What is a Split Beast in Path of Exile?
A split beast in Path of Exile (PoE) refers to a specific type of beast, the Fenumal Plagued Arachnid (FPA), that possesses the unique ability to duplicate rare items. This process is commonly known as “beast splitting.” The FPA is a red beast, meaning it is more challenging to capture and has two Bestiary modifiers, distinguishing it from yellow beasts. When used in the Menagerie, the FPA’s recipe effectively creates two copies of a target item, but with significant limitations and consequences that we will explore further.
How Beast Splitting Works
The core mechanic of beast splitting involves using the FPA in the Menagerie, a special location where captured beasts are utilized for specific crafting recipes. When you use the FPA’s recipe, the game attempts to duplicate the item you place into the crafting slot. If successful, two pseudo-copies of the item are created. Importantly, both of these copies will have the “Split” modifier.
The “Split” modifier is a crucial element to understand. It signifies that the item has been subjected to this duplication process and it cannot be split again. This tag is permanent and cannot be removed or altered. The items produced retain the number of sockets, colors of the sockets, and links from the original item.
It’s crucial to note that beast splitting works in a way that is somewhat similar to a Fractured Fossil, another in-game item used for item duplication. However, beast splitting is restricted by certain mechanics and the types of items that can be processed.
Limitations of Beast Splitting
While the idea of duplicating rare items may sound exceptionally powerful, there are several important restrictions that prevent abuse and maintain game balance:
- Item Type Restrictions: Many item types cannot be split, including:
- Influenced Items: Items with Shaper, Elder, Conqueror, or other influences.
- Fractured Items: Items already possessing a Fractured modifier.
- Synthesized Items: Items obtained through Synthesis crafting.
- Unique Items: Unique items are not eligible for splitting.
- Corrupted Items: Items that have been corrupted.
- Enchanted Items: Items that already have an enchantment.
- Items with the Split Modifier: Items already split and have the “Split” tag.
- Modifier Count: Splitting a rare item might result in one or both copies becoming magic items instead of rare items if the remaining explicit modifier count is low.
- Permanent Split Tag: The “Split” tag on both resulting items is permanent and cannot be removed. This means you cannot further split these items, nor can you use Imprints on them.
Why Beast Splitting is Important
Despite the limitations, beast splitting holds significant value in Path of Exile for several reasons:
- Potential for Valuable Item Duplication: Though the number of mods may decrease, a well-rolled item with desired stats could yield two copies, both of which still retain valuable sockets, links, and sometimes stats.
- Logbook Duplication: Splitting is commonly used on Expedition Logbooks due to their high degree of random layouts and implicits, making it a viable strategy for profit.
- Enabling Complex Crafting: Even with the “Split” tag, split items can still be used in various crafting recipes, despite the fact they cannot be split again, nor imprinted.
- Strategic Item Management: The “Split” modifier can act as an indicator or reminder that the item has gone through a specific process and cannot be further duplicated via the splitting mechanic.
Understanding Beast Capture
Identifying beasts is a straightforward process. Yellow-icon beasts have one Bestiary mod, while red-icon beasts like the FPA have two. Red beasts also have more health and regeneration, making them more challenging to capture. To capture a beast, you must use a net by pressing “V” after targeting them with the net.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a split item be influenced?
No, influenced items cannot be split. This includes items with Shaper, Elder, Conqueror, or other influences.
2. Can you split a synthesized item?
No, synthesized items cannot be split. They are ineligible for the splitting recipe.
3. Can you split a fractured item?
No, fractured items cannot be split either. They are ineligible for the splitting recipe.
4. Can you imprint a split item?
No, split items cannot have imprints made of them or applied to them.
5. How many explicit modifiers (prefixes and suffixes) can an item have?
Most rare items can have a maximum of three prefixes and three suffixes, for a total of six explicit mods.
6. Can you craft on a split item?
Yes, you can craft on a split item, despite the fact that it cannot be split further. The “Split” modifier does not hinder typical crafting actions.
7. Does quality affect the likelihood of crafting sockets and links?
Yes, quality affects crafting, especially with sockets and links. Each 1% of quality improves the result by 1%. Items with 20% quality are 20% more likely to obtain a desired number of sockets and links.
8. What happens when you split a rare item with many mods?
Splitting a rare item may lead to one or both copies turning into magic items if the remaining mod count is low. This is an important consideration when planning to split.
9. Can you remove influence from an item?
Shaper, Elder, and Conqueror influences cannot be removed, only added. However, Exarch and Eater of Worlds implicits can be removed using corrupting or double-corrupting or an Orb of Conflict.
10. Can you split Expedition Logbooks?
Yes, splitting Expedition Logbooks is a popular strategy due to their randomized layouts and implicits.
11. What is the global beast capture limit?
There is a global capture limit of 1000 beasts, replacing the previous per-genus limit.
12. What happens when I try to split an item that can’t be split?
The game will prevent the split from happening. It simply will not work.
13. Are pets in PoE shared between characters?
Pets are not shared, but they can be released in your hideout where they will roam freely. Each character has to separately apply their pet.
14. What is the significance of beast’s color in PoE?
Yellow icon beasts have one Bestiary mod, while red icon beasts, such as the Fenumal Plagued Arachnid, have two.
15. How do you list items in bulk for trade?
You list items in bulk by entering the price and quantity as a fraction (e.g., “20/10” means 20 of your desired currency for 10 items).
By understanding the mechanics, limitations, and strategic applications of beast splitting using the Fenumal Plagued Arachnid, players can significantly improve their crafting and trading efficiency within Path of Exile. It remains a powerful tool when used wisely, despite its inherent restrictions.