+1 for revisiting Skill Gem system
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PoE 1's skill gem system has always been a standout feature in the ARPG genre, in my opinion. While the early implementation (2013-2015) had its challenges, the "modern" version reached a great balance and became a core strength of the game.
Kripp’s latest video effectively highlights some key concerns with PoE 2's reimagined system. A major issue is the inability to grind for power by leveling up skills when feeling underpowered. Additionally, the late-game flood of high-level gems removes the sense of progression that came with grinding gem levels over time. One of my personal motivations for continuing to play was leveling gems to 20 and enhancing them with 20% quality—this was a rewarding grind that added depth to the experience. Another small but impactful aspect I’ll miss is the excitement of finding an Empower or Enlighten gem. While not game-changing, their drops always felt like a pleasant surprise. The decision to "genericize" gems removes yet another unique aspect that made PoE special. To be fair, simplifying socket mechanics and colors was a positive change, but I personally feel that the rework of skill gems has stripped away an integral and iconic part of the franchise’s identity. Last bumped on Dec 17, 2024, 6:07:42 PM
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Fully agree with this! The skill gem system in POE1 is what motivates me to look for any type of equipment (including low level equipment) with sockets that meet my needs, so I can upgrade/tweak it using my hard-earned currency. Without the skill gem system, there is no point in taking a second look at normal loot drops.
Tbh my ideal game is the slower, more deliberate gameplay of POE2 with the skill gem system of POE1. |
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And thank gods we don't have PoE1 gem grind once again.
And it should stay this way. |
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" I know some people didn’t love grinding out the last couple level of gems because it was long, but a major point of the game is to grind. One of the reasons they landed on the company’s name as Grinding Gear Games is because you grind for gear in the game. I personally felt like they struck a good balance in POE1 between getting gems high enough (lvl 17 or 18) to have good damage but gated lvl 19 and 20 for the min/max folks. |
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I didn't play POE 1 mainly because of the Gem skill system. I love the new system however I wish they would implement the level up system from POE 1 instead of the current way to level the gems. Devs if you read this thread please think about changing the leveling of gems to POE 1 style instead of the uncut level version of gems as it currently is implemented. This gem system is so much better now that it's not tied to gear and socket links but having to use the level uncut gems to level up the skills feels clunky and once you get your skills leveled up to the highest you can for that zone/character level available for skill gems to drop you are pretty much forced to put them into your stash tab and taking up valuable stash space or just not picking up the gems in the first place.
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There are some good ideas in the new system, I do like the ability to create gems for whatever you need vs trying to game the system by creating alt characters or waiting until Siosa/act 6 to get gems you want, but I definitely want them to bring back leveling gems via exp.
So keep the "tiered" gem system where you need certain levels of gems to create the higher requirement ones, but let us level gems still on our own while using it. Also I want quality on support gems back too. |
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" I didn’t realize quality on support gems was gone. That is kind of a bummer |
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