Decoding the Jewel Socket: What Fits Where in Path of Exile?
Path of Exile’s intricate skill tree and itemization system can be daunting for new players. One of the key components of character customization is the jewel system, offering significant boosts and unique effects. But what exactly can you slot into those tempting jewel sockets you find on the passive tree? Let’s delve into this crucial aspect of Path of Exile.
What Can Go in a Basic Jewel Socket Poe?
The short answer is: a variety of base jewels, Abyss jewels, and cluster jewels can be placed into a basic jewel socket on the passive skill tree.
Let’s break that down:
- Base Jewels: These are the fundamental building blocks of the jewel system and are categorized by color: Cobalt, Crimson, and Viridian. They can be placed in any allocated jewel socket on the passive tree. Their effects vary and tend to be more straightforward stat enhancements like increased life or damage.
- Abyss Jewels: Distinguished by their unique names (Ghastly, Hypnotic, Searching, and Murderous), Abyss jewels are more versatile. They can be placed in any jewel socket on the passive skill tree and are also the only type of jewel that can be inserted into equipment that has Abyssal Sockets. This flexibility makes them highly sought after.
- Cluster Jewels: These large, unique jewels are designed to expand the passive skill tree. They can be Large, Medium, or Small. Each of these cluster jewel sizes has its own socket size requirement. Large cluster jewel sockets can hold all three types of cluster jewels plus standard and Abyss jewels. Medium cluster jewel sockets can hold medium and small cluster jewels plus standard and Abyss jewels, and Small cluster jewel sockets can only hold small cluster jewels, plus standard and Abyss jewels. Importantly, only these cluster jewels add passives and extend the passive tree.
The Significance of Allocated Jewel Sockets
It’s critical to understand that jewel sockets on the passive skill tree must be allocated. This means you must spend skill points to reach the socket node, then another skill point to unlock the jewel slot itself. Unallocated jewel sockets have no effect, and any jewels placed there are inert and provide no bonuses.
Radii and Interactions
Jewels with a radius affect nearby nodes on the skill tree. This radius is relevant for specific jewel types, particularly when considering how they interact with passives or other jewels. Base jewels and Abyss jewels will function normally, while Cluster Jewels do not interact with these radii.
Jewels Beyond the Basics
Beyond these, there are additional jewel categories that add layers of depth to the system, such as Timeless Jewels, Unique Jewels, and Prismatic Jewels, each with their own rules and restrictions. Though they are not “basic” jewels, they can still be inserted into a standard jewel socket on the passive tree, although often only one such jewel can be used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jewel Sockets in Path of Exile
1. What exactly is a jewel socket in Path of Exile?
A jewel socket is a specific node on the passive skill tree, designed to hold jewels. These sockets need to be unlocked by using a skill point. Once allocated, they can house different types of jewels that provide a range of buffs and abilities.
2. Are Jewel Sockets Notable Passives?
Jewel sockets used to be considered notable passives, but this is no longer the case. They are now simply considered jewel socket nodes on the skill tree, and are a part of the larger system of character customization.
3. How do I use a jewel in Path of Exile?
To use a jewel, you must first allocate the jewel socket node on the passive skill tree. After allocating the node, you must also spend another skill point to unlock the socket itself. Finally, you can right-click the jewel in your inventory and place it into the allocated socket.
4. Is there a limit to how many jewels I can use?
While there isn’t a hard limit on the total number of jewels a character can use, there are restrictions. For instance, a character can have no more than three socketed ‘Grand Spectrum’ jewels and can only use a single Timeless Jewel. The number of sockets you have available is dependent on your pathing on the skill tree.
5. Can I place a Cobalt Jewel anywhere?
A Cobalt Jewel, like any other base jewel, can be placed into any allocated jewel socket on the passive skill tree.
6. Can you use more than one Timeless Jewel?
No, you can only equip one unique Timeless Jewel at a time. Each unique version has the tag “Limited to: 1 Historic”. Identical keystones from these jewels do not stack.
7. How do I find the best Timeless Jewel for my build?
To find the best Timeless Jewel for your build, use a Timeless Jewel Calculator to check potential outcomes. You’ll need to select the jewel socket, the specific Timeless Jewel, a conqueror seed, and desired modifiers to refine your search.
8. Where do I place Cluster Jewels?
Small Cluster Jewels can be placed in allocated Small, Medium, or Large Jewel Sockets, while Medium Cluster Jewels can be placed in allocated Medium or Large Jewel Sockets, and Large Cluster Jewels can be placed in allocated Large Jewel Sockets. They all interact with the passive tree, adding more passives when socketed.
9. How many notable passives can a Small Cluster Jewel have?
Small Cluster Jewels can only have 1 notable prefix. In contrast, both Medium & Large Cluster Jewels can have 2 notable prefixes. However, Large Cluster Jewels can additionally have Suffix Notables, potentially reaching a total of three notables.
10. What is the purpose of Abyss Jewels?
Abyss Jewels are versatile jewels that can be placed in any jewel socket on the passive skill tree, but more importantly, they can also be socketed into Abyssal Sockets on equipment, or a Stygian Vise. This unique characteristic makes them highly desirable.
11. What is the purpose of a Viridian Jewel?
A Viridian Jewel, like other base jewels, can be placed in any allocated socket on the passive tree. They generally grant increased area of effect for melee skills when your passive skill tree connects to the Marauder starting location.
12. What are White Sockets in Path of Exile?
White sockets on gear allow players to slot any type of skill gem, giving the items they are found on more versatility. They are a highly valuable but also difficult to acquire.
13. What is the benefit of using a Lethal Pride Jewel?
A Lethal Pride Jewel typically adds +2 or +4 Strength to minor passives. These types of effects and behaviors are shared among most standard jewels.
14. How does Unnatural Instinct work?
Unnatural Instinct grants all bonuses from unallocated small passive skills within the jewel’s radius. It’s important to note that the passives are not considered allocated, even when the player is benefiting from them. This jewel can also inherit passives altered by other jewels such as Timeless Jewels.
15. How many affixes can a rare jewel have?
A rare jewel can only have four affixes instead of six. This is a notable exception to most rare items in Path of Exile. Rare jewels can be incredibly powerful with synergistic combinations of these affixes.
Conclusion
Understanding what can go into a jewel socket is crucial for maximizing your character’s potential in Path of Exile. From the basic Cobalt, Crimson, and Viridian jewels to the versatile Abyss Jewels and the tree-expanding Cluster Jewels, each type serves a unique purpose. By carefully planning your socket usage and selecting the right jewels, you can significantly enhance your build and conquer the challenges of Wraeclast. As you delve deeper into the game, experimenting with different combinations of jewels will undoubtedly lead to new discoveries and powerful character customizations.