Where to Get Support Gems in Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the iconic ARPG, promises to deliver even more depth and complexity to its already intricate gameplay systems. One of the key components that contribute to the game’s strategic depth is the support gem system. These gems enhance your active skills, allowing for a wide range of customization and playstyle experimentation. However, for new players and even veterans, figuring out where to acquire these essential items can be a bit overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down where to get support gems in Path of Exile 2 and provide some tips on how to make the most out of them.
What Are Support Gems?
Before diving into how to obtain support gems, it’s important to understand their role in the game. Support gems are items that, when socketed alongside an active skill gem, modify or enhance the behavior of that skill. For example, a Melee Physical Damage Support gem can increase the damage of a melee attack, while a Faster Attacks Support gem can speed up your attack animations. These gems are crucial for creating complex and powerful builds, making them a cornerstone of Path of Exile 2’s gameplay.
Where to Get Support Gems in Path of Exile 2
1. Dropping from Enemies
One of the most straightforward ways to acquire support gems is by defeating enemies. As you progress through the game and defeat monsters, there’s a chance that they will drop support gems. The drop rate for these gems increases as you tackle tougher content, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see many early on. Higher-level enemies and bosses tend to drop rarer and more powerful support gems, making them well worth the challenge.
2. Completing Quests and Missions
Path of Exile 2 is filled with quests and missions that reward players with various items, including support gems. Some quests are specifically designed to introduce players to the support gem system, while others may reward rare or unique support gems as part of their completion rewards. Liaisons and Foothold quests are particularly good sources of support gems, so make sure to complete these as you encounter them.
3. Purchasing from Vendors
If you’re looking for a specific support gem, vendors can be a reliable source. Many vendors in the game’s various towns and encampments sell support gems, especially those that are more common. The gem vendor in Lioneye’s Watch is a great place to start, as they offer a wide variety of support gems for purchase. Keep in mind that the availability of certain gems may depend on your progress and the vendors you’ve unlocked.
4. Crafting and Modifying Gems
For the more experienced players, crafting and modifying support gems can be a powerful way to create exactly what you need. By using harvest crafting or exalted orbs, you can alter the properties of a support gem to better suit your build. While this method requires some investment and knowledge, it’s a great way to fine-tune your gems for optimal performance.
5. Trading with Other Players
Path of Exile 2 has a thriving player-driven economy, and support gems are no exception. If you’re having trouble finding a specific gem, trading with other players can be a quick and efficient solution. Websites like PoB.gg and PathOfExile.com have built-in trading tools that allow you to search for and purchase the exact support gems you need. Just be sure to trade safely and use in-game currency like chaos orbs or exalted orbs.
Tips for Using Support Gems Effectively
Experiment with Different Combinations: The beauty of the support gem system lies in its flexibility. Don’t be afraid to try out different combinations to see what works best for your build.
Focus on Synergy: Some support gems work particularly well together, creating powerful synergies that can elevate your build to the next level.
Keep an Eye on Socket Counts: Make sure your gear has enough sockets to accommodate your active skill and support gems. Using socket crafting or jeweller’s orbs can help you create the perfect setup.
Conclusion
In Path of Exile 2, support gems are a vital part of creating a powerful and versatile build. Whether you’re dropping them from enemies, completing quests, purchasing from vendors, or trading with other players, there are plenty of ways to acquire the support gems you need. By experimenting with different combinations and focusing on synergy, you can unlock the full potential of your character and take on even the toughest challenges the game has to offer.