How To Add Sockets To Gear In Path of Exile 2

In Path of Exile 2, one of the easiest and most effective ways to strengthen your character is by adding sockets to your gear and slotting in powerful Runes. With the game being significantly more challenging than its predecessor, making use of every advantage is essential, especially when facing tough bosses or progressing through difficult areas. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) promised a higher difficulty level with PoE 2, and they have delivered on that promise.

However, many weapons and armor you’ll find as loot won’t have sockets by default, leaving you without a way to slot Runes initially. The good news? Adding sockets to your gear is a straightforward process, and with a little preparation, you can significantly enhance your character’s power.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about adding sockets to your gear in Path of Exile 2. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, this step-by-step process will help you get the most out of your equipment. Let’s dive in!

How to Add Sockets to Items in Path of Exile 2

Adding sockets to your gear in Path of Exile 2 is a simple yet vital process that can drastically enhance your character’s power. To do this, players need an item called the Artificer Orb, which is used to create Rune sockets on weapons and armor.

Here’s how it works:
1. Right-click the Artificer Orb in your inventory.
2. Left-click the piece of gear you want to add a socket to.

The number of sockets an item can hold depends on its size. Larger items, such as armor and two-handed weapons, can hold up to two sockets, while smaller items like one-handed weapons or shields are limited to one socket. Accessories such as Rings, Belts, Amulets, and Charms cannot have sockets at all. A good rule of thumb is that the item’s size determines its socket capacity.

Once sockets have been added, you can slot Runes into them. To do this, left-click the Rune in your inventory, then left-click the item with an available socket to insert it. This process is simple and quick, giving your gear an immediate power boost.

For players looking to go beyond the standard socket limit, a Vaal Orb offers an opportunity to add an additional socket. These orbs are rare, late-game crafting items that allow you to corrupt an item. While they can potentially add a second or third socket to an item, the outcome is not guaranteed. It’s also worth noting that Vaal Orbs can only be used on an item once, and corrupted items cannot be further modified. Vaal Orbs only become accessible in endgame content, so this option is best reserved for advanced builds.

By mastering the process of adding sockets and utilizing Runes effectively, you’ll significantly improve your gear and stand a better chance against the increasingly challenging enemies in Path of Exile 2.

How to Replace Socketed Runes in Path of Exile 2

Replacing Runes or Soul Cores in Path of Exile 2 is a straightforward process, giving players the flexibility to modify their gear as needed. However, there’s a key detail to keep in mind—once you replace a socketed Rune, the original Rune will be destroyed, so choose wisely when making changes.

Here’s how to replace a Rune or Soul Core:
1. Left-click on the Rune or Soul Core in your inventory that you want to socket.
2. Hover over the filled socket on your gear and left-click again.
3. The newly selected Rune or Soul Core will replace the one currently in the socket.

The previously socketed Rune will be permanently destroyed during this process. While this may not be a big deal for common Runes, replacing higher-value Runes or rare Soul Cores can be costly. Always double-check before making changes, especially when working with rare or expensive items.

This system allows for experimentation, enabling players to adapt their gear to different challenges. Just remember to weigh the cost of losing a Rune or Soul Core when making adjustments. With careful planning, you can make the most of your sockets and build a character that’s ready to face the toughest challenges in Path of Exile 2.

How to Get Artificer Orbs in Path of Exile 2

Artificer Orbs are valuable crafting items in Path of Exile 2, essential for adding sockets to your gear. While they are rare loot drops, there’s a reliable way to obtain them early in the game by crafting them yourself using Artificer Shards.

Here’s how to get Artificer Orbs:
1. Use the Salvage Bench to dismantle items with sockets. Each socket on an item will yield 1 Artificer Shard.
2. Collect 10 Artificer Shards, which will automatically combine to form a complete Artificer Orb.

Artificer Shards are best acquired by salvaging socketed gear you don’t need. Starting in Act 2, socketed weapons and armor begin to drop more frequently, giving you a steady source of items to dismantle. Instead of selling unwanted loot for gold, prioritize salvaging it to gather the shards needed to craft Artificer Orbs.

Each Artificer Orb creates one socket, so managing your shards effectively is key to upgrading your gear. With this method, you can ensure you always have the resources needed to optimize your equipment and strengthen your character in Path of Exile 2.ç

Conclusion

Adding sockets to your gear in Path of Exile 2 is a crucial part of optimizing your character and preparing for the game’s challenging encounters. Whether you’re using Artificer Orbs to create sockets or experimenting with Vaal Orbs to push your gear even further, understanding how to enhance your equipment gives you a significant edge.

By salvaging socketed gear for Artificer Shards and planning your Rune setups carefully, you can ensure your build stays adaptable and powerful. With sockets enabling the use of Runes and Soul Cores, this system is a key part of boosting your damage, utility, and survivability.

With this guide, you’re now equipped to make the most out of your gear in Path of Exile 2. Use these tips to strengthen your character and conquer the challenges of Wraeclast. Good luck, Exile!