Definitely! Let’s go into detail about the concept of anointing corrupted items and break down its mechanics and processes in various games with a focus on Path of Exile and other games that resemble the concept. Here, in depth, are whether or how such items can be anointed and how they interact in other game systems. Tainted Oil is the special currency used to anoint corrupted items in Path of Exile; therefore, Tainted Oil allows the player to anoint corrupt rings, amulets, and Blight uniques.
Corrupted Items in Games Explained
Before discussing the specifics of whether anointing corrupts some items, we need to understand what exactly a corrupt item is and how it operates in most games.
Path of Exile
Corrupted items in Path of Exile are those that have undergone some special crafting process known as “corruption.” The most common means is using a Vaal Orb on the item; there can be many results ranging from actually improving the item attributes to making the item completely worthless. The most pertinent part of corrupted items in Path of Exile is that once an item is corrupted, it is transformed into a special version of that item that cannot be altered further through most mechanics for crafting. Examples of what may not be done on corrupted items include enchanting, modifying through crafting benches, or even the anointing process.
In Path of Exile, anointing usually refers to applying oil to one of the flask or passive skill tree node modifiers that grant bonuses to a character. Able to add fantastic bonuses to a character, as in they cannot be anointed once corrupted, rings or amulets. Once a corruption process begins to affect an item, it is basically “stuck” at that state, meaning no further changes to that item may be appended. This usually means that any mechanic of enchanting or modifying the item will be inhibited, courtesy of the process that is undertaken under a Vial Orb.
What it doesn’t allow for: Corrupted mirrored items cannot use tainted oil.
- Extra Anointments: Each anointment for an item can be done only with an extra tainted oil.
- Drop-Only: Tainted oils are drop-only and cannot be upgraded.
- Source: Drop from some map chests.
- Example: A corrupted Stranglegasp with poor anointments can still be re-anointed by removing the existing enchantment at the crafting bench using an Orb of Scouring and putting on new anointments at the additional cost of a Tainted Oil.
- Corrupted Unique Items: Some unique items can be altered while corrupted, such as Hands of the High Templar and Glimpse of Chaos.
Some more common effects of corruption on an item include:
- Add an affix—items might gain a powerful new modifier, such as an increase in damage or resistance.
- Enhancement – The corruption, in some way, enhances a pre-existing stat or effect.
- Removal of crafting options – Such items cannot be modified any further by most methods of crafting once corrupted.
- Random effects – The results of corruption are very often left to the whims of chance. The item can be upgraded or nerfed hard.
In essence, the dynamics of an unknown outcome create direct value and demand around items that hold such properties. Corrupted items, however, cannot be modified further, which may lead players to think twice before corrupting any item.
FAQ
What Are Corrupted Items?
Corruption is the name of a process applied to an item in Path of Exile and other ARPGs, typically with some risk attached. The most common application of corruption is special crafting techniques using special currency or crafting tools—Vaal Orb in the case of Path of Exile. The stronger the effects corruption can impart on an item, the more it can also weigh the drawbacks. An item may gain an affix or a bonus to stats but, in the same instance, have its options for crafting and other modifications locked away.
Anointing Corrupted Items: What Does It Mean?
When players acquire anointing bonuses for their corrupted items, it essentially means they’ve undergone the application’s transformation. As certain items may become more potent with corruption, most of the time, this comes at a cost. Anointing comes in as a complementary mechanic to enable further enhancement of the item, generally giving it extra layers of customization.
Corrupted items typically do not respond to the average crafting methods found in these games, which leads into the dilemma of the value of any potential noted corruption versus different given avenues to apply crafting or modification to the item conditional on certain state attributes.
With anointing, however, it is possible to interact further with a corrupted item. Anointing in Path of Exile is done by using a special currency called “oils” to apply a notable passive skill from the passive skill tree. Anointing a corrupted item with oils entirely negates the restrictions imposed by corruption, thus allowing for further customization of the item by the players.
Corruption versus Anointing: In general terms, when to corrupt and when to anoint?
In those games that feature both a corruption mechanism and an anointing mechanism, strategic decision-making lies foremost. Players must consider their options concerning corruption and anointing in a simultaneous manner and nearly opposite in context when the fate of an item is concerned: corrupting on the one hand and anointing on the other.
The Corruption: Corrupting an item at an early stage in the crafting process can be done when a player wants just the right powerful affixes or other bonuses. On the other hand, if you are on a build or modification path regarding your gear, corrupting early with anything you have in mind could lock you out of necessary future work
Anointing—With anointing not usually locking an item as much as corruption does, anointing is often left as the last step to work on a given item. The goal is to anoint when the other properties of the item are in a solid place. Anointing can also help to optimize certain builds.
Conclusion
The ability to corrupt and anoint items creates another strategic layer in many ARPGs where players may adjust items to boost their enjoyment of the game. On the other hand, anointing corrupted is a risky kind of double-edged sword, as players decide if the potential benefit of granting further modifiers to their corrupted gear outweighs the negatives.
In the end, corruption versus anointing gives the game yet another level of depth, allowing for more gear combinations and enhancing the perception of player choice in determining the power of a character. Whether it be Path of Exile or any other game in its likeness, this system promotes a careful consideration of decisions, rewarding those who can effectively manage their resources and providing free rein for anyone determined to build their items as far as possible.