Items can be corrupted by using a Rune of Corruption on them in the Forge. Doing so will corrupt the item, changing it unpredictably. Changes may include adding powerful new or existing modifiers, increasing or lowering its affix roll values, changing its rarity or subtype, or making it completely unusable. Sometimes corruption can even convert existing attributes to alternate corrupted attributes.

It’s often best to fully craft an item before corrupting it, as corrupted items cannot be improved or crafted further. All Forging Potential, Legendary Potential, Weaver's Will and Touch is removed from the item. Corrupted items can be shattered as long as the item could be shattered if it was uncorrupted.