Unlocking the true potential of your character in Path of Exile 2 comes down to understanding how skill gem sockets work and mastering the progression from basic to advanced socket configurations. The new system distances itself from traditional gear-socketing, putting the emphasis on the skill gems themselves, which now come with built-in support gem sockets.
When you first acquire a skill gem in PoE 2, it almost always comes equipped with two support sockets. These sockets let you augment your main skill with up to two support gems, providing essential modifiers such as increased damage, additional projectiles, or altered mechanics. As your build matures, you’ll quickly outgrow this humble beginning and eye the next step.
Entering Act 2 and beyond, you’ll start encountering your primary tool for socket expansion: the Lesser Jeweller’s Orb. Applying this currency item to any two-socket skill gem will unlock a third socket, allowing a greater blend of synergies. It’s best to reserve your first few Lesser Jeweller’s Orbs for core skills that define your build—the primary attack, spell, or summon you rely on for clearing content or defeating bosses. Remember, these orbs can be found throughout the world, but their drop rate is controlled to keep socket progression meaningful.
Once your main skill gem has three sockets, the path continues with the Greater Jeweller’s Orb. This rarer item becomes available later, typically from character level 45 onward, and enables your skill gem to house a fourth support socket. Now you’re entering endgame territory, where skill combinations and deep customization shine. With four supports, your skill executions will take on powerful new dimensions, so plan how each additional socket will enhance your playstyle. Greater Jeweller’s Orbs are a precious resource—focus them on skills that underpin your build or play the biggest role in your success.
For the ultimate in socket progression, the Perfect Jeweller’s Orb provides the elusive fifth support socket. This is a late-game item, usually found or farmed at high character levels (level 65+), and it represents the pinnacle of skill customization. A five-socket gem enables the most complex and destructive support setups in PoE 2, echoing the coveted “six-link” system of the original game. Acquiring and applying a Perfect Jeweller’s Orb should only be done once you are absolutely confident in your skill selection, gem quality, and supporting mods.
It’s important to highlight that every additional socket raises the skill’s attribute requirements. You will need to meet these increased stat demands to use the gem after its upgrade, so check your character sheet and plan any necessary gear or passive adjustments in advance. Additionally, consider expanding the sockets on your auxiliary or utility gems only once your central skills are fully funded—investment pays off most where it has the biggest impact. If you're in a hurry to speed up your process, you can also buy poe 2 currency to help you get those precious Orbs quicker.
The path from Lesser to Greater (and beyond) Jeweller’s Orbs is all about deliberate progression, careful planning, and maximizing each upgrade’s value. Expand sockets thoughtfully, focusing on your core gems first and weighing how each new support option enhances your strategy. With the right socket progression, your PoE 2 build will stand ready to conquer the game’s most formidable challenges. If you want to skip some of the grind, poe 2 currency for sale is available, though it may cost you depending on market demand.
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