Guide:Crafting

This is a guide on the subject of crafting techniques.

Last updated on August 16, 2020.

Master 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 masters.

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 succesful 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 80 or more) to make sure the highest tier of modifiers is available.

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 everytime a player mirrors his item. This repeated income can be used to earn back the crafting investment.

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.
  Shift click to unstack. 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.
  Shift click to unstack. 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.
  Shift click to unstack.. This makes your white item rare.

These basic methods are inexpensive but their outcome is arbitrary.

Advanced 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. These methods are taken from Invalesco's crafting guide.

• Chaos OrbChaos OrbStack Size: 20Reforges a rare item with new random modifiersRight click this item then left click a rare item to apply it.
  Shift click to unstack. 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.
  Shift click to unstack. + AlchOrb of AlchemyStack Size: 20Upgrades a normal item to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it.
  Shift click to unstack. to get the same effect. This method is not recommended for getting specific modifiers.

• 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)
2. 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.
   Shift click to unstack.
3. 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.
   Shift click to unstack. 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.
   Shift click to unstack. until you get the two mods you want.
4. Use Regal OrbRegal OrbStack Size: 10Upgrades 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.
   Shift click to unstack.. 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.
   Shift click to unstack. the item and start over at step one.
5. (Use Eternal OrbEternal OrbStack Size: 10Creates an imprint of an item for later restoration
   The imprint can't be applied to Fractured ItemsRight click this item then left click on an item to create an imprint. This imprint can later be used to restore this specific item to that imprinted state.
   Shift click to unstack. to make an imprint of the item. Although it isn't essential to use an eternal at this step, it is the safest way to craft. If your exalts turn out bad, you have something to fall back on.)
6. Use three Exalted OrbsExalted OrbStack Size: 10Augments 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.
   Shift click to unstack.. (If you roll an unwanted mod, restore the item with the Eternal Orb.)
7. If necessary, use a Divine OrbDivine OrbStack Size: 10Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it.
   Shift click to unstack. 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.
   Shift click to unstack. to alter the mod values.
8. (Corruption, see below.)

Master 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, as well as via master content. By default, every item is limited to one of these mods, but there are ways to bypass that limit.

Master 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 master mod on an item prevents a mod of the same type from being added via an Exalted OrbExalted OrbStack Size: 10Augments 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.
Shift click to unstack.. This means that master 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.

Meta-crafting modifiers

The more advanced master crafting techniques mainly revolve around the interaction between meta-crafting mods and 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.
Shift click to unstack.. Although the orb'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: 10Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it. Shift click to unstack.	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: 10Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it. Shift click to unstack.	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: 10Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it. Shift click to unstack.	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: 10Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it. Shift click to unstack.	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: 10Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it. Shift click to unstack.	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: 10Randomises the values of the random modifiers on an itemRight click this item then left click a magic, rare or unique item to apply it.
Shift click to unstack..

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-crafing mod is also a prefix, so it will be wiped in the process.

The player can then attempt to exalt prefixes again and repeat the process if the results aren't satisfactory. Be warned that this technique is only worthwile 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.
Shift click to unstack. on a white item to get the affix is generally a cheaper option. Keep in mind that these meta-crafting mods cost two Exalted OrbsExalted OrbStack Size: 10Augments 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.
Shift click to unstack. 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 master mod onto the white item. This will turn the item into magic with the master 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, master craft a suffix). Then use a Regal OrbRegal OrbStack Size: 10Upgrades 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.
Shift click to unstack.. This may take many times, since the item needs to be scoured whenever an incorrect mod spawns. When the wanted mod spawns, remove the master 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 the masters' 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.
   Shift click to unstack. 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.
   Shift click to unstack. until the Sharpshooter's prefix (+2 to level) and a random suffix is rolled.
3. Use a Regal OrbRegal OrbStack Size: 10Upgrades 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.
   Shift click to unstack. 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: 10Augments 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.
   Shift click to unstack..
5. Use an Exalted OrbExalted OrbStack Size: 10Augments 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.
   Shift click to unstack. 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. Master craft +x to Maximum Mana.
5. Craft the guaranteed Paragon's prefix (+1 to Socketed Gems) by using an Exalted OrbExalted OrbStack Size: 10Augments 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.
   Shift click to unstack..
6. Remove all master crafted mods.
7. Exalt or master 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.
Shift click to unstack. 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.
Shift click to unstack. 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 anymore.

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