How to Get Those Coveted White Sockets: A Path of Exile Guide
Want perfectly colored sockets on your gear? This guide explores how to make white sockets in PoE, primarily using Vaal Orbs and the Locus of Corruption in the Temple of Atzoatl, offering a concise summary of the methods available.
Introduction: The Allure of White Sockets
White sockets, or sockets that accept any gem regardless of its color, are highly sought after in Path of Exile (PoE). They offer unparalleled flexibility in building characters, allowing you to use gems that might not normally fit the color requirements of your gear. This is particularly useful for off-color builds or when you want to experiment with different gem combinations. Understanding how to make white sockets in PoE is key to achieving build versatility.
The Temple of Atzoatl and the Locus of Corruption
The primary method for creating white sockets is through the Temple of Atzoatl, specifically the Locus of Corruption room. Reaching this room requires running incursions and upgrading the room through subsequent incursions.
The Vaal Orb Method: Risky Business
Before the Temple of Atzoatl, the only method, and still a supplementary one, involves using Vaal Orbs. This method is inherently risky and unpredictable. Applying a Vaal Orb to an item can have one of several outcomes:
- No Change: The item remains the same.
- Corruption: The item becomes corrupted, preventing further modification with normal currency.
- Reroll Implicits: The item’s implicit modifier changes.
- Add White Sockets: This is what we are aiming for! The item gains one or more white sockets.
- Transform into a Rare Item: The item is completely rerolled into a rare item.
Given these varied outcomes, the Vaal Orb method is generally not recommended as the primary way to obtain white sockets due to its high degree of randomness.
The Locus of Corruption: A More Targeted Approach
The Locus of Corruption offers a much more reliable method. Within this room, you can corrupt an item at one of the two Corruption Altars. Using the altar on an item guarantees one of two outcomes:
- Adds two white sockets: This is the best-case scenario.
- Corrupts the item, rerolling it into a rare with two corrupted mods: The item will be a rare item with different stats from your original item but it will also have 2 corrupted implicit mods (which are very powerful).
This is a much more controlled and predictable method than using Vaal Orbs alone. This method is the best way to guarantee how to make white sockets in PoE.
Preparation is Key
Regardless of the method chosen, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Item Level: The item level of the gear does not affect the probability of gaining white sockets.
- Socket Count: The maximum number of sockets an item can have depends on its item level. Ensure your item has the desired number of sockets before attempting to create white sockets.
- Chromatic Orbs: While chromatic orbs cannot directly create white sockets, they are useful for adjusting the existing socket colors before corruption.
- Understanding Corruption: Corruption prevents the item from being modified further by common currency. Plan accordingly.
Potential Pitfalls and Considerations
- Losing Your Item: The Vaal Orb method, in particular, can result in a complete reroll of your item, potentially losing valuable stats and affixes.
- Temple Inaccessibility: Reaching the Locus of Corruption requires consistent investment in running incursions and upgrading rooms in the Temple of Atzoatl.
- Cost: Both Vaal Orbs and incursions have associated costs, either in terms of currency or time investment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Unveiling the Details
Can you guarantee a specific number of white sockets when using a Vaal Orb?
No. The number of white sockets obtained from a Vaal Orb is entirely random. You could get one, two, or even none. This is why it is often a less desirable method compared to the Locus of Corruption.
Does the quality of an item affect the chance of getting white sockets?
Item quality does not affect the probability of creating white sockets, whether through Vaal Orbs or the Locus of Corruption. Quality affects the defenses of armour pieces, attack or spell damage on weapons, or stats on flasks.
Is it possible to remove white sockets from an item?
No. White sockets are permanent. Once an item has white sockets, they cannot be removed or changed back to their original colors.
Can I use the Locus of Corruption on unique items?
Yes, you can use the Locus of Corruption on unique items. In fact, this is a common practice for high-value unique items that benefit greatly from white sockets.
What is the most efficient way to farm Vaal Orbs?
Vaal Orbs can be found in various ways:
- Mapping: They have a chance to drop from chests and monsters in maps.
- Vaal Side Areas: These areas, found within maps, often contain corrupted chests that have a higher chance of dropping Vaal Orbs.
- Trading: You can purchase Vaal Orbs from other players.
- Harvest Crafting: Harvest crafting sometimes includes crafting options to create/duplicate currency, including vaal orbs.
Mapping and Vaal side areas are generally the most efficient methods.
What happens if I use the Locus of Corruption on an already corrupted item?
Using the Locus of Corruption on an already corrupted item will have no effect. The item has already been corrupted and therefore cannot be corrupted again using this method.
Does the number of sockets on an item affect the probability of getting white sockets?
No, the number of sockets present on an item doesn’t affect the likelihood of getting white sockets when using either Vaal Orbs or the Locus of Corruption.
Can I target specific socket colors with Chromatic Orbs after an item has white sockets?
Yes. You can use Chromatic Orbs to target the socket colours you want even after white sockets have been applied. The white sockets will act as wildcards and accept any colour, but you can still modify other sockets to fit your build.
Is it worth it to Vaal Orb a six-linked item in hopes of getting white sockets?
This is a high-risk, high-reward gamble. Vaaling a six-linked item with the hopes of making how to make white sockets in PoE is risky, as you risk losing the links or rerolling the item into a rare. Consider if the potential gain outweighs the potential loss. The Locus of Corruption is generally a safer option if it is available.
Are there any divination cards that reward items with white sockets?
No, as of the latest updates, there are no divination cards that directly reward items with white sockets. Divination cards can reward powerful items, which you can then try to modify.
How long does it generally take to find the Locus of Corruption?
The time required to find the Locus of Corruption varies greatly depending on your luck and efficiency in running incursions. Consistently running incursions and focusing on upgrading rooms increases your chances of finding it. It could take a few days to a few weeks, depending on your playstyle and focus.
Is it possible to change the base type of an item when trying to make white sockets?
No, the base type of an item cannot be changed by Vaal Orbs or the Locus of Corruption. The base type, such as Gladiator Plate or Occultist’s Vestment, will remain the same, even if the item is rerolled into a rare. The corruption affects the sockets, implicits, and modifiers but doesn’t fundamentally change what the item is.
Understanding the risks and rewards of each method is crucial when deciding how to make white sockets in PoE. By considering the factors outlined above, you can maximize your chances of achieving the desired socket colors for your build and reach the best outcome.