The Potteries team fell into the Football League's bottom division for the first time in 22 years to the disappointment of their 4,000 followers.
The home side made a bright start and it needed a well-timed tackle from Robert Page to deny David Howland a clear route to goal in the fifth minute.
But Huddersfield were inches away from a 12th minute lead when Robbie Williams swung in a right-wing free-kick and Page's header drew a super save from Joe Anyon.
The effort lifted the visitors and Chris Brandon was just inches from getting on the end of a knockdown by Andy Booth, after Andy Holdsworth crossed from the right.
And, in a very open contest which swung from end to end, Town were close again on the half hour when Booth's header was cleared off the line by Simon Richman.
The only surprise was the first half ended without a goal and the chances continued to come thick and fast at the start of the second period.
Again, Huddersfield carried the greater threat in the final third as James Berrett clobbered a volley too high, before Holdsworth warmed Anyon's fingers from 25 yards.
And the visitors thought they had taken a 58th minute lead when Brandon had moved into an offside position as he applied the finishing touch to a firm header by Nathan Clarke.
It was all Huddersfield now and Booth lacked composure as he cracked his shot over the top after using his experience to steal a march on Krystian Pearce.
And Holdsworth was even more culpable when he shot wildly off target after some super play by Brandon had created the chance.
Vale almost snatched it at the death when Danny Whitaker and substitute James Lawrie snatched at clear opportunities, but it was not to be.