In Path of Exile (PoE), the Fracturing Orb is a powerful currency item designed for advanced crafters aiming to perfect their rare items. By locking in a random modifier, this orb ensures one crucial stat remains unchanged during subsequent crafting attempts, making it an essential tool for high-level gear optimization.
What is the Fracturing Orb?
Item Description
Stack Size: 20
Effect: Fractures a random modifier on a rare item with at least four modifiers, locking it in place.
Usage: Right-click the Fracturing Orb, then left-click a rare item to apply it.
Key Restrictions
Item Requirements: Can only be used on rare items with at least four explicit modifiers.
Inapplicable Items: Cannot be used on Influenced, Synthesised, or already Fractured items.
Compatibility: Can be used on items with Eldritch implicit modifiers and Split items.
Limitations: Does not respect metamods and cannot be applied to Strongboxes.
Mechanics
Application Process
Select the Item:
Ensure the item is a rare piece of equipment with at least four explicit modifiers.
Confirm the item is not Influenced, Synthesised, or previously Fractured.
Apply the Orb:
Right-click the Fracturing Orb.
Left-click the target item.
Outcome:
One random explicit modifier on the item will be "fractured," making it immutable.
The other modifiers remain unchanged and can still be altered through other crafting methods.
Crafting Considerations
Preparation: Before using the Fracturing Orb, craft the item to have four or more desirable modifiers.
Optimization: Use the orb to lock in the most beneficial modifier, allowing for further crafting without affecting the fractured stat.
Strategic Use: This orb is particularly valuable for items where one specific modifier significantly enhances the build’s performance.
Item Acquisition
Drop Sources
The Fracturing Orb has specific drop conditions and is typically obtained from Harbingers or Harbinger-related rewards. Its rarity and utility make it a valuable item in the Path of Exile economy.
Example Use Case
Imagine you have a rare helmet with the following modifiers:
Prefix: +100 to maximum Life
Prefix: +40% to Fire Resistance
Suffix: +20% increased Rarity of Items found
Suffix: +35% to Cold Resistance
By using the Fracturing Orb:
Select the Target Item: The rare helmet.
Apply the Fracturing Orb: A random modifier, such as "+100 to maximum Life," is fractured.
The result is a helmet where the "+100 to maximum Life" modifier is now immutable. This allows for further crafting on the helmet without the risk of changing the vital life modifier.
Conclusion
The Fracturing Orb is an invaluable currency item for advanced crafting in Path of Exile, providing the means to lock in crucial modifiers on rare items. By understanding its mechanics and strategic applications, players can enhance their gear significantly, ensuring optimal performance for their builds. Whether you are refining personal equipment or crafting for trade, the Fracturing Orb is a cornerstone of high-level PoE crafting.