Complete Guide to Eldritch Crafting in Path of Exile

The Eldritch Crafting system, introduced in the Siege of the Atlas expansion, changed the landscape of item customization in Path of Exile. With influences from two cosmic entities — The Searing Exarch and The Eater of Worlds — players can now add powerful implicit modifiers to armor pieces, offering deep customization and endgame optimization. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it works.

What Is Eldritch Crafting?

Eldritch Crafting allows you to modify the implicit modifiers (not prefixes/suffixes) of body armor, gloves, boots, and helmets by applying an influence from either of two endgame bosses. These implicits add a new layer of power without interfering with traditional crafting.

This system is completely separate from Conqueror influences (Crusader, Warlord, etc.) and does not interfere with prefixes or suffixes, allowing synergy with essences, fossils, harvest crafting, etc.

The Two Eldritch Influences

Each item can only have one type of influence at a time:

• Searing Exarch: adds offensive implicits (damage, speed, projectile enhancements)
• Eater of Worlds: adds defensive implicits (resistances, mitigation, utility)

You can switch between them by using their respective orbs.

Eldritch Currency Types

Eldritch Ember / Eldritch Ichor

• Apply a random implicit mod based on influence type
• Available in four tiers:
  • Lesser
  • Greater
  • Grand
  • Exceptional
• Ember = Exarch mods; Ichor = Eater mods

Orb of Conflict

• Upgrades one mod tier while downgrading the other
• The only way to reach Tier 4 (Exceptional) implicits

Eldritch Chaos / Exalted / Annulment Orbs

• Work like their traditional counterparts, but:
  • Only affect prefix/suffix mods
  • Only usable on Eldritch-influenced items

How to Use Eldritch Crafting

Choose the Desired Influence

• Offensive gear (e.g. gloves for DPS): use Ember
• Defensive gear (e.g. boots for resistances): use Ichor

Apply the Ember or Ichor

• Start with low tiers for cheap rolling
• Upgrade once you get the desired mod

Use Orb of Conflict

• To push your mod to Tier 4
• Be strategic: you may lose tier on the opposing influence

Mix with Regular Crafting

• Implicits are separate from prefixes/suffixes, so you can:
  • Use Essences
  • Apply bench crafts
  • Modify with Harvest or Fossils

Advanced Tips

• Eldritch implicits are infinitely re-rollable, so brute force is possible.
• Mod pools depend on item type — consult PoEDB or in-game crafting guides.
• Ideal for builds that rely on niche implicits (e.g. intimidate on hit, exposure on spell hit)
• Make sure to avoid Conqueror-influenced items — they block Eldritch modifiers.

Conclusion

Eldritch Crafting is one of the most versatile and impactful systems in Path of Exile. Since it operates independently from traditional affixes, it gives players a powerful tool to enhance items without sacrificing core stats. Mastering this system and understanding the interplay between Ember, Ichor, and Conflict Orbs can significantly boost your build’s performance and item value in the endgame.