Introduction
Skill gems are a fundamental aspect of gameplay in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), akin to the previous installment but with new mechanics and enhancements that broaden build options and strategies for players. This article provides an overview of skill gems, their types, mechanics, and how they influence character builds in PoE 2.

What Are Skill Gems?
Skill gems are items that grant player characters the ability to perform specific skills or actions. In PoE 2, players can equip skill gems in their gear, which influences their attack capabilities and spellcasting. Each skill gem requires a certain level and attribute points to be used effectively, promoting diverse character builds based on the player's choices.

Types of Skill Gems

1. Active Skill Gems: These gems grant various active skills to players, from melee attacks to spellcasting actions. Their effectiveness is often linked to the character's stats.
2. Support Skill Gems: These enhance the effects of active skill gems when linked together. For example, support gems may add elemental damage, increase cast speed, or grant benefits like multiple projectiles. Players can insert support gems in conjunction with active skill gems to tailor their character's abilities.

Mechanics of Skill Gems in PoE 2

• Leveling Up Gems: Each skill gem can be leveled up by gaining experience during gameplay, increasing their effectiveness. At level 20, most skill gems reveal their full potential.
• Quality: Players can assign quality to skill gems through specific actions, which enhances their performance. Increased quality can dramatically alter skill effectiveness, leading to higher DPS or more potent abilities.
• Gems and Attributes: Each skill gem has its own attribute requirements. Players need to ensure that their characters possess the necessary stats (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence) to utilize specific skill gems, making character builds versatile yet strategic.

Changes from PoE 1
PoE 2 brings several crucial adjustments to how gems function:

• A marked increase in effectiveness for many melee skill gems, which now receive sizable multipliers compared to previous iterations (e.g., Pestilent Strike's effectiveness bumps from 160% to 472%) source: Reddit discussion.
• A focus on synergy between skill gems, allowing players to mix and match abilities for creative combat options.
• New gems like "Concoction" enable players to manage multiple abilities and effects layered on top of one another in a single build.

Notable Skill Gem Examples in PoE 2

• Pestilent Strike: A melee skill gem that received a significant boost in damage effectiveness, making it a strong choice for players focusing on bleed skills.
• Concoction: This new utility skills gem interacts with flasks to provide unique buffs, fundamentally changing how players approach survivability and offensive capabilities in battles.
• New Elemental Monk Skills: Certain gems focus on elemental damage, enhancing character builds that rely on aggressive offensive play styles and stunning techniques to control encounters.

Conclusion
Skill gems in PoE 2 reimagine the approach to character customization and gameplay depth. The new and returning mechanics, coupled with a focus on synergy and balance, enable players to explore a vast range of builds and strategies right from launch. Players are encouraged to creatively use these gems to develop characters tailored to their playstyle while making the most of the unique attributes and bonuses provided by varied gems.

For more details, you can explore the PoE Wiki on skill gems here and discussion insights from players on Reddit about effective damage increases for melee skill gems here and the overview of skill gems and support gems here.

Ultimately, the introduction of skill gems not only makes each gameplay session unique but also engages players in strategic decision-making to maximize their combat efficiency.