When a new league begins in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), it’s easy to get excited and want to gear up fast. Many players—especially newer ones—make the same mistake over and over again: they rush to buy socket links early. This might seem like a good idea at first, but it can cost you more than you think and leave you short on other important PoE 2 items.
Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.
In PoE 2, gear works by linking skill gems together in sockets. The more linked sockets your item has, the more support gems you can use with your main skill. That means more damage, more effects, and cooler builds. So, of course, people want 4-links, 5-links, and even 6-links as soon as they can. But here's the trap: these linked items are very expensive early on because everyone wants them.
For example, in the first two days of a league, a 5-link chest piece can cost several Chaos Orbs or even Exalted Orbs. That's a lot of value you’re giving up for something you might replace in just a few levels! The better way is to be patient and wait a bit before spending your currency on linked items.
Here’s what smart players do instead:
1. Use Essences and Jeweller's Orbs to make your own gear.
Early in the game, save your Jeweller's Orbs and Fusing Orbs.
When you find a decent rare chest, try linking it yourself. Even a 3-link can carry you through early acts.
Don’t try to get 5-links until you’re in Act 7 or later.
2. Focus on other useful PoE 2 items.
Save your Chaos Orbs to buy important flasks, movement gear, or resist rings.
Use your Orbs of Alchemy and Essences to craft strong weapons or armor instead of buying links.
3. Farm gear while leveling.
As you go through the campaign, keep an eye out for naturally linked items.
Vendors often sell 4-link items in Act 5 and beyond. Don’t ignore those! They’re cheap and helpful.
4. Use the crafting bench.
The bench lets you add links later in the game for less cost. Don’t waste big currency too early.
By waiting just a little while and building smart, you’ll have way more power when it actually matters. You’ll be able to afford better PoE 2 items, buy PoE 2 items that improve your build directly, and still get the socket links you need—just not at crazy prices.
So next time a new league starts, remember: don’t be in a rush to buy socket links. Let the hype settle, gather your currency, and plan your gear wisely. You’ll be stronger, richer, and ready to dominate the endgame with the best PoE 2 items when it counts the most.
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