Path of Exile is an intricate and immersive action role-playing game that features a deep skill system. One crucial aspect of character customization is the use of skill gems and support gems. Understanding how sockets work is essential for optimizing your character’s abilities. This guide will explore the mechanics of skill gems, support gems, and sockets to help you make the most out of your gameplay experience.
Part 1: Acquiring Skill Gems and Support Gems
As a newer player, knowing where to find skill and support gems is essential. In the starting area called the Lioneye’s Watch Encampment, head to the library on the topology’s top left side. Complete the optional quest to unlock access to the library. Inside the library, speak to the NPC named Siosa, who can be found near the Waypoint. Interact with Siosa and select “Purchase Items” to view the available gems. Siosa offers a wide range of skill gems and support gems for you to choose from.
Part 2: Setting up your Hideout
To conveniently access your skill gems and support gems, setting up your Hideout is recommended. Return to your Hideout, where you can find the master named Helena. Interact with her, select “Edit,” and then click on the decorations icon with a chair symbol. In the dropdown menu labeled “Utility,” you will find all the necessary NPCs, including Siosa, the stash, and crafting table. These are the essential utilities to access your skill and support gems.
Part 3: Understanding Sockets and Gem Colors
Each socket in your equipment has a specific color: red, blue, or green. Skill gems and support gems also have corresponding colors. Red gems are associated with strength attributes, blue gems with intelligence attributes, and green gems with dexterity attributes. Additionally, there are white sockets that allow you to socket gems of any color.
Part 4: Socketing Skill Gems and Support Gems
To utilize skill gems and support gems effectively, you need to link them in your equipment sockets. Skill gems are typically placed in sockets numbered 1, 3, and 5, while support gems are placed in sockets numbered 2, 4, and 6. Each skill gem can have multiple linked support gems to enhance its effects.
Part 5: Crafting and Linking Sockets
To modify the number of sockets and links in your equipment, you can use the crafting bench in your Hideout. Search for “socket” in the search bar of the crafting bench to find the option to craft sockets. By using a four-link socket craft with Poe Currrency, you can create four sockets that are all linked, allowing you to maximize the synergistic effects of your skill gems and support gems.
Part 6: Understanding Support Gem Effects
Support gems enhance the abilities of linked skill gems. When selecting support gems for your skill gems, it’s crucial to understand their effects. As you browse through the support gems, you will notice checkboxes and X marks beside each gem. A checked checkbox indicates compatibility between the support gem and your skill gem, while an X mark indicates incompatibility. Be sure to choose support gems that are checked for your skill gems to ensure their combined effectiveness.
Conclusion:
By understanding the mechanics of skill gems, support gems, and sockets in Path of Exile, you can unlock the full potential of your character’s abilities. Acquiring the right gems, setting up your Hideout, and properly socketing and linking gems will significantly impact your gameplay. Experiment with different combinations and support gems to find the optimal build for your character.
