Can You Stack Gems in Path of Exile? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is no, you cannot stack multiple support gems of the same type to amplify the same skill in Path of Exile (PoE). For instance, linking two “Added Fire Damage” support gems to a single “Burning Arrow” skill gem will not result in twice the added fire damage. Instead, the game will only apply the effect of the strongest of the linked support gems of the same type. However, both gems will still receive experience and increase the mana cost of the skill. This fundamental mechanic is crucial to understand when crafting your builds in PoE. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of gem mechanics in PoE.
Understanding Gem Mechanics in Path of Exile
How Gems Work Together
Path of Exile utilizes a socketing system where skill gems (which define your character’s abilities) are enhanced by support gems. These support gems do not have abilities of their own, but they modify how your skills function. For example, a “Faster Attacks” support gem will increase the attack speed of a skill gem it’s linked with. You combine these gems by placing them into linked sockets on your equipment. A key consideration is that only support gems can enhance a regular skill gem.
The Importance of Linkage
The way gem sockets are linked is essential. An item’s socket configuration dictates which gems can interact. For example, if you have a sword with two linked sockets, putting a skill gem in one socket and a support gem in the other will allow the support gem to affect the skill. If the sockets are not linked, the support gem will not have any effect.
The Limitation of Stacking Support Gems
As previously stated, you cannot stack identical support gems. The game is programmed to recognize that the same type of support gem is being used, and only the strongest effect applies. This encourages strategic thinking about gem combinations, as players need to consider unique support gem combinations that work synergistically to boost the skill in the most effective way possible.
Gem Leveling and Quality
Each gem in Path of Exile has a level cap, typically Level 20. As gems level up, the abilities they grant get better, but the requirements to equip them also increase, along with the mana cost for active skills. There are items and stats that can increase the effective level of a gem to a maximum of level 40. Gems also have quality, which can be improved by using Gemcutter’s Prisms. Higher quality means improved stats. For example, a quality melee physical damage gem could increase the physical damage. The cap for gem quality is 20%.
Corrupted Gems
Corrupted gems are still treated as regular gems with the ability to level up. The unique factor is that you cannot use currency items on them to modify them or their quality. Corrupting a gem also has a chance to increase its level by 1, to a maximum of 1 above the level cap and also has a chance to increase quality of the gem up to a maximum of 23% quality.
Gem Order and Cast Sequences
Generally, the order of gems in sockets does not matter, with one primary exception being Cast When Damage Taken support gems. When you use a Cast When Damage Taken setup, the top-most skill in your gem socket configuration will activate first and follow the chain of linked gems in the top right, and then down and left pattern.
Stopping Gem Leveling
Gems level up automatically as you gain experience. However, you can stop a gem from leveling by right-clicking the red “+” icon that appears above it when it’s about to level up. This is useful for skills like Arcane Surge which has reduced mana requirements at lower levels or for certain Cast When Damage Taken setups that need lower level requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gems in Path of Exile
1. Can I use multiple support gems on one skill gem?
Yes, you can use multiple different support gems on a single skill gem, and their combined effects will apply. However, you cannot use multiple of the same support gem on a single skill gem to increase its effects.
2. How do I increase gem quality?
The quality of skill gems can be improved by using Gemcutter’s Prisms. Each use will increase a gem’s quality by 1%, up to a maximum of 20%. Additionally, you can vendor a level 20 gem with a gemcutter’s prism to receive a level 1 gem with 20% quality.
3. Can corrupted gems level up?
Yes, corrupted gems can level up just like normal gems. They cannot have their quality modified with currency items like regular gems, however.
4. Is there a max level for gems?
The typical max level for most gems is level 20. Corrupting a gem can potentially increase its level to 21. Items and specific stats can increase the effective level of a gem up to a maximum of 40.
5. Does gem order matter in sockets?
Generally, gem order doesn’t matter, except when using “Cast When Damage Taken” support gems, which activates the top-most skill first and then follows the chain of linked gems to activate.
6. Why would I want to stop leveling a gem?
You might want to stop leveling certain gems because some, like Arcane Surge or Cast When Damage Taken, can be more effective at lower levels due to mana cost or trigger requirements.
7. What is the maximum item level?
The highest item level that can drop is 89, obtainable from specific end-game scenarios with specific map modifiers.
8. How do I get level 26 gems?
To get a level 26 gem you need to have +1 to all gem levels on an item, for example a bow, and also a modifier like +2 to bow gem levels in this item. Then place your level 20 gem in that item and its effective level will be 23, then you also need +3 to all gems elsewhere from items or passives to make the gem effectively level 26.
9. Should I pick up every gem I find?
It is not recommended to pick up gems that are not of value, or ones that aren’t good quality and are common. You can pick up high quality or hard to obtain gems. Vendor gems with 40 combined quality or more for a Gemcutter’s Prism.
10. Can you lock a gem level?
Yes, you can lock a gem from leveling up by right-clicking the level up icon that appears when the gem is about to level.
11. How do you get a level 21 gem with 20% quality?
One way to get level 21 with 20% quality is to level up multiple of the same gems to level 20. You then corrupt all of them until one gets level 21, and you can use a quality recipe that vendors a level 20 skill gem and a Gemcutter’s Prism to receive a level 1 gem with 20% quality. You can then use this quality 20% level 1 gem to level up and try to corrupt it again with the goal of getting level 21 with 20% quality.
12. What is the purpose of corrupting gems?
Corrupting gems can increase their level by 1 or their quality to a maximum of 23%, making it a risk/reward process.
13. What is the best way to get high quality gems?
The best way to get high quality gems is to either use Gemcutter’s Prisms to improve gem quality directly or by vendoring a level 20 gem with a Gemcutter’s Prism to receive a level 1 gem with 20% quality.
14. How can I double corrupt a gem?
You can double corrupt a gem by using the Lapidary Lens in the Doryani’s Institute in the Temple of Atzoatl.
15. What is the maximum evasion chance?
The maximum evasion chance is 95%.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of gem mechanics in Path of Exile is critical to character building. While you cannot stack support gems of the same type to amplify a single skill, strategic combinations of different support gems, managing their levels, and improving their quality are key to maximizing your build’s effectiveness. By understanding these core principles, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complex and rewarding world of Path of Exile.