Mozilla tugifoorum

One of the most transformative changes in Path of Exile 2 is the complete overhaul of the skill gem and support gem system. In the original game, socketing gems into gear often led to a frustrating and restrictive experience. Players were constantly held back by gear upgrades that didn’t match their socket colors or link configurations, turning an otherwise exciting loot system into a puzzle of limitations. With Path of Exile 2, Grinding Gear Games has addressed this long-standing pain point by completely decoupling skill gems from equipment sockets, resulting in a more flexible and intuitive system that puts player creativity front and center.

The new system places skill gems into a separate dedicated menu rather than into armor or weapons. Each skill gem now contains its own support sockets, meaning players no longer need to chase six-link gear to maximize a skill’s potential. Instead, they build out a gem's internal support structure by adding compatible support gems directly into the gem itself. This change immediately eliminates a major gear dependency and opens the door for far more experimentation, especially during leveling and early endgame.

Support gem slots within each skill gem unlock as the gem levels up, giving players a natural sense of progression. This design encourages long-term investment in specific skills while also allowing the flexibility to swap and test new ideas without punishing socket mismatches. The result is a system that rewards curiosity and build diversity, rather than forcing players to follow meta templates or struggle against mechanical restrictions.

This also impacts how gear functions in Path of Exile 2. With socket colors and links no longer part of item evaluation, players can now focus on the actual stats and modifiers on gear. This makes loot decisions more strategic and meaningful. Instead of ignoring a powerful item because it doesn’t have the right colors, players can equip upgrades freely and maintain their build structure without disruption. This simplification doesn’t reduce complexity—it shifts it toward gameplay expression rather than logistical busywork.

Another major benefit of the reworked gem system is build accessibility. New players, who were often confused by socket restrictions and chromatic orb mechanics in the first game, will find the PoE 2 system far more welcoming. You no longer need to worry about linking or recoloring your gear before your build works—you can focus on experimenting, learning, and discovering what suits your playstyle.

The new system doesn’t remove depth—it enhances it. Advanced players can still fine-tune their builds by optimizing support gem combinations, sequencing skill setups across multiple gem loadouts, and balancing mana cost, casting speed, and cooldowns. There are even new gem types and advanced interactions that reward deeper understanding of the system.

By rethinking skill and support gem design from the ground up, poe2 items sale has achieved something rare in game design: simplifying without dumbing down. It clears away old frustrations, empowers player expression, and creates space for innovation. In a game defined by freedom and depth, this new gem system is a perfect fit.