Unlocking and Upgrading Skills in Path of Exile 2: A Comprehensive Guide

Path of Exile 2 has officially entered early access, heralding a fresh approach to its skill system. Anticipated to remain in this phase for approximately six months, early access offers players an engaging experience with three complete acts teeming with new content. However, it’s worth noting that currently, only half of the twelve available classes are playable—though additional classes will gradually become accessible during this period.

The original skill system in Path of Exile (PoE) was known for its simplicity, albeit at the cost of flexibility. Players could only slot Skills and Support Gems into gear, which created limitations based on the specific gear and the corresponding polarity of the slots. While changing slots was possible with in-game resources, this process added complexity to managing desired skills. Fortunately, PoE 2’s revamped system aims to alleviate these restrictions and enhance player experience.

How to Acquire Skills in Path of Exile 2

A Simplified Path to Power

Character selection screen in Path of Exile 2

In PoE 2, Skill Gems are now organized in a dedicated tab, allowing players to equip up to nine individual skills. These gems can be easily manipulated and assigned to the Hotbar for swift access. Furthermore, players can examine each skill’s effects by holding the ALT key, providing clarity on their functionalities. This interface also accommodates passive Skill Gems, which aren’t necessarily required to occupy Hotbar slots.

Weapon-specific skills play a vital role as well; certain skills are exclusive to specific weapon types. For instance, players wielding wands will discover that they can only access a unique set of skills associated with that weapon type. This addition not only enhances the leveling challenge for spell-based characters but also rewards players for acquiring potent weaponry.

Skill Gems—whether uncut, cut, or support—can be obtained through various means: defeating bosses, scavenging chests, and completing quests. Once collected, players can choose a skill from the gems or upgrade an existing skill to match the level of the gem. However, it’s important to note that a Skill Gem can only select a skill of its level or lower; for example, a level one Skill Gem cannot allocate a higher-level spell despite the player’s capability.

How to Enhance Skills in Path of Exile 2

Craft the Ultimate Skill

Path of Exile 2 Witch class using skeleton minions to fight boss

Skill advancement in PoE 2 is achieved through Support Gems. Each skill features two support slots, which can be expanded up to five by utilizing Jeweller’s Orbs. While these slots do not have polarity, the Support Gems themselves do. The number of gems that can be utilized is contingent on the character’s stats, with every five points in a stat granting an additional slot for Support Gems.

It is vital to remember that a specific Support Gem cannot be applied to the same skill more than once.

Each Support Gem introduces varied advantages and enhancements to the associated skill. These enhancements can include increased damage, reduced cooldown times, or additional debuffs. However, players should be cognizant that some Support Gems may also impose their own limitations, such as increased resource costs or additional cooldowns.

Path of Exile 2’s Skill Management is Exceptional

Simple and Abundant

Path of Exile 2 characters including a monk, druid, and sorceress. — Custom Image by: Garrett Ettinger

When compared to others in the genre, PoE 2’s skill system introduces a refreshing complexity. Players can now select from a multitude of options and utilize up to eight skills simultaneously. This streamlined approach allows for a more user-friendly experience than its predecessor, minimizing complications around gear slot management. While some issues may still need addressing, the progress evident in this early access stage marks a substantial improvement.

However, one aspect that could see further refinement is the evolution of Support Gems. Despite their functionality, they lack the innovative depth seen in some other titles, such as Last Epoch, wherein each skill benefits from its own distinct skill tree, making PoE 2’s system seem somewhat simplistic by comparison. Yet, this observation is relatively minor and does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of PoE 2.

Overall, the new skill system exemplifies one of the numerous enhancements this series has experienced. Coupled with the freedom for any class to wield any skill, contingent upon appropriate weaponry, players can anticipate crafting an almost limitless variety of builds. Although still in early access, the substantial potential of these changes shines through, and future updates promise to expand upon this dynamic skill system in Path of Exile 2.

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