What is the Max Awakened Gem Level in Path of Exile?
The maximum level for Awakened Gems in Path of Exile is level 5. However, it’s crucial to note that Exceptional Awakened Gems have a lower maximum level of 4. Unlike their regular counterparts which cap at level 20, Awakened Gems are designed to be powerful but have a finite leveling path. This unique limitation is part of their inherent power; many Awakened Gems unlock an additional effect only once they reach their maximum level. Therefore, reaching level 5 (or 4 for Exceptional gems) is often the primary objective when using these powerful support gems.
Understanding Awakened Gems
The Power of Awakened Gems
Awakened Support Gems are a superior type of support gem, functioning as enhanced versions of existing support gems. From level one, these gems are already more potent than their level 20 counterparts, making them highly sought after by players. Notably, their effects do not stack with their normal versions, meaning you can’t use both a regular and an Awakened version of the same support gem simultaneously. Only the stronger effect of the Awakened gem will apply.
How to Obtain Awakened Gems
Awakened gems are primarily obtained through challenging endgame content, reflecting their power. Here are the main ways to acquire them:
- Maven-Witnessed Map Bosses: Defeating map bosses in Tier 14 maps or higher, while they are being witnessed by The Maven, has a chance to drop Awakened Support Gems.
- Maven’s Crucible Invitations: These invitations, obtained by doing Maven’s Witnessing mechanic, have a chance to drop Awakened Gems.
- The Maven’s Writ: Completing this unique item provides a chance for Awakened Gems to drop.
- Uber Sirus: This challenging boss is a reliable source for Awakened Gems, and is also a source for Exceptional Awakened Gems.
- Atlas Passive Skills: The Perfect Storm Atlas passive node increases Uber Sirus’ chance to drop non-Exceptional Awakened Support Gems.
Leveling and Quality
Unlike regular gems that benefit from leveling up to 20 and gaining quality from Gemcutter’s Prisms (GCPs), Awakened Gems have a unique approach. Reaching max level is key to unlocking their full potential. While they benefit from Gemcutter’s Prisms for quality, they do not work with the usual “max level to 20 quality” vendor recipe. This means you will have to use GCPs individually to increase their quality.
Unlocking Additional Effects
The additional effect that is unlocked upon reaching max level is a huge motivator to invest in these gems. These additional effects vary from gem to gem, often significantly boosting the damage or utility offered by the linked active skill. Understanding the specific bonus unlocked by an Awakened Gem is crucial for optimizing your character build.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Awakened Gems
1. What is the difference between regular gems and Awakened Gems in Path of Exile?
Regular gems have a maximum level of 20 and gain additional power through leveling and quality. Awakened Gems, on the other hand, have a lower maximum level of 5 (or 4 for Exceptional gems) but are inherently stronger at level 1 than their level 20 counterparts. They also often have an additional effect that unlocks at max level.
2. Can you corrupt Awakened Gems?
Yes, you can corrupt Awakened Gems using Vaal Orbs. Like other corrupted items, they can’t be modified by regular currency. Corrupting a gem could potentially increase or decrease the gem’s level, add or remove quality or transform the gem into a vaal version, or do nothing, with a chance to add +1 level above max.
3. Can you double corrupt Awakened Gems?
Yes, you can double corrupt Awakened Gems using Alva’s Temple and her Corruption Chamber. This process gives two chances to modify the gem, but you can’t get the same outcome twice. This means you could get a level change and a quality change, or a vaal version and a quality change, but not two level changes.
4. Do Awakened Gems stack with their regular counterparts?
No, Awakened Support Gems do not stack with their regular versions. If you have both a regular and an Awakened version linked to the same active skill, only the stronger Awakened Gem’s effect will be applied.
5. Where do Awakened Gems drop?
Awakened Gems drop from Maven-witnessed map bosses (Tier 14 and higher), Maven’s Crucible Invitations, The Maven’s Writ, Uber Sirus, and some are exclusive to Maven or Uber Maven.
6. What are Exceptional Awakened Gems?
Exceptional Awakened Gems are a subtype of Awakened gems that are even rarer and more powerful. They have a maximum level of 4 rather than 5 and are often considered the pinnacle of support gem power.
7. Can Awakened Gems be traded?
Yes, Awakened Gems are tradable with other players, making the market a good place to find specific gems for your build.
8. How do you increase the quality of Awakened Gems?
Unlike regular gems, you can’t use the level 20 to quality vendor recipe on Awakened Gems. Instead, you must use Gemcutter’s Prisms individually to increase their quality.
9. Can you level up Corrupted Gems?
Yes, corrupted gems can still level up through experience gain, even if they cannot be modified with regular currency.
10. What happens when an Awakened Gem reaches max level?
Many Awakened Gems unlock an additional effect once they hit their maximum level (5 or 4 for Exceptional), which is a significant boost to their power.
11. Can you use multiple copies of the same support gem?
No, you cannot stack multiple support gems of the same type on the same active skill. For instance, you cannot link two “Added Fire Damage” gems. The stronger effect of the gems takes precedence. Both gems will gain xp, but only the one with more power will apply its effect.
12. What is the best way to farm Awakened Gems?
The most effective way to farm Awakened Gems is to consistently engage with endgame content, focusing on Maven-witnessed maps (Tier 14+), Uber Sirus, and the Maven’s invitations and fights.
13. Why would you corrupt a gem in Path of Exile?
The main reasons players corrupt gems is to increase the gem’s level, quality, or transform it into a Vaal version, surpassing normal limits, and potentially gaining extra power.
14. What is the maximum character level in Path of Exile?
While it’s not directly related to gem levels, the maximum character level in Path of Exile is 100.
15. Where do you find Vaal Orbs for corrupting gems?
Vaal Orbs can be found through slaying monsters, breaking containers, or as a drop from Strongboxes.
By understanding the intricacies of Awakened Gems, their max level, and the unique mechanics associated with them, you’ll be well-equipped to optimize your Path of Exile character to achieve its full potential. Remember to focus on obtaining these gems through challenging endgame content, and to aim for the maximum level to unlock their full power.