Path of Exile 2 continues to build on the legacy of its predecessor by introducing new and exciting mechanics that enhance the player experience. One of the most intriguing features of PoE2 is the POE 2 Currency introduction of Uncut Skill Gems. These gems are set to revolutionize how players approach their builds, combat strategies, and character progression.

In a game already known for its deep customization and complex systems, Uncut Skill Gems represent a significant addition that expands both the power and complexity of Path of Exile 2. While Skill Gems have always been a core part of Path of Exile’s gameplay, Uncut Skill Gems introduce an additional layer of customization and potential for optimization.

In this article, we’ll explore what Uncut Skill Gems are, how they work, their impact on build crafting, and the strategies you can use to incorporate them into your Path of Exile 2 journey. Let’s dive into this exciting feature and discover how it can take your gameplay to the next level.

Understanding Uncut Skill Gems
What Are Uncut Skill Gems?
Uncut Skill Gems are a new variant of Skill Gems that players can acquire in Path of Exile 2. Unlike traditional Skill Gems, which are ready for immediate use upon being inserted into an item, Uncut Skill Gems require further processing and refinement before they can be fully utilized in your build. They represent an unrefined, raw form of power—raw potential waiting to be shaped into something powerful and tailored to your exact needs.

The term “Uncut” refers to the fact that these gems are in their unmodified state, needing additional upgrades and modifications before they are functional. Players will need to use specific crafting methods to refine these Uncut Skill Gems into usable gems, often adjusting their properties in the process.

How Do Uncut Skill Gems Work?
Uncut Skill Gems are distinct from regular Skill Gems in several key ways:

1. Raw State and Crafting Requirement
When you first obtain an Uncut Skill Gem, it’s essentially a blank canvas. Unlike normal Skill Gems, which come pre-equipped with certain attributes (such as a specific skill or spell), Uncut Skill Gems need to be processed through crafting stations or specialized crafting materials in order to refine them into their usable form.

Refining Process: You will need to spend specific in-game resources or use certain NPCs in towns to craft or refine your Uncut Skill Gems. This process could involve using items like Gem Dust, Essences, or Essence of Skill to refine the raw gem into a polished form.

Customization: The crafting process allows players to affect key attributes of the Uncut Skill Gem, such as:

Base Skill Type: You might start with an Uncut version of a common skill gem, but through crafting, you can change the base skill type, perhaps turning a physical damage skill into an elemental skill.

Support Gem Compatibility: One of the most interesting aspects of Uncut Skill Gems is their ability to be manipulated for support gem synergies. This means you can adjust the gem to work with a particular set of support gems, optimizing it for a specific build.

Enhanced Stats: Refining the gem could also unlock increased effectiveness in the skill, damage scaling, or other bonuses that aren’t available from the start.

2. Gem Level and Potential
Uncut Skill Gems also come with different base levels. You won’t know the gem’s potential until you start refining it. Each Uncut Skill Gem starts at a lower level and can be increased as part of the crafting process.

Randomized Modifiers: There is a chance that, upon refining, certain Uncut Skill Gems may come with randomized modifiers that either benefit or challenge your build. For instance, a gem might come with a modifier that increases its elemental damage output or introduces a risk-reward dynamic such as reduced health but higher damage output.

Skill Tree Interaction: The specific modifiers or interactions of Uncut Skill Gems will likely depend on where they are placed in relation to your character's skill tree and passive nodes. Some gems could become synergistic with specific ascendency choices, making the gem more powerful the further along your character progresses.

3. Evolution of Power
An Uncut Skill Gem’s full power potential is unlocked gradually. As you refine the gem, it will "evolve" into a more powerful version of itself. However, evolving a gem isn’t a one-time process—you will have to make multiple decisions regarding what path to take in the gem’s progression.

Skill Modifications: As part of the evolution process, the gem may develop new modifiers that change how the skill behaves. For example, a gem that originally summoned a small creature might, after crafting, summon a stronger creature or even multiple creatures.

Skill Augmentation: You might also gain the ability to buy POE2 Currency augment the gem’s functionality, adding new mechanics or effects. A simple attack skill could evolve to include elemental effects, such as fire or ice damage, depending on the crafting options you choose.