In Path of Exile 2, the socketed gear and rune system is one of the most talked-about mechanics among players. While the idea behind it is interesting—offering more customization and control over skills—the execution can often feel clunky and overwhelming, especially for players looking to manage their PoE 2 currency wisely.

In PoE 2, skills are no longer attached to gear but are instead linked through runes that go into gear sockets. On paper, this seems like a great way to build a personalized setup. But in practice, managing socket colors, links, and rune upgrades can turn into a massive currency sink. For new players or even returning veterans, it’s very easy to waste PoE 2 currency trying to perfect one piece of gear.

Here’s a common scenario: you get an exciting new weapon or armor piece with high stats, but the sockets don’t match your runes. You start rerolling sockets with Chromatic Orbs, trying to get the right colors. Then, you realize the links aren’t correct either. Suddenly, you’re using Jeweller’s Orbs and Orb of Fusing, and before you know it, a big chunk of your PoE 2 currency is gone—and you haven’t even equipped the item yet.

To avoid this common trap, it’s important to plan your build and currency spending ahead of time. Here are a few tips that can save you time and resources:

1. Farm Efficiently: Focus on areas and mechanics that drop high-value currency like Chaos Orbs, Exalted Orbs, and the new Spirit Orbs introduced in PoE 2. These are widely used and can be traded for what you actually need.

2. Trade Smart: If you’re stuck on gear upgrades, it’s often more efficient to buy pre-socketed gear from other players rather than trying to socket and link everything yourself. Websites like U4GM offer a safe and fast way to buy PoE 2 currency, which you can then use in the trade market.

3. Don’t Overcommit Too Early: Many players rush to socket and link items early in the game. It’s usually better to save your valuable currency for endgame gear, where those investments really pay off. Early on, use lower-tier runes and save your major orbs for when you have a solid base item worth investing in.

4. Use Crafting Benches Wisely: The crafting benches in PoE 2 are more powerful and flexible than before. Use them to fine-tune your sockets and links when possible before turning to pure RNG with orbs. This approach is far more currency-efficient.

5. Stock Up During Events: Special league events and weekend bonuses often flood the market with cheap currency. Keep an eye on those moments to buy PoE 2 currency at a discount, especially from trusted sellers like U4GM.

Socketed gear and runes may feel like they fall short at first, but with the right strategy and smart currency use, you can actually make them work in your favor. Think ahead, use your PoE 2 currency wisely, and when in doubt—trade smarter, not harder.