Path of Exile 2: How Do Runes Work

Path of Exile 2 continues to evolve the ARPG genre with rich customization and complex systems. Among the many features that enhance your build are Runes-powerful socketable items that offer significant stat boosts and effects.

Whether you're fine-tuning a high-damage build or just getting started in the campaign, understanding how Runes and sockets work will be essential to your success. This guide covers everything you need to know about Runes, Socketables, and how to integrate them into your gear effectively.

What Are Runes and Socketables?

Runes are a type of socketable item in Path of Exile 2, functioning similarly to traditional gems or jewels in other ARPGs. You place them into Sockets on your gear to gain various stat bonuses or effects.

Types of Gear They Work With:

Runes can be inserted into Martial Weapons, Wands and Staves, or Armour. The stat bonuses they provide vary depending on the gear type.

Rune Tiers:

Lesser Runes - Basic stat boosts, more common.

Normal Runes - Moderate stat boosts, less common.

Greater Runes - High stat boosts, rare and highly desirable.

Tip: A Lesser Rune inserted into a Wand may give bonus Spell Damage, while the same Rune in a Chestpiece could provide increased Life.

Special Socketables: Soul Cores and Talismans

Soul Cores (Trials of Chaos League)

Soul Cores are rare and powerful socketable items found during the Trials of Chaos.

They function like Runes but with unique, often game-changing effects.

Use these sparingly-ideally on endgame or high-value items.

Talismans (Dawn of the Hunt League)

Dropped during Azmerian Wisp events.

Provide stat boosts like Runes, but each Talisman only works on one type of gear (e.g., only usable in Gloves or only in Helmets).

Requires more selective planning and gear optimization.

How To Add Sockets To Your Gear

Before you can insert Runes, the gear needs to have Sockets.

1. Finding Sockets Naturally

Some gear drops with Sockets already attached. These are the easiest to use.

2. Adding Sockets with Artificer's Orbs

Artificer's Orbs are crafting cheap Path of Exile 2 items used to add Sockets to unsocketed gear.

You can craft them using 10 Artificer's Shards, which are obtained by:

Defeating enemies.

Salvaging gear that already has Sockets.

3. Increasing Socket Limits with Vaal Orbs

Most gear has a default limit of 1-2 Sockets.

You can Corrupt gear using Vaal Orbs to bypass this limit.

Risk vs. Reward: Corruption may grant more Sockets but also reroll the item with unfavorable stats or drawbacks.

Use Vaal Orbs only when you're confident the item is worth the gamble.

Caution: Corrupting an item is permanent and can ruin otherwise excellent gear.

How To Use Runes Effectively

Match Runes to Gear Type: Some Runes give better effects when socketed in specific gear (e.g., offensive bonuses in weapons, defensive bonuses in armour).

Prioritize Greater Runes: These give the best stat boosts but are rare. Save them for your most important equipment.

Combine with Other Upgrades: Socketed gear can also be enhanced with crafting modifiers, quality upgrades, and affix enhancements-plan your build around synergizing effects.

Save Soul Cores and Talismans: Only use these rare socketables on items you're confident will stay with your build for a long time.

Final Thoughts

Runes in Path of Exile 2 are a key part of gear progression and build optimization. From early-game enhancements to powerful endgame boosts, socketable Path of Exile 2 items let you customize your character's strengths like never before.

To master the Rune system:

Learn what each type of Rune does.

Understand how to add and manage Sockets.

Be cautious with rare resources like Soul Cores and Vaal Orbs.

Stay informed and experimental, and you'll find powerful synergies that can make your character nearly unstoppable.