In Path of Exile 2, there are numerous methods to personalize and enhance your character’s build. One of the most straightforward yet powerful ways is by incorporating runes into sockets in the game.
However, not all equipment in Path of Exile 2 comes equipped with rune sockets, and thus, you must add them yourself to your chosen gear.
Unfortunately, PoE 2 isn’t very effective at outlining this process, particularly during the game’s early stages. Hence, this ONE Esports guide provides a step-by-step process on how to include sockets in Path of Exile 2.
Fitting rune sockets in Path of Exile 2
In Path of Exile 2, adding sockets can be achieved by utilising an Artificer Orb. These are incredibly precious and scarce items with ultra-low drop rates.
Bosses and monsters can drop Artificer Orbs, so it’s advisable to explore places that have an abundance of both, such as the Mawdun Mine in Act 2.
A more effective way to collect rune sockets in Path of Exile 2 is to salvage gears with rune sockets that are not useful, in order to obtain Artificer Shards.
Disassembling a gear with a single rune socket will yield 1 Artificer Orb.
Once you amass 10 Artificer Shards, they will automatically convert into an Artificer Orb.
The good news is, as you delve deeper into the game’s campaign, the drop rate of gears with rune sockets increases, meaning that you won’t struggle too much to having to gather unnecessary gear with rune sockets.
Like Exalted Orbs, it’s also possible to go to the PoE2 trade website and exchange items for Artificer Orbs. The trading value will vary between players.
Once you’ve advanced to Act 1 on the cruel difficulty level, you’ll gain access to PoE 2’s currency exchange system, allowing you to swap other currencies for Artificer Orbs. However, the market exchange rate fluctuates, so it’s best to trade when conditions are in your favor.
Most weapons and armor drops have one or two rune sockets, but using a Vaal Orb, a late-game item, can add a third one.
Starting from act 3 of the campaign, you begin to receive Vaal Orbs, which can corrupt and alter your gear. A Vaal Orb may potentially add a third rune socket to a gear, but this isn’t assured.
These are all the methods for adding sockets in Path of Exile 2.
READ MORE: Procuring Exalted Orbs in Path of Exile 2
