PoE Corrupt Level 21 or 23% quality Gem

Corrupt a gem to reach either level 21 or 23% quality

Vaal Orb Vaal Orb corrupts a gem, modifying it unpredictably. The following is the effects:

  • No effect (other than adding the corrupted property).
  • Add or subtract one level. Max level gems can exceed their normal maximum this way. A corrupted gem at the normal maximum will not continue to gain experience.
  • Add or subtract 1-10 quality. Gems can have up to 23% quality this way.
  • Change the gem to its corresponding Vaal Gem.

Each effect has equal weight, meaning there is 1/4 chance on each possible effect. In case the effect of quality or level is chosen, the game will roll to add or subtract the value, each with equal weight.

Chance of obtaining +1 gem level

The chance of a gem exceeding the gem level cap is 1/8 (or 12.5%)

Explanation: Since the chance of any effect is 1/4, there is 1/4 of obtaining the level effect. The game will then roll to add or subtract the value, giving it a 1/2 chance of getting the positive value.

1/4 → 1/2 = 1/8

PoE Level 21 Gem PoE 23% Quality Gem
PoE Level 21 Gem Example PoE 23% Quality Gem

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In Path of Exile (PoE), there's no single method to guarantee corrupting a gem into either level 21 or 23% quality. Corrupting a gem involves a random element and can result in various outcomes. Here's a breakdown of your options:

Corrupting a Gem with a Vaal Orb:

  • This is the most common method of corruption. Using a Vaal Orb on a level 20, quality 20 gem has the following possibilities:
    • Become a level 21 gem: This is a desired outcome, but the chance is relatively low. Estimates suggest around a 30% chance.
    • Become a quality 23% gem: This is also a desired outcome, but the chance is even lower than getting a level 21 gem.
    • Remain a level 20, quality 20 gem: This is the most common outcome.
    • Transform into a Vaal version of the gem: This grants the gem a unique and powerful effect, but it also loses its original functionality and cannot be leveled further.
    • Become a corrupted gem with negative modifiers: This is the least desirable outcome, as the gem might gain negative effects that hinder its performance.

Double Corruption in the Temple of Atzoatl (Less Reliable):

  • This method requires access to the Temple of Atzoatl, which is no longer the main endgame content in recent Path of Exile versions. However, if you do have access:
    • You need a Tier 3 Gemcutter's room in the temple.
    • Place your level 20, quality 20 gem in the crafting table.
    • This offers a chance for double corruption, potentially rolling for both level and quality increases simultaneously. However, the success rate for specific outcomes remains relatively low.

Important Considerations:

  • Corrupted gems cannot be quality-improved through traditional methods like using a Gemcutter's Prism.
  • Level 21 gems and quality 23% gems are valuable and can be expensive to purchase from other players.

Alternatives:

  • Leveling Gems: While time-consuming, consistently leveling gems through regular gameplay ensures you get a level 20 gem. You can then use other methods like Harvest crafting (requires sacrificing a corrupted gem) to potentially improve its quality.
  • Purchasing Gems: The high-level gem market in PoE allows you to buy already leveled or quality-improved gems. This might be a faster option, but it requires currency investment.

Overall:

Corrupting a gem with a Vaal Orb is a gamble that might not always yield the desired outcome (level 21 or 23% quality). Consider alternative methods like leveling or purchasing gems if you need more control over the process.

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