Path of Exile 2: How to Get More Support Gems
Path of Exile 2 is set to deliver an even deeper and more engaging experience than its predecessor, introducing new gameplay mechanics, an expanded skill system, and even more customization options for your character. One of the core elements of Path of Exile is the complex skill and support gem system, which allows players to modify and enhance their abilities. For those new to the franchise or looking to refine their builds, acquiring and understanding Support Gems is essential for mastering the game.
Support Gems are items that augment or modify the effects of other skill gems, adding an extra layer of depth to your character's playstyle. Whether you're looking to increase the damage output of your favorite ability or give your character enhanced utility, Support Gems are one of the most powerful tools in Path of Exile 2. In this article, we will discuss how to obtain more Support Gems, their various types, and how they can be used to optimize your character's skill set.
What Are Support Gems?
Support Gems are special items that, when linked to a Skill Gem in your socketed gear, modify or enhance the behavior of that skill. These gems work by providing various bonuses such as increased damage, added effects, or other secondary mechanics that can drastically change how a skill functions. The support gem system is one of PoE's most unique features, as it allows for nearly infinite customization in building your character.
Here's a quick rundown of the most common types of Support Gems:
Damage Modifiers: These increase the overall damage of a skill, such as the Greater Multiple Projectiles (GMP) or Elemental Focus support gems.
Utility Supports: These add secondary effects like Faster Casting for faster skill use or Concentrated Effect, which increases the skill's damage in exchange for a reduced area of effect.
Defensive Supports: Gems like Fortify or Cast when Damage Taken allow you to add defensive layers to your build.
Area of Effect Mods: Some support gems modify the area in which your skill is effective, allowing for larger or smaller hitboxes (e.g., Increased Area of Effect).
In Path of Exile 2, Support Gems will remain an integral part of character development, offering vast customization potential for players.
How to Get More Support Gems in Path of Exile 2
Acquiring Support Gems is a central aspect of building an effective and powerful character in Path of Exile 2. While acquiring support gems in PoE 2 is likely to follow the same general rules as PoE 1, new mechanics or systems might be introduced. Here's how you can expect to obtain Support Gems in PoE 2:
1. Quest Rewards and Progression
In Path of Exile 1, Support Gems were frequently rewarded during quests and as part of the main story progression. This system is likely to continue in PoE 2, where Support Gems can be earned as quest rewards, particularly early in the game.
For example, upon completing certain acts or story missions, you might receive a selection of support gems to help enhance your skills. These gems may vary in type and power based on the act or difficulty you're playing through. As you progress through the game's campaign, you will be given the opportunity to acquire increasingly powerful Support Gems.
Additionally, new systems in PoE 2 might introduce more complex and rewarding questlines, potentially tied to new game mechanics, which could unlock special Support Gems as part of these quest rewards. You can expect to receive valuable gems from important NPCs or story milestones that can radically change how your skills function.
2. Vendors
In PoE 1, players could purchase certain Support Gems from vendors after reaching specific milestones. This mechanic will likely remain in PoE 2, with vendors offering a rotating stock of basic and advanced support gems based on your character's progress.
Vendors like Nessa, Clarissa, or Siosa have historically offered a range of support gems for sale, especially after you've reached certain act completions or endgame areas. As you level up and unlock higher-level content, vendors will likely expand their stock, offering more powerful support gems that can be purchased with Currency Orbs such as Orb of Transmutation or Orb of Alteration.
It's worth noting that while vendors may offer a selection of Support Gems, the specific gems available for purchase will likely vary between difficulty levels. Certain rare or high-tier Support Gems might not be available from vendors but can be obtained through other methods.
3. Drops from Monsters and Chests
In Path of Exile 2, the world of Wraeclast (and its new environments) will be teeming with powerful monsters and bosses that can drop Support Gems and Path of Exile 2 Currency. Skill Gems, including Support Gems, are often found as loot throughout the game. These gems can be dropped by any monster, although higher-level areas and boss encounters tend to yield higher-quality and rarer gems.
Boss Drops: As with Path of Exile 1, defeating bosses will be a common way to earn Support Gems. Bosses will drop gems that are tied to your progression, so higher-level bosses will drop gems of greater value.
Chest Drops: Openable chests, either in dungeons or world areas, may contain Support Gems as part of their loot pool. This is a random drop mechanic, but you'll often find gems that complement your current skill setup.
Chests with Increased Luck: Some areas or special items may increase the chance of finding high-quality or even rare Support Gems. This can often be linked with item rarity and magic find modifiers.
Additionally, Zana in PoE 1 offers the ability to modify maps, creating Special Maps that could yield specific loot, including gems. A similar mechanic could appear in PoE 2, where you can modify areas or unlock loot rewards that specifically target Support Gems.
4. Trade with Other Players
Trading remains one of the core mechanics of Path of Exile, and Support Gems are no exception. You can acquire Support Gems through player-to-player poe2 trade, which is particularly useful if you're looking for a specific gem or if you're aiming to acquire rare or unique ones.
The trade market in PoE 2 will likely be similar to the one in PoE 1, with an in-game trade window and third-party websites enabling you to find Support Gems at competitive prices.
It's essential to be aware of the gem's rarity and level requirements when purchasing. Some rare or valuable Support Gems, such as Empower or Enhance, can be costly, but the investment is often worth it for optimizing your build.
5. Crafting Support Gems
Another method of acquiring Support Gems in PoE 2 could be through crafting or modifying gems using specific crafting stations or methods. While this system has not been fully detailed for PoE 2, it's likely that crafting elements will allow you to create or alter Support Gems in some capacity.
Crafting Stations: In PoE 2, crafting might be expanded, allowing you to combine lower-level support gems to create higher-level versions or modify support gems to enhance their properties. You could potentially use crafting benches or specific NPCs to upgrade gems to their maximum potential, offering even more ways to obtain the most powerful Support Gems for your build.
6. Special Events and Leagues
Path of Exile 2 will continue the tradition of offering seasonal events or leagues, which often feature special rewards, including Support Gems. These events can provide limited-time access to unique gems or special versions of existing gems. Participating in these activities could be a great way to get exclusive support gems.
For example, in PoE 1, events like The Bestiary League or Delve League often rewarded players with special skill gems that couldn't be found elsewhere in the game. PoE 2 will likely have similar league-based rewards, providing players with an opportunity to earn or unlock unique support gems tied to specific events.
How to Use Support Gems Effectively
Once you've acquired Support Gems, the next challenge is using them effectively. Here are some tips on optimizing their use:
Link Your Gems: Support Gems need to be linked to a Skill Gem in the same socket group. The linking mechanic is essential because it determines how your Skill Gem and Support Gems interact. The more linked sockets you have, the more powerful your skill becomes.
Plan Your Build: To get the most out of your Support Gems, it's essential to design your character's build with these gems in mind. Determine whether you need more damage, faster skill use, or utility effects, and select Support Gems accordingly.
Adapt to Your Playstyle: Some Support Gems work best with specific skills. For example, Faster Casting works well with spell-based builds, while Multistrike is great for melee characters. Understand how each gem works and tailor it to your preferred playstyle.
Conclusion
Acquiring Support Gems in Path of Exile 2 will be a vital part of your character's development. Whether you're obtaining them through quest rewards, vendors, drops, or trading, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect gems for your build. With a combination of strategic planning, efficient gem usage, and exploration of the vast Wraeclast world, you'll be able to unlock the true potential of your character's skills. By leveraging the power of Support Gems, your character will be ready to face the challenges of PoE 2 head-on.