How to Get Level 2 Support Gems in PoE2
Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) is renowned for its intricate gameplay mechanics and deep customization options. Among these, support gems play a pivotal role in enhancing your skills and defining your playstyle. However, acquiring and upgrading these gems, especially to Level 2, can be challenging for new players. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to obtain and upgrade support gems to Level 2, ensuring you’re well-equipped to tackle the challenges of Wraeclast.
Understanding Support Gems in PoE2
Support gems are auxiliary gems that modify or enhance active skill gems. They can change how skills behave, increase their effectiveness, or even add new functionalities. Unlike active skill gems, support gems do not have their own effects but instead modify linked skills.
Why Level 2 Support Gems?
Upgrading support gems to Level 2 can significantly enhance their effects. For instance, a Level 2 Faster Attacks support gem will grant a higher attack speed bonus compared to its Level 1 counterpart. This makes upgrading support gems a crucial part of optimizing your build.
How to Obtain Support Gems
Before you can upgrade a support gem to Level 2, you need to acquire one. Here are the primary ways to obtain support gems in PoE2:
Enemy Drops: Support gems can drop from defeated enemies. The type of gem and its level depend on the enemy’s level and the area you’re farming.
Chests and Rewards: Loot from chests, especially in higher-level areas, often contains support gems.
Quest Rewards: Completing specific quests or achievements can reward you with support gems.
Trading: If you’re unable to find a specific support gem, you can trade with other players using PoE’s in-game currency, such as Orbs of Alchemy or Chaos Orbs.
Upgrading Support Gems to Level 2
Once you’ve acquired a support gem, the next step is to upgrade it to Level 2. Here’s how you can do it:
Gain Experience Points (XP): Support gems gain experience points as you defeat enemies. The amount of XP required to reach Level 2 is relatively low, so focus on running through early areas or farming enemy mobs.
Use Gem Experience: Once your support gem has enough XP, it will level up automatically. You can check the XP progress of your gems by hovering over them in your inventory.
Focus on Efficient Farming: To quickly gain XP for your support gem, focus on areas with high enemy density. The Twilight Strand and Lioneye’s Watch are excellent early-game farming spots.
Tips for Efficient Upgrading
Link Multiple Gems: If you have multiple support gems you want to level up, link them together in your equipment. This way, they all gain XP simultaneously.
Equip Lower-Level Gems First: Prioritize equipping and leveling up lower-level support gems before moving on to higher ones. This ensures you’re not wasting XP on gems you might replace later.
Overcoming Challenges
Upgrading support gems to Level 2 is relatively straightforward, but there are a few challenges you might encounter:
Gem Quality: The quality of your support gem affects how effective it is. While leveling up is important, don’t overlook the importance of improving gem quality using Gem Quality Crafting.
Socket Restrictions: Ensure your equipment has enough sockets to link your support gem with the active skill you want to modify. Use Orb of Augmentation or Orb of Regret to manage your sockets effectively.
Advanced Strategies
For more experienced players, here are some advanced strategies to make the most out of your Level 2 support gems:
Plan Your Build: Before investing time into leveling up a support gem, ensure it aligns with your build’s overall strategy. For example, if you’re building a melee character, prioritize Faster Attacks or Fortify support gems.
Experiment with Combinations: Don’t be afraid to try out different support gem combinations. For instance, pairing Fireball with Burn Damage Support and Concentrated Effect Support can create a devastating area damage build.
By following these steps and strategies, you’ll be able to acquire and upgrade support gems to Level 2 in no time. Remember, experimentation is key in PoE2, so don’t hesitate to try out different support gem combinations to find what works best for your playstyle. Happy gaming!