How to Get Support Gems in PoE 2: A Comprehensive Guide
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) is the highly anticipated sequel to the popular action RPG, Path of Exile. With its intricate gameplay mechanics, massive passive skill tree, and complex itemization system, PoE 2 offers a lot for players to explore. One of the key components of the game is the use of support gems, which enhance the effectiveness of your active skills. However, new players often find themselves wondering how to obtain these valuable gems. In this guide, we’ll break down how to get support gems in PoE 2 and provide tips on how to make the most of them.
Understanding Support Gems in PoE 2
Before diving into how to get support gems, it’s important to understand their role in the game. Support gems are items that modify or enhance the behavior of active skill gems. When socketed in the same equipment as an active skill gem, they alter how that skill functions. For example, a Faster Attacks support gem can increase the attack speed of a melee skill, while a Life Leech support gem can grant healing based on damage dealt.
How to Get Support Gems in PoE 2
1. Dropping from Enemies
The most common way to obtain support gems is by defeating enemies. As you explore the game world and kill monsters, there’s a chance that support gems will drop as loot. The type of support gem that drops is random, but higher-level enemies and bosses tend to drop rarer gems.
Tip: Focus on farming in areas with high monster density, such as The Coast or The Caverns, to maximize your chances of getting drops.
2. Purchasing from Vendors
If you’re looking for a specific support gem, you can purchase it from Nessa (the gem vendor in Lioneye’s Watch) or other vendors in later acts. These vendors sell a variety of support gems in exchange for transmutation orbs or other currency.
Tip: Vendor inventories change periodically, so check back often if you’re looking for a specific gem.
3. Using Orbs of Chance
Another way to acquire support gems is by using Orbs of Chance. These orbs can be used to randomly create gems when applied to an item. While this method is not guaranteed to yield a support gem, it’s a great way to stockpile gems if you have extra orbs.
4. Trading with Other Players
PoE 2 has a strong player-driven economy, and many players trade gems for in-game currency. If you’re unable to find a specific support gem through drops or vendors, consider visiting the trade league or using third-party tools like PoB (Path of Building) to connect with other players.
Tip: Always agree on the price and terms of the trade before finalizing a deal.
5. Completing Quests
Certain quests in PoE 2 reward players with support gems. For example, completing the Enemy at the Gate quest in Act 1 grants you your first support gem. Make sure to complete all main and side quests to maximize your gem collection.
Upgrading and Combining Support Gems
Once you’ve acquired a few support gems, you can upgrade them using gem experience or combine them with other gems using meta-modifiers. Higher-level support gems provide greater bonuses, making them essential for endgame builds.
Tip: Experiment with different combinations of active and support gems to create powerful skill setups.
Key Tips for Using Support Gems Effectively
Focus on Build Synergy: Choose support gems that complement your active skills and build. For example, if you’re building a fire-based character, prioritize support gems like Ignite Proliferation or Elemental Damage with Hits.
Socket Management: Ensure your equipment has enough sockets to accommodate both your active and support gems. Use socket jewels or harvest crafting to create additional sockets if needed.
Gem Quality: Higher-quality support gems provide better bonuses. Use gem quality scarabs or perfect fossils to craft high-quality gems.
By following these methods, you’ll be able to accumulate a wide variety of support gems and enhance your character’s abilities in PoE 2. Whether you’re farming drops, trading with other players, or completing quests, there are plenty of ways to build a strong collection of support gems. Remember to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect setup for your playstyle. Happy gaming!