Path of Exile 2’s Gems: A Progressive Yet Regrettable Shift

Path of Exile 2 has introduced a captivating new Gems system, integral to gameplay, that categorizes into Active and Support Gems among others. This transformation builds on the game’s existing mechanics, but with a twist—Gems now have sockets incorporated into them. This distinct approach modifies how players manage their itemization compared to the original game.

Jeweller’s Orbs play a pivotal role in Path of Exile 2, influencing socket customization and build adaptability, though at a potentially steep expense.

Even in its early days, Path of Exile 2 is showing promise in its initial access phase. However, drawing comparisons to its predecessor might prove challenging since both titles diverge distinctly, especially in their core gameplay elements. For instance, Path of Exile 2 offers a reduced power level for character builds. This decision likely stems from Grinding Gear Games’ objective to deliver a more balanced experience, reflecting PoE 2’s status as a standalone sequel, while the original game underwent years of power inflation boosting build potential. Though the revamped Gem system might seem more sophisticated than armor sockets, some fans argue it’s a mixed bag.

In Path of Exile 2, acquiring Gems isn’t as straightforward as before, where they could be easily purchased from vendors. Instead, players must either collect Uncut Gems through drops or engage in player trades.

Gems are fundamental across all character builds in Path of Exile 2, and they’re sorted into categories like active Skill Gems, Support Gems, and Spirit Gems. Skill Gems encompass the broad array of attack and spell abilities players can use against foes. Support Gems amplify these abilities, enhancing their power or effects. Spirit Gems add a unique dynamic, requiring players to reserve Spirit to activate their permanent buffs. Overall, the Gem system in Path of Exile 2 marks a shift from the original, offering new intricacies and challenges.

A major shift in Path of Exile 2’s Gem mechanics is the self-contained sockets for Support Gems, contrasting with the original PoE’s reliance on armor sockets for linking. This adjustment aims to ease the demands on itemization, yet it brings about new complications. Players no longer need perfect five or six-linked items; however, now the focus has transferred to the Gems themselves.

Jeweller’s Orbs in Path of Exile 2 serve as a double-edged sword. While they offer the potential to grant Gems more than the initial two sockets, acquiring these orbs can be both costly and rare. A Lesser Jeweller’s Orb may fetch an Exalted Orb, and a Greater one can require a Divine Orb, maintaining the game’s stringent economy for powerful builds.

The rarity and costs tied to Jeweller’s Orbs can limit experimentation with different skills or builds due to prohibitive expenses. Additionally, the best Skill, Support, and Spirit Gems don’t unlock until reaching Path of Exile 2’s Cruel difficulty, post-Act 3, limiting early-game options given the absence of several Gems altogether.

This change translates to a fresh strategic axis where using rare Jeweller’s Orbs on initially found Gems might not be advisable, especially since sockets remain linked to the Gems themselves instead of gear. As a result, players aiming for advanced endgame objectives will need multiple five-linked Gems, which isn’t an easily attainable goal.

Although transitioning pressure from items to Gems extends benefits in pricing, particularly since armor sockets can be gained via Artificer’s Orbs, it also introduces itemization complexities. This system might pose challenges for both newcomers and veterans eager to engage with the game’s myriad offerings. While the community anticipates potential adjustments during this early access period, any meaningful changes could demand significant development efforts.