Where to Buy All Skill Gems in Path of Exile

Navigating the vast world of Path of Exile (PoE) can be daunting, especially when it comes to acquiring the powerful skill gems that fuel your character’s abilities. Understanding where and how to obtain these gems is crucial for any player, from a fresh exile to a seasoned veteran. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to buy all skill gems in PoE, along with answers to frequently asked questions to ensure you’re fully equipped for your journey.

The Definitive Answer: Who Sells All Gems?

The answer to where you can buy all skill gems in Path of Exile isn’t as straightforward as a single vendor. Instead, it’s divided between two key characters, each with their own specific offerings and conditions. Let’s break it down:

• Siosa (Act 3 – The Library): This vendor is your primary source for a vast majority of skill gems up to level 31. Siosa offers all skill gems that can be obtained through quests in Acts 1-3 for any class you have played previously. This means if your Witch completed a quest that rewarded a specific gem, but your Marauder didn’t, both characters can purchase that gem from Siosa. Importantly, all gems purchased from Siosa are level 1 and excluding Detonate Mines.

• Lilly Roth (Act 6, Act 10, Epilogue, and Hideout): After completing the Act 6 quest “Fallen from Grace”, Lilly Roth becomes your go-to vendor for all skill gems that are not drop-only. She stocks all the gems at level 1, including Detonate Mines, and is accessible in Act 6, Act 10, the Epilogue, and conveniently, in your hideout, offering immense accessibility.

Essentially, Siosa helps cover the early-game needs for a wider range of gems, while Lilly Roth unlocks access to nearly every non-drop skill gem in the game after you progress further into the storyline.

Understanding Gem Acquisition in PoE

While purchasing from Siosa and Lilly Roth will fulfill the vast majority of your gem needs, understanding the broader system is beneficial. Here are a few key points:

• Leveled Gems: Vendors in Acts 1-4 will sell leveled skill gems that are appropriate for your current progression. However, the level of these gems is often not ideal, so you’ll often get gems more conveniently from Siosa and Lilly Roth.
• Drop-Only Gems: Certain powerful and unique gems, often called Awakened Gems, do not drop from vendors. Instead, they drop as loot from end-game bosses, maps and encounters.
• Ruthless Mode: In the challenging Ruthless mode, you cannot purchase gems from vendors at all. This dramatically alters the gem acquisition system, forcing players to rely solely on quest rewards and rare drops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about buying skill gems in Path of Exile, designed to clarify some common uncertainties and provide even more valuable information.

Gem Vendors & Availability

1. Does Siosa sell every skill gem?

   No. Siosa sells all quest-rewardable skill gems that are at a level 31 or below, and he sells them at level 1. He does not sell Detonate Mines and does not carry all gems available in the game, especially those that are drop-only.

2. Does Lilly Roth sell all gems, including Awakened Gems?

   No. Lilly Roth sells most skill gems that are not drop-only, and sells them at level 1. Awakened gems and certain other powerful, rare gems can only be obtained from specific end-game bosses and map encounters.

3. Where do I find Lilly Roth?

   You will find Lilly Roth in Act 6, Act 10, the Epilogue and in your hideout. You must complete the Act 6 quest “Fallen from Grace” to unlock her shop. She won’t be available until then.

4. Who sells gems in Act 2?

   In Act 2, Yeena (jewelry, flask, and gem vendor) and Greust (weapon and armor vendor) both sell leveled skill gems. However, you’re generally better off getting gems from Siosa once you reach Act 3.

5. Who sells gems in Act 4?

   In Act 4, Petarus and Vanja sell jewelry, flasks, and leveled skill gems. Again, however, Siosa in Act 3 usually provides better overall access.

6. Are gems cheaper to buy from vendors?

   No, the prices of gems from vendors are fixed. There’s no discount for buying in bulk or anything like that. The advantage is the easy access and the ability to get the gem you need in the first place.

7. Can I buy gems in Ruthless mode?

   No, gems are not sold by any vendors in Ruthless mode. You must rely on quest rewards, rare drops, and trading with other players to obtain your gems.

Gem Leveling & Manipulation

8. What is the highest quality a gem can have in PoE?

   The standard quality cap for a gem is 20%. Certain crafting methods, like using a Beastcrafting recipe or a Perfect Fossil, can increase the quality to 30%.

9. How do you get a level 21 gem?

   A level 20 gem can become a level 21 gem by corrupting it using a Vaal Orb. This process has a chance to increase the gem level to 21, along with other possible outcomes such as no change, reduced level, or change in quality.

10. How do you get a 20% quality gem?

    The most common ways to obtain a gem with 20% quality include: leveling up a gem to level 20 and then vendoring it with a Gemcutter’s Prism, which resets it to level 1 with 20% quality; and alternatively by repeatedly using Gemcutter’s Prism on gems.

11. Can you stack multiple support gems on the same power?

    No. You cannot stack multiple instances of the same support gem on the same skill. For example, you can’t use two “Added Fire Damage” support gems with a single skill. The stronger gem will be used and you’ll only incur the mana cost for both.

12. How do you double corrupt a gem?

    To double corrupt a gem, you need to access the Lapidary Lens within Doryani’s Institute, an Incursion room found in the Temple of Atzoatl. This device will corrupt the gem twice in succession.

13. What is the best time to corrupt a gem?

    The most common reason to corrupt a gem is to try and get a level 21 gem, or a gem with 23% quality. It’s often done on maxed gems.

Trading & Other Information

14. Where do I buy items from other players?

    The simplest way to purchase items from other players is through a third party website like PoE Goods, where you can search for specific items and find listings posted by other players. In game, many use poe.trade or the official trade site for player-to-player trading.

15. How long does it take to complete Path of Exile?

    The main storyline of Path of Exile generally takes around 30 hours to complete. If you aim to complete all aspects of the game, it can take hundreds of hours to obtain 100% completion.

Conclusion

Mastering the gem acquisition system in Path of Exile is essential for crafting powerful character builds. By understanding the roles of Siosa and Lilly Roth, and by delving into some of the nuances of gem leveling and manipulation, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unstoppable force in Wraeclast. This guide has provided you with a complete picture, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate the intricacies of gem acquisition in Path of Exile. Happy hunting, Exile!