Path of Exile 2: How to Get Jewels and Use Jewel Sockets

Key Takeaways:

1. Skill Gems and Support Gems are separated: In Path of Exile 2, Skill Gems and Support Gems work independently of gear, creating new opportunities for customization.
2. Rune Sockets replace Gem Sockets: Gear sockets now house runes instead of skill gems, while skill customization takes place in the Skill Gems menu.
3. Artificer Orbs and Shards streamline gear progression: Salvaging socketed items and completing quests can unlock valuable resources like Artificer Shards to improve your gear.

As Path of Exile 2 reimagines the systems of its predecessor, players are introduced to a fresh take on the Skill Gem and Support Gem mechanics. With Rune Sockets replacing traditional Gem Sockets in gear, a whole new world of strategic possibilities unfolds. Whether you’re new to the franchise or a seasoned Exile, this guide will break down everything you need to know about using Skill Gems, Support Gems, Rune Sockets, and Artificer resources to maximize your potential in the game.

The Skill Gem System in Path of Exile 2: How It Works

One of the most notable changes in Path of Exile 2 is the complete overhaul of the Skill Gem system. Unlike the first game, where Skill Gems and their Support Gems were socketed directly into gear, PoE 2 introduces a new Skill Gem menu to manage these essential abilities.

What Are Skill Gems?

Skill Gems are the core abilities your character uses, from powerful attack skills to game-changing utility abilities. These are no longer tied to gear but instead have a dedicated menu. This allows players to experiment with different setups without worrying about their equipment.

Support Gems and Their Role

Support Gems enhance Skill Gems by adding effects such as increased damage, crowd control, or elemental bonuses. For instance:

• Pin Support Gem: Adds a pinning effect to abilities like Fragmentation Rounds, immobilizing enemies for tactical advantage.
• Amplify Support Gem: Increases the area of effect for abilities like Fireball, allowing you to hit more enemies in one cast.

Each Skill Gem starts with two Support Gem sockets, which can be expanded as you progress. Mixing and matching Support Gems to suit your playstyle creates endless opportunities for experimentation.

How to Equip Support Gems: A Step-by-Step Guide

Slotting Support Gems is simple but pivotal to mastering Path of Exile 2’s combat. Here’s how to do it:

On PC:

1. Open the Skill Gem menu using the “G” key.
2. Locate your active Skill Gems, each with up to two Support Gem slots (expandable later in the game).
3. Drag a Support Gem from your inventory into an empty slot next to the Skill Gem you wish to enhance.
4. Once slotted, the Support Gem will automatically apply its effects when the corresponding Skill is cast.

On Consoles:

1. Open the Skill Gem menu through the character tab and navigate to the Skills section.
2. From your inventory, hover over the Support Gem, then press X (Xbox) or Square (PlayStation).
3. Select the Skill Gem you want to modify and confirm the slotting.

Note: You cannot equip two copies of the same Support Gem for a single Skill Gem unless using a special passive ability like Gemling Legionnaire.

Rune Sockets: A Fresh Take on Gear Customization

What Are Rune Sockets?

Rune Sockets are the new system for item customization in Path of Exile 2. Unlike the original game where Skill Gems were slotted into gear, Path of Exile 2 replaces them with Runes that modify gear stats and effects.

How to Obtain and Use Rune Sockets

To add sockets to your gear, you’ll need Artificer Orbs, which can be crafted using Artificer Shards. These shards are obtained by salvaging socketed items at the Salvage Bench, unlocked after completing a specific Act 1 quest. Items with more sockets yield more Artificer Shards.

Adding and Managing Rune Sockets

1. Gather Artificer Shards from salvaged socketed gear.
2. Use ten shards to craft an Artificer Orb.
3. Apply the Artificer Orb to gear to unlock Rune Sockets.
4. Slot Runes into gear to enhance stats like resistance or damage. For example:
   • Storm Rune: Adds lightning resistance to your gear.

Rune customization becomes crucial as you progress into later Acts, where elemental resistances face penalties.

Artificer Resources: A New Approach to Loot Management

Artificer Orbs and Shards are key to creating Rune Sockets, and managing these resources is vital for progression. Here’s a quick rundown of how to maximize your gains:

1. Complete the Act 1 Blacksmith Quest: This unlocks the Salvage Bench in your town hub.
2. Salvage Socketed Items: Items with multiple sockets yield multiple Artificer Shards. For example, a staff with three sockets might provide three shards.
3. Check Vendors for Socketed Gear: Vendors frequently sell items with sockets that can be salvaged for shards.

This system encourages a more thoughtful approach to loot, rewarding players who prioritize socketed gear over raw stats.

Jewel Drops and Their Utility

Jewels are another exciting aspect of Path of Exile 2’s customization. These items drop randomly and can be slotted into your skill tree to provide bonuses such as:

• Increased elemental damage
• Improved resistance
• Expanded skill tree nodes for greater customization

Jewels can be freely removed and swapped, offering flexibility to adapt your build as needed.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Path of Exile 2

1. Experiment with Support Gems: Don’t hesitate to try different combinations to discover powerful synergies. For instance, pairing an Amplify Support Gem with an AoE skill like Nova can dramatically increase its impact.
2. Prioritize Elemental Resistances: As you progress, you’ll face a negative resistance penalty. Use Runes and jewels to counteract this.
3. Keep Salvaging Gear: Socketed gear may not always have the best stats, but salvaging it can yield valuable shards for long-term upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I get more Support Gem sockets for my Skill Gems?

You unlock additional sockets as you level up or complete specific quests. Each Skill Gem starts with two slots, but you can increase this over time.

2. Can I use the same Support Gem on multiple Skill Gems?

Yes, but you cannot equip two copies of the same Support Gem on a single Skill Gem unless you have a passive like Gemling Legionnaire.

3. What are Artificer Orbs, and how do I use them?

Artificer Orbs add Rune Sockets to your gear. Craft them using 10 Artificer Shards obtained by salvaging socketed gear.

4. What is the best way to farm Artificer Shards?

Salvage gear with multiple sockets at the Salvage Bench. You can also buy socketed items from vendors to increase your shard count.

5. How do Jewels work in Path of Exile 2?

Jewels are slotted into the skill tree to enhance stats or modify nearby nodes. They can be freely removed and swapped.