%. This step can be done later, but normal items receive more quality from items than magic and rare items.
3. Use an Orb of TransmutationOrb of TransmutationStack Size: 40Upgrades a normal item to a magic itemRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it..
4. Keep spamming Orbs of AlterationOrb of AlterationStack Size: 20Reforges a magic item with new random modifiersRight click this item then left click a magic item to apply it. and Orbs of AugmentationOrb of AugmentationStack Size: 30Augments a magic item with a new random modifierRight click this item then left click a magic item to apply it. Magic items can have up to two random modifiers. until you get the two mods you want.
5. Optional: Create an ImprintImprintRestores an imprinted item onto the original
   Can't be applied to Fractured ItemsRight click this item then left click on the imprinted original item to restore its modifiers. An imprint cannot be dropped or traded to other players. of the item via beastcrafting (with a Craicic Chimeral). This can save you a lot of time and currency if it's a particularly rare mod and gives you something to fall back on if the next steps fail.
6. Use Regal OrbRegal OrbStack Size: 20Upgrades a magic item to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a magic item to apply it. Current modifiers are retained and a new one is added.. If you roll an unwanted mod, scourOrb of ScouringStack Size: 30Removes all modifiers from an itemRight click this item then left click on a magic or rare item to apply it. the item and start over at step one.
7. Use three Exalted OrbsExalted OrbStack Size: 20Augments a rare item with a new random modifierRight click this item then left click a rare item to apply it. Rare items can have up to six random modifiers.. (If you roll an unwanted mod, restore the item with the Imprint or try using an Orb of AnnulmentOrb of AnnulmentStack Size: 20Removes a random modifier from an itemRight click this item then left click on a magic or rare item to apply it..)
8. If necessary, use a Divine OrbDivine OrbStack Size: 20Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it. or Blessed OrbBlessed OrbStack Size: 20Randomises the values of the implicit modifiers of an itemRight click this item then left click another item to apply it. to alter the mod values.
9. If it's an armour base, alter its defense values with a Sacred OrbSacred OrbStack Size: 10Randomises the numeric values of base defences on an armourRight click this item then left click an armour to apply it. if desired.
10. (Corruption, see below.)

Bench crafting

Using the Crafting Bench located in your hideout, it is possible to craft a specific modifier. Crafting recipes can be found in certain areas and maps. By default, every item is limited to one of these mods, but there are ways to bypass that limit.

Bench crafting common stats like life or resistances is relatively inexpensive and is not exclusively done in the endgame. Even on lower-level characters, adding stats for some more survivability is worthwile and can help the player greatly.

The existence of a crafted mod on an item prevents a mod of the same type from being added via an Exalted OrbExalted OrbStack Size: 20Augments a rare item with a new random modifierRight click this item then left click a rare item to apply it. Rare items can have up to six random modifiers.. This means that crafted mods can be added to an item temporarily to block that type, effectively removing it from the pool of possible mods. This is a very useful technique to increase the odds of getting a desired mod.

Advanced crafting methods

Meta-crafting modifiers

The more advanced crafting techniques mainly revolve around the use of meta-crafting mods. Combining this with other crafting methods allows you to manipulate the outcomes more favorably.

For example, Although the Orb of ScouringOrb of ScouringStack Size: 30Removes all modifiers from an itemRight click this item then left click on a magic or rare item to apply it.'s description says it Removes all properties from an item, modifiers protected by meta-crafting mods will remain untouched. This way, players can lock in modifiers without losing all the other modifiers.

Using the Can have multiple Crafted Mods meta-crafting mod to combine multiple other meta-crafting mods allows for even more control of the item. This way the player can often limit the pool of possible mods so that outcome of the craft is almost guaranteed.

This table shows the available meta-crafting modifiers:

Modifier	Cost	Recipe location
of Spellcraftof Spellcraft Suffix Cannot roll Attack Modifiers	1× Divine OrbDivine OrbStack Size: 20Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it.	Caer Blaidd, Wolfpack's DenCaer Blaidd, Wolfpack's Den Underground River MapMap Level: 82 Map Tier: 15 Guild Character: æ Item Quantity: +150% Item Rarity: +150%Unique Boss drops 4 additional Maps (20-50)% more Magic Monsters (20-50)% increased number of Rare Monsters 25% more Monster Life 30% increased Monster DamageHowls and laughter They hide in the day They smell you, they watch you They track their new preyTravel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once.
of Weaponcraftof Weaponcraft Suffix Cannot roll Caster Modifiers	1× Divine OrbDivine OrbStack Size: 20Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it.	Whakawairua TuahuWhakawairua Tuahu Strand MapMap Level: 70 Map Tier: 3 Guild Character: È Item Quantity: +(40-60)% Item Rarity: +(120-160)%Area contains many Totems Curses have 50% reduced effect on MonstersWe all began life in darkness, we shall all end it there.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once.
of Prefixesof Prefixes Suffix Prefixes Cannot Be Changed	2x Divine OrbDivine OrbStack Size: 20Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it.	The Coward's TrialThe Coward's Trial Cursed Crypt MapMap Level: 74 Map Tier: 7 Guild Character: ÅContains waves of Monsters Contains additional waves of Undead Monsters <0 to 7 random additional waves modifiers>For his sins he was hunted in his sleep, judgement wrought of twisted nightmare. The Coward bound his dreams to stone, awaiting another to walk the path of true atonement.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once.
SuffixedSuffixed Prefix Suffixes Cannot Be Changed	2× Divine OrbDivine OrbStack Size: 20Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it.	Oba's Cursed TroveOba's Cursed Trove Underground Sea MapMap Level: 77 Map Tier: 10 Item Quantity: +40%Area has patches of desecrated ground 20 patches with Ground Effect per 100 tiles (Hidden) Ground Effect has a radius of 10 (Hidden) (40-50)% more Monster Life (30-40)% increased Monster Damage Area becomes fatal after some time"Here the soil is more deadly than any swing of the axe." - Oba of the Karui, Conqueror of Corruption.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once.
of Craftingof Crafting Suffix Can have up to 3 Crafted Modifiers	2× Divine OrbDivine OrbStack Size: 20Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it.	The Putrid CloisterThe Putrid Cloister Museum MapMap Level: 79 Map Tier: 12 Guild Character: Õ Item Quantity: +90% Item Rarity: +45%Players are Cursed with Vulnerability Players are Cursed with Conductivity Players are Cursed with Flammability Players are Cursed with Frostbite Players are Cursed with Despair Unique Boss drops divination cardsPlease take out your blades, your whips, and your spikes. Class is now in session.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once.

Keep in mind that this technique of crafting requires multiple Divine OrbsDivine OrbStack Size: 20Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it..

Suffix or Prefix Wipe

Crafting an amulet

After having rolled some desired affixes, one can utilize the Prefixes/Suffixes Cannot Be Changed meta-crafting mod to protect them while altering the item. In the example on the right, we're trying to improve a five affix amulet. We're pleased with the following modifiers:

• of Penetrating (critical strike chance)
• of Exile (chaos resistance)
• of Destruction (critical strike multiplier)

These are all suffixes. We don't care for the other modifiers. In this case, since there's still one affix slot available, we can craft the (Suffixes Cannot Be Changed) to protect these mods and reroll the prefixes. We then scour the amulet, so only the suffixes remain. Note that this meta-crafting mod is also a prefix, so it will be wiped in the process.

The player can then attempt to add prefixes again and repeat the process if the results aren't satisfactory. Be warned that this technique is only worthwhile when trying to isolate two or three affixes. In the case of only one wanted affix, spamming Orbs of AlterationOrb of AlterationStack Size: 20Reforges a magic item with new random modifiersRight click this item then left click a magic item to apply it. on a white item to get the affix is generally a cheaper option. Keep in mind that these meta-crafting mods cost two Divine OrbsDivine OrbStack Size: 20Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it. each time they are are crafted.

Single Mod Magic Item

For some crafting techniques the player might need a magic item with one specific affix, but with the other affix slot still available. This can be done by crafting a bench mod onto the white item. This will turn the item into magic with the bench crafted mod. It can be any mod, as long as it is not the same affix type as the wanted mod (e.g. if the wanted mod is a prefix, bench craft a suffix). Then use a Regal OrbRegal OrbStack Size: 20Upgrades a magic item to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a magic item to apply it. Current modifiers are retained and a new one is added.. This may take many times, since the item needs to be scoured whenever an incorrect mod spawns. When the wanted mod spawns, remove the crafted mod.

This magic item can be used as a base for further crafting using meta-crafting mods.

+3 to Level Weapon Crafting

The final, completed bow.

Using meta-crafting mods players can relatively cheaply create bows and staves with +3 to level of Socketed Bow Gems or +3 to level of Socketed Fire/Cold/Lightning Gems. In this example we'll craft a bow:

1. Start with the preferred base bow with an item level of at least 64.
2. Use Orbs of AlterationOrb of AlterationStack Size: 20Reforges a magic item with new random modifiersRight click this item then left click a magic item to apply it. and Orbs of AugmentationOrb of AugmentationStack Size: 30Augments a magic item with a new random modifierRight click this item then left click a magic item to apply it. Magic items can have up to two random modifiers. until the Sharpshooter's prefix (+2 to level) and a random suffix is rolled.
3. Use a Regal OrbRegal OrbStack Size: 20Upgrades a magic item to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a magic item to apply it. Current modifiers are retained and a new one is added. hoping for a second suffix. If not, scour the bow and start over.
4. Craft Cannot Roll Attack Mods for the cost of one Exalted OrbExalted OrbStack Size: 20Augments a rare item with a new random modifierRight click this item then left click a rare item to apply it. Rare items can have up to six random modifiers..
5. Use an Exalted OrbExalted OrbStack Size: 20Augments a rare item with a new random modifierRight click this item then left click a rare item to apply it. Rare items can have up to six random modifiers. for a guaranteed Paragon's prefix (+1 to level).
6. Remove the meta-crafting mod.
7. The item can be finished to the player's liking.

What the staff should look like on step 5.

A slightly different technique is used when crafting a staff with +3 to level of Socketed Fire / Cold / Lightning Gems. In this example we craft a staff with +3 to Level of Socketed Fire Gems.

1. Choose the preferred base staff with an item level of at least 55.
2. Craft it into a single mod rare item with the Lava Caller's prefix (+2 to Socketed Fire Gems) using the technique explained above.
3. Craft (Can have multiple Crafted Mods), Cannot roll Caster Mods) and (Cannot roll Attack Mods) meta-crafting mods.
4. Bench craft +x to Maximum Mana.
5. Craft the guaranteed Paragon's prefix (+1 to Socketed Gems) by using an Exalted OrbExalted OrbStack Size: 20Augments a rare item with a new random modifierRight click this item then left click a rare item to apply it. Rare items can have up to six random modifiers..
6. Remove all crafted mods.
7. Exalt or bench craft the remaining affixes.

Cheap Off-Color Crafting

Using this method, you will be able to more easily craft your desired off-colors

In this example we want an Armour Helmet (Strength) with three blue sockets and one red socket.

1. Start by putting the item in the Crafting Bench.
2. Craft Two Sockets and then craft At Least Two Blue Sockets. This will result in an item with only two blue sockets.
3. Craft Three Sockets (this will add an additional socket of a random color) and check the color, if the third socket has an undesired color, craft Two Sockets (this will remove the socket we have added previously) and then craft Three Sockets again. Repeat this step until you get an item with only three blue sockets.
4. For the final step, you will do the same as the previous step but now with Four Sockets and Three Sockets. Craft Four Sockets and check the color, if your item has three blue sockets and one red socket then you are done; if not, craft Three Sockets and then craft Four Sockets again. Repeat this until you have an item with three blue sockets and one red socket.

This method is normally a more reliable and cheaper process than using ChromaticsChromatic OrbStack Size: 20Reforges the colour of sockets on an itemRight click this item then left click a socketed item to apply it. or using the At Least Three Blue Sockets craft since you can obtain an undesired fourth socket.

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Corruption

Main page: Corrupted

Using a Vaal OrbVaal OrbStack Size: 20Corrupts an item, modifying it unpredictablyRight click this item then left click an item to corrupt it. Corrupted items cannot be modified again. it is possible to improve an item even more, but with the risk of losing important stats or links/sockets. After being corrupted, the item can't be modified by most means of crafting. You can use the crafting bench that changes sockets and links on a corrupted item, but it costs additional Vaal OrbVaal OrbStack Size: 20Corrupts an item, modifying it unpredictablyRight click this item then left click an item to corrupt it. Corrupted items cannot be modified again.s to use, which can get prohibitively expensive.

The biggest exception to this rule are tainted currency items. Tainted Chromatic OrbsTainted Chromatic OrbStack Size: 20Unpredictably reforges the colour of sockets on a corrupted itemRight click this item then left click a corrupted socketed item to apply it. can be used as an alternate means to gain multiple off-color sockets, and Tainted Orbs of FusingTainted Orb of FusingStack Size: 20Unpredictably adds or removes a link to the largest group of linked sockets on a corrupted itemRight click this item then left click a corrupted socketed item to apply it. can be a more cost-efficient way to get a 6-link item or it can be used to salvage a non-6-linked rare with very good mods.

Vendor recipes

Some vendor recipes allow for a more controlled way of crafting items, like always adding a certain modifier to a normal item.

For a list of vendor recipes pertaining to Crafting, see Vendor Recipes#Crafting.

External links

• There's currently a guide on Crafting by Invalesco on the game forum.
• Video demo of crafting a +3 bow
• Video demo of crafting a +3 staff