How to Make Level 21 Corrupted Gems in PoE 2

Creating a level 21 gem is one of the most satisfying achievements in Path of Exile 2. It can significantly boost your damage output or efficiency, and knowing how to achieve it without draining your entire stash is a game-changer. This guide will show you the easiest and most cost-effective methods to craft your own level 21, 20-quality corrupted gem.

Why PoE 2 Level 21 Gems Are Worth It

In Path of Exile 2, every additional level on your skill gems drastically increases their power. Let’s take Spark as an example—at level 28, it deals a solid 83,000 damage.

Adding just one level through a corruption boosts that damage to 93,000. That’s a 10% damage increase for a single level! This kind of boost is game-changing, especially when you’re facing tougher endgame challenges.

Beyond raw damage, many gems unlock critical bonus effects or hit major breakpoints when they reach level 21. For instance, Archmage jumps from scaling 8% of damage to 9% at level 21, adding even more to your overall damage output.

These breakpoints aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for maximizing the efficiency of your build. Whether you’re playing a Spark-heavy build, relying on Archmage, or using another gem that scales with level bonuses, hitting level 21 on your main skill gem can transform your gameplay.

In short, achieving level 21 is more than just a number—it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of your build and tackling Path of Exile 2’s toughest content like a pro.

How Gem Corruption Works in PoE 2

When corrupting a gem, you have eight possible outcomes:

• Positive Effects:

  • +1 level to the skill gem (your main goal).

  • Increased quality (great for secondary benefits).

  • +1 to the gem’s links (only useful if links aren't maxed).

• Negative Effects:

  • -1 level to the skill gem (a potential disaster).

  • Reduced quality.

  • Lost links.

• Neutral Results:

  • Nothing happens (neutral but disappointing).

  • Two weightings of "no change."

By default, you have a 1 in 8 chance of gaining +1 level when corrupting a gem, just like the Orb of Chance. However, by using an Omen of Corruption, you can eliminate the "no change" outcome, raising your odds to 1 in 6.

Steps to Create Level 21 Gems in PoE 2

Prepare Your Gem

Before corrupting, make sure your gem is ready for success:

• Raise Quality: Use 20 Gemcutter’s Prisms to maximize the gem’s quality to 20%.

• Check Links: Ensure the gem is appropriately linked using jeweler orbs. Use perfect jeweler orbs to create maximum links if needed.

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Select Your Gem Level

• Gems don’t need to start at level 20.

• Corrupting a level 19 gem can still achieve level 21 through a successful corruption. This is a more budget-friendly approach.

Use a Vaal Orb

• Apply a Vaal Orb to corrupt the gem.

• If you’re aiming for efficiency, use an Omen of Corruption to boost your odds from 1 in 8 to 1 in 6.

Level Up Your Gem

• Once you hit +1 level, level the gem up to 21 using an Uncut Gem of the same type.

• Avoid mixing gems in your inventory to ensure you level the correct one.

Materials Needed to Create Level 21 Gems in PoE 2

Material	Purpose	Approx. Cost
Gemcutter’s Prisms	Boost gem quality to 20%	~4 per gem
Lesser Jeweler Orbs	Add links to your gem	~1 per use
Greater Jeweler Orbs	Improve linking efficiency	~2 per use
Perfect Jeweler Orbs	Max out links for perfection	~5 per gem
Vaal Orb	Apply corruption	~0.5–1 divine
Omen of Corruption	Improve corruption odds	~0.6 divine each

Understanding the Costs of Gem Corruption Attempts

Without an Omen of Corruption

If you’re going the traditional route without using an Omen of Corruption, you’ll need to account for the RNG.

On average, it takes eight attempts to hit the +1 level corruption, which means you'll be using eight Vaal Orbs and other materials per gem.

This typically adds up to 24 divines for a successful result. While this method works, it comes with a higher cost due to the likelihood of wasted attempts.

Here's how to farm Divine and Exalted Orbs in PoE 2.

With an Omen of Corruption

Using an Omen of Corruption significantly tilts the odds in your favor by removing the "nothing happens" outcome.

This reduces the number of attempts needed to around six on average, dropping the cost to approximately 22 divines.

The upfront expense of the omen is offset by the fewer materials wasted, making this a more efficient choice for those aiming to maximize results with minimal investment.

Whether you choose to invest in omens or stick with the standard method, understanding these costs can help you plan your budget and make smarter decisions during your crafting journey.

Pro Tips for PoE 2 Level 21 Gems

1. Instead of risking expensive level 20 gems, start with level 19 gems for your corruption attempts. They’re significantly cheaper and can still hit the coveted +1 level corruption. Once successful, you can level them up to 20 with uncut gems, saving a ton of currency while getting nearly the same results. This strategy is perfect if you're trying to build a strong setup without breaking the bank.

2. Not all skills benefit equally from hitting level 21, so it’s essential to prioritize wisely. Look for skills like Spark and Archmage, where the jump to level 21 offers massive damage boosts or unlocks critical scaling breakpoints. Knowing which gems to focus on ensures your investments pay off with noticeable power spikes.

3. Failed corruption attempts aren’t necessarily useless. Gems that retain high quality, valuable links, or unique properties still hold market value. For example, a level 20 gem with 28% quality might fetch a decent price, even if the corruption didn’t grant a level boost. Always check the market before discarding your so-called "bricks." Some of those might surprise you with their resale potential!

With these tips, you can make the most out of your corruption experiments, maximize your currency efficiency, and still turn some profit on the side. Happy crafting!

Why Quantity Modifiers Are Essential in PoE 2

When it comes to farming materials for crafting or corruption attempts, quantity modifiers are your best friends.

These modifiers directly increase the amount of loot dropped, allowing you to farm more efficiently and maximize your profits.

Here's why quantity matters and how you can use it to your advantage:

Boosted Drops for Faster Farming

Quantity modifiers enhance the overall number of items that drop in a map, including gems, orbs, and crafting currency.

This means that with every monster slain, you're getting more chances at valuable loot, which speeds up the process of gathering materials for crafting or corruption attempts.

High-Density Areas Are Key

Maps with high monster density multiply the effect of quantity. When there are more enemies to fight, the loot piles up even faster.

Combine monster-dense layouts with quantity modifiers, and you’ll see a significant boost in your haul.

Prioritize Maps with Quant Modifiers

When selecting maps to run, look for modifiers that increase the quantity of items found.

For example:

• "Increased Quantity of Items Found in this Area" is a must-have.

• Maps with mechanics like Breach or Delirium naturally come with extra monster density, making them even more rewarding when paired with quant boosts.

Quality Meets Quantity

To maximize your farming, pair quantity mods with solid gameplay. Clearing faster and focusing on valuable map mechanics will make the most of your setup.

Don’t forget to optimize your gear with magic find stats like rarity to increase the quality of the items dropping while the quantity boosts their volume.

By focusing on maps with the right modifiers and strategies, you'll streamline your farming process, ensuring a steady supply of resources for your crafting needs.

Give a read to our PoE 2 Breach Map Quantity Tablets profitability.

Conclusion

Crafting a level 21, 20-quality corrupted gem is a crucial step in pushing your build’s potential to the max. By understanding the mechanics of corruption, preparing your gems properly, and optimizing your resources, you can turn this daunting task into a manageable, even enjoyable, process.

Whether you’re chasing milestones like a level 21 Spark or optimizing Archmage scaling, this guide equips you with everything you need to succeed. Now go out there, grab your Vaal Orbs, and start crafting your god-tier gems!