Crafting a powerful claw in Path of Exile (POE) requires knowledge of various mechanics and strategic use of resources. Here’s a breakdown of the process specifically focused on claws:
Crafting Stages:
Acquiring a Base Claw:
White Item: Ideal starting point for maximum control over crafting. Look for claws with high base physical damage.
Rare Claws: Consider claws with desirable implicit modifiers like increased physical damage, elemental damage (Fire/Cold/Lightning), or attack speed.
Crafting with Essences and Orbs:
Essences: Apply powerful prefixes (implicit modifiers) like increased physical damage, attack speed, or specific elemental damage based on the chosen Essence type:
Deafening Essences: These add high tiers of elemental damage. Choose specific essences based on your desired element (Hatred for Cold, Wrath for Lightning, Anger for Fire).
Alterations/Augmentations: Re-roll existing modifiers or add a new random modifier. Use cautiously to avoid removing beneficial mods.
Refining with Advanced Techniques (Optional):
Fracturing Orbs: Guarantee a specific prefix or suffix, allowing targeted crafting. (Requires significant resources and game knowledge)
Harvest Crafting (Remnants): While Harvest crafting is a past league mechanic, remnants of its influence might exist in the current game. These remnants can be used to add specific modifiers to your claw.
Adding Suffixes:
Crafting Bench: Craft valuable suffixes like increased attack speed, critical strike chance, or elemental penetration.
Exalted Orbs (High Risk): Attempt to roll a powerful endgame modifier, but be prepared for potentially undesirable outcomes.
Crafting Strategies:
Early Levels: Focus on acquiring a decent base with good physical damage through Essences. Prioritize attack speed for smoother leveling.
Mid-Game: Aim for higher tiers of elemental damage prefixes using higher tier Essences. Consider crafting critical strike chance or attack speed on the Crafting Bench.
End-Game: Utilize advanced techniques like Fracturing and potentially remnant Harvest crafting for greater control over the process.
Important Considerations:
Crafting Involves Risk: Currency like Alterations or Exalted Orbs have a random effect.
High-Tier Orbs are Rare: Use them strategically and consider buying specific crafted claws from other players if crafting yourself proves too costly.
Understanding Modifiers: Crucial to know how prefixes, suffixes, and implicit modifiers impact your desired build (physical damage, elemental damage, critical strike build).
Additional Tips:
Plan Your Crafting Path: Research the specific modifiers you want and strategize how to achieve them efficiently.
Consult Online Resources: Utilize build guides and crafting calculators for recommendations and planning your crafting process.
Start with a Good Base: A high base physical damage claw with a relevant implicit modifier is ideal.
Consider Alternatives: Purchasing a well-crafted claw from other players might be more efficient than crafting yourself, especially for beginners.
Here’s an example crafting process for a mid-game Physical Damage Claw:
Acquire: A white claw with high physical damage.
Craft: Use a Deafening Essence of Loathing (Physical Damage) to add a high tier of increased physical damage prefix.
Craft: On the Crafting Bench, add increased Attack Speed or Critical Strike Chance suffix.
Remember: Crafting a top-tier claw requires knowledge, strategic planning, and potentially a significant investment.
By understanding the core mechanics, utilizing advanced techniques when possible, and considering alternative options like buying crafted claws, you can acquire a claw that significantly enhances your character’s damage output in Path of Exile.
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that information regarding remnant Harvest crafting mechanics might not be entirely accurate as it refers to a past league system. Consult reliable Path of Exile resources for the latest information on crafting techniques.