How to Reroll Sockets in Path of Exile
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The ability to reroll sockets on your gear in Path of Exile (PoE) is crucial for optimizing your builds. Sockets determine which support gems you can link to your skill gems, drastically impacting your character’s damage, survivability, and overall functionality. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to reroll sockets in PoE:
The primary method to reroll the number of sockets on an item in Path of Exile is by using Jeweller’s Orbs. Each Jeweller’s Orb will attempt to change the number of sockets on an item, but the outcome is random within the item’s possible socket range.
Understanding Sockets in Path of Exile
Before diving into the specifics of rerolling, it’s essential to understand the basics of sockets.
- Socket Limits: The maximum number of sockets an item can have depends on its item level (ilvl) and item type. For instance, one-handed weapons and shields can have a maximum of 3 sockets, two-handed weapons and body armour can have a maximum of 6 sockets, and helmets and gloves/boots can have a maximum of 4 sockets. The higher the ilvl, the higher the potential socket count.
- Socket Colors: Sockets come in three primary colors: Red (Strength-based), Green (Dexterity-based), and Blue (Intelligence-based). The color determines which gems you can socket into them.
- Links: Sockets must be linked together to allow support gems to modify the skill gem they’re connected to.
- Item Level (ilvl): This determines the potential number of sockets, as well as the tiers of modifiers, that the item can roll.
Methods for Rerolling Sockets
Jeweller’s Orbs
Jeweller’s Orbs are the most common and straightforward way to reroll the number of sockets on an item.
- How it Works: Using a Jeweller’s Orb on an item will randomly change the number of sockets, up to the maximum allowed for that item type and ilvl.
- Application: Right-click on the Jeweller’s Orb in your inventory, then left-click on the item you want to reroll.
- RNG Factor: The result is entirely random. You might get the desired number of sockets on the first try, or it could take many attempts.
- Maximizing Socket Count: To guarantee the maximum number of sockets (e.g., 6 sockets on a body armour), the item’s ilvl must be high enough. Generally, an ilvl of 50 or higher will allow for 6-socket items.
The Crafting Bench
The Crafting Bench, unlocked through various quests and content throughout the game, allows for more deterministic socket manipulation. This can be found in your hideout.
- Specific Recipes: The Crafting Bench offers specific recipes for adding sockets or changing the number of sockets to a specific amount (e.g., “Add 1 Socket” or “Set the number of sockets to 3”).
- Deterministic Results: Unlike Jeweller’s Orbs, the Crafting Bench recipes guarantee the outcome they describe.
- Cost: These recipes typically require specific currency, such as Chromatic Orbs, Jeweller’s Orbs, and Orb of Scouring, and the cost varies depending on the desired outcome.
- Unlocking Recipes: Crafting recipes are unlocked by finding them throughout the game, often dropped from specific enemies or located in specific areas.
Vaal Orbs (Corrupted Items)
Vaal Orbs are a high-risk, high-reward currency item. Using a Vaal Orb on an item will corrupt it, preventing further modification with most common currency items.
- Potential Outcomes:
- Nothing happens.
- The item gains a Vaal implicit modifier.
- The item’s sockets change colors.
- The item’s sockets gain white sockets.
- White Sockets: White sockets can accept any color gem, making them incredibly valuable for builds that require a mix of gem colors.
- Risks: Corruption can also brick an item, making it unusable or significantly less valuable.
- Not Recommended for Beginners: Due to the unpredictable nature and potential for negative outcomes, using Vaal Orbs is generally recommended for experienced players who understand the risks involved.
Harvest Crafting
Harvest crafting, accessed through the Harvest mechanic, offers several options for manipulating sockets.
- Reroll Options: Harvest crafting can provide options to:
- Reroll the number of sockets.
- Change socket colors.
- Link sockets.
- Deterministic Control: Some Harvest crafts provide more controlled outcomes compared to using Jeweller’s Orbs alone.
- Rarity: Harvest crafts are not always readily available, as they depend on the RNG of the Harvest mechanic.
Optimizing Your Socket Rerolling
- Item Level Matters: Ensure your item has a sufficient ilvl to roll the desired number of sockets.
- Crafting Bench for Guarantee: Utilize the Crafting Bench for guaranteed socket amounts, especially when targeting specific socket configurations.
- Patience and Currency: Socket rerolling can be RNG-dependent, so be prepared to spend a considerable amount of currency.
- Consider Alternatives: Before heavily investing in socket rerolling, consider whether it might be more cost-effective to purchase a similar item with the desired sockets from other players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum number of sockets I can get on a body armour?
The maximum number of sockets on a body armour is 6. However, the item level (ilvl) must be high enough to allow for this. Generally, ilvl 50 or higher will allow for a 6-socket outcome.
2. How do I know if my item’s ilvl is high enough for 6 sockets?
A quick way to check your item level is by pressing Alt while hovering your mouse cursor over the item. This will display the item level, along with other useful information.
3. Can I use Orbs of Fusing to reroll the number of sockets?
No, Orbs of Fusing are used to reroll the links between sockets, not the number of sockets themselves. Use Jeweller’s Orbs for socket quantity and Orbs of Fusing for socket links.
4. What does it mean when an item is corrupted?
An item becomes corrupted after using a Vaal Orb on it. Corrupted items cannot be modified by most regular currency items, but they can gain special implicit modifiers or other unpredictable changes.
5. How do I get white sockets on an item?
White sockets are primarily obtained by using Vaal Orbs on an item. The outcome is random, so it may take multiple attempts. Other, rarer, methods exist, such as specific vendor recipes or league-specific mechanics.
6. What are the benefits of having white sockets?
White sockets can accept gems of any color, making them incredibly valuable for builds that require a specific mix of gem colors that might be difficult to achieve with naturally rolled socket colors.
7. Are there any ways to guarantee a specific number of sockets?
Yes, the Crafting Bench offers recipes that allow you to set the number of sockets on an item to a specific amount, guaranteeing the desired result.
8. Where do I find Crafting Bench recipes?
Crafting Bench recipes are found throughout the game, often dropped from specific enemies or located in specific areas. Exploring different zones and completing various quests will help you unlock more recipes.
9. Is it better to buy an item with the correct sockets or reroll them myself?
This depends on the item and the current market prices. Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to buy an item with the desired sockets, especially if the item is commonly traded. Other times, rerolling might be cheaper, particularly if the item is rare or has specific stats you need.
10. Can I reroll the sockets on a unique item?
Yes, you can reroll the sockets on unique items using the same methods as regular items: Jeweller’s Orbs, the Crafting Bench, and Vaal Orbs.
11. What happens if I use a Jeweller’s Orb on a corrupted item?
Using a Jeweller’s Orb on a corrupted item will not reroll the sockets. Corrupted items can generally only be modified by Vaal Orbs or specific Harvest crafting options.
12. How do I link sockets together?
Sockets are linked using Orbs of Fusing. Using an Orb of Fusing will reroll the links between the sockets on an item. The number of links is also random, up to the maximum number of sockets on the item.
13. What is the highest number of linked sockets possible?
The highest number of linked sockets is 6, achievable on two-handed weapons and body armour.
14. Can I influence the color of sockets I roll?
While the Chromatic Orb is the primary way to change socket colors, the colors of sockets are influenced by the item’s stat requirements. Items with high Strength requirements are more likely to roll red sockets, Dexterity items are more likely to roll green sockets, and Intelligence items are more likely to roll blue sockets. Crafting Bench recipes can also assist in targetting certain socket colors.
15. How does item level affect socket colors?
Item level primarily affects the potential for rolling specific socket colors. While the item’s attribute requirements are the strongest determining factor, a higher item level can slightly increase the chance of rolling colors appropriate for that item.
Rerolling sockets is a fundamental part of optimizing your gear in Path of Exile. By understanding the different methods and factors involved, you can effectively customize your items to suit your build’s needs and maximize your character’s potential.