Can I Craft on Split Items in Path of Exile? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can craft on split items in Path of Exile, with some crucial limitations. While the “Split” modifier significantly alters an item’s behavior, it doesn’t completely prevent crafting, unlike Mirrored or Corrupted items. Understanding these limitations is essential for effective crafting and item manipulation in Path of Exile (PoE). This article will delve into the intricacies of split items, crafting, and related mechanics to help you master this aspect of the game.
The Split Modifier: What It Is and How It Affects Crafting
The “Split” modifier is applied to items when they are duplicated using specific methods, most commonly through the Fenumal Plagued Arachnid beastcrafting recipe. This method effectively creates a copy of the item, both of which inherit the “Split” modifier. This modifier serves as a flag, preventing further duplication via the same method and affecting some crafting interactions.
The key takeaway is that split items cannot be split again. This prevents indefinite duplication exploits. However, the good news is that, unlike Mirrored and Corrupted items, you retain some crafting capabilities. Let’s explore what you can and cannot do.
What You CAN Do With Split Items
- Normal Crafting: Split items can be modified using most standard crafting methods. This includes using Orbs of Transmutation, Alteration, Augmentation, Chaos, Exalted, and Scouring. You can reroll modifiers, add new ones, and attempt to create a desired combination of affixes.
- Socket Manipulation: You can continue to alter the sockets and links of split items. This means you can use Jeweller’s Orbs to change the number of sockets, Chromatic Orbs to change colors, and Orbs of Fusing to alter socket links.
- Enchants: Applying enchants via the Labyrinth or other similar methods is perfectly acceptable for split items.
- Quality Improvement: You can increase the quality of split items using crafting benches with armor, weapons, and flask quality upgrades.
What You CANNOT Do With Split Items
- Further Splitting: This is the core restriction of the “Split” modifier. You cannot use beastcrafting or fractured fossils to duplicate a split item again. This is to prevent infinite item duplication.
- Imprinting: You cannot create an imprint of a split item, nor can you use an imprint on a split item. This includes both the beastcrafting imprint as well as the Eternal Orb’s effect.
- Fracturing: Fractured fossils cannot be used on an item that has a split modifier, or cannot be split for other reasons, such as if the item is fractured, influenced or synthesized.
Why These Limitations Exist
The restrictions on split items are primarily to maintain balance and prevent exploits. Imagine if players could infinitely duplicate high-value items. The game’s economy would quickly collapse. Therefore, the “Split” modifier is a crucial mechanic to safeguard the integrity of PoE’s item system. While it adds complexity, it is a necessary and strategic choice by the game’s developers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 related FAQs to provide even more insights into the world of crafting and split items:
1. What does the “Split” modifier actually do?
The “Split” modifier marks an item that has been duplicated using a splitting method, such as beastcrafting with the Fenumal Plagued Arachnid. It prevents the item from being split again and also restricts imprint usage.
2. Can you use fractured fossils on split items?
No, fractured fossils cannot be used on split items or on items that are otherwise restricted from being split due to game design.
3. Can I change the colors of sockets on a split item?
Yes, you absolutely can. You can use Chromatic Orbs to alter the colors of sockets on a split item, and this is completely independent of the “Split” modifier.
4. Can split items be enchanted?
Yes, you can apply enchants to split items without any issues. These can be lab enchants or other forms of enchantment.
5. Does quality affect crafting on split items?
Yes, quality improves crafting results on all items, including split items. Quality increases the likelihood of getting more sockets and links.
6. Can I use an imprint on a split item?
No, you cannot use an imprint on a split item, nor can you make an imprint of one, regardless of if it is a beastcrafting imprint or an Eternal Orb imprint.
7. How do I get the split modifier on an item?
The most common way to get the split modifier is by using the Fenumal Plagued Arachnid beastcrafting recipe. This duplicates an item, applying the “Split” modifier to both the original and the copy.
8. Can a split item become a magic item?
Yes, during the splitting process, the game might convert one or both of the items to magic rarities, depending on the number of mods.
9. Can I still add essences to a split item?
Yes, you can use essences on split items to reroll the modifiers, just like on any other item that isn’t corrupted, mirrored or with a similar restriction.
10. What are the crafting restrictions on mirrored items?
Mirrored items cannot be altered by any means. They are completely static and cannot be modified through any crafting method.
11. How is a corrupted item different from a split item in terms of crafting?
Corrupted items are very limited. While they do not restrict socket or quality crafting, most other normal modification methods and restoration with imprints are blocked.
12. Can you remove the split modifier from an item?
No, the “Split” modifier is permanent. You cannot remove it through any in-game mechanic.
13. What are the best strategies for crafting on a split item?
Focus on targeting and manipulating the mods you desire, like how you would on any other item. Pay extra attention to meta-crafting mods that help with the process. Also, remember that split items can still benefit from increased item quality, which makes the socketing process much easier.
14. Is split crafting a viable strategy for making profit?
While the split modifier has its limitations, using it effectively, along with crafting, can be a viable method to create powerful items for trading or personal use. It requires understanding market demands and having sufficient crafting knowledge.
15. Can you split a rare item and have both be rare?
During the splitting process, the game might convert one or both of the items to magic rarities, depending on the number of mods. Both split items keep their links, colors and number of sockets.
Conclusion
Crafting on split items in Path of Exile requires a clear understanding of their limitations and capabilities. While the “Split” modifier prevents further duplication and imprinting, you can still utilize most standard crafting methods to improve your items. This means that you can manipulate sockets, links, colors, and modifiers, as well as enchants and quality. Be mindful of these constraints when planning your crafting strategies and remember to keep your item base at 20% quality before you start using fusing and jeweler’s orbs. By mastering this knowledge, you can make informed decisions and optimize your character’s gear.