Embarking on the path to reach 20% gem quality using Gemcutter’s Prisms in Path of Exile 2 is a rewarding journey for any beginner eager to boost their character’s power. Quality on skill gems directly amplifies the impact of your abilities, making every combat action more effective. For those new to the game, understanding how to use Gemcutter’s Prisms efficiently is the cornerstone of smart character progression.
Gemcutter’s Prisms are a form of in-game currency specifically devoted to improving skill gems. When you find one, right-click it in your inventory, then left-click the skill gem you want to upgrade. Each use increases the gem’s quality by 1%. Most skill gems allow a maximum quality of 20%, so you’ll need up to 20 prisms to fully enhance a single gem from zero to its cap. As you apply each prism, check the tooltip—which you can view by holding ‘Alt’ on the gem—to see exactly how quality affects it. Some gems gain extra damage, others reduce mana costs, or offer various unique effects.
In the early stages of your PoE 2 adventure, Gemcutter’s Prisms may seem rare. You’ll obtain them as random drops from monsters or chests throughout your journey. Higher-level areas and tougher bosses tend to drop more currency, so the deeper you get into the campaign, the more likely you are to find prisms. Keep an eye out for Artisan’s Strongboxes and participate in special events or league mechanics, as these often increase your odds of acquiring currency items. One trick experienced players use is to buy poe 2 currency early in the league to speed up their gem enhancement progress. It helps to save any prisms you find early on for the gems you know will be core to your build, rather than spending them on temporary skills you plan to swap out soon.
There are vendor recipes for prisms as well. By trading in a set of skill gems with a combined quality of 40% or a single gem with 20%, you can receive a Gemcutter’s Prism in return. This is especially useful for gathering prisms from spare gems you no longer use. However, as of recent updates, some classic vendor recipes (such as exchanging a level 20 gem and a prism for a level 1 gem with 20% quality) are no longer available for active skill gems, so focus more on collecting prisms or leveraging gems that you don’t need for this recipe.
Trading with other players is another cornerstone strategy. Early in a league, prisms can be expensive due to high demand, but as you progress and gather more resources, you can trade surplus currency for additional prisms. Dedicated trade chats and community trading sites make acquiring what you need straightforward. Always watch market prices—buying prisms when supply is up can save you valuable resources down the line. If you’re focused on fast scaling, some players even look for poe 2 currency for sale to gain a quick economic advantage.
Not all skill gems benefit from quality in the same way. Invest your prisms first into the ones that power your main attacks or defenses. Gradually work through your list of important gems, aiming for the crucial 20% mark on each over time.
The journey from a basic, unpolished gem to a fully maxed-out, 20% quality powerhouse takes time and planning, but it’s well within reach for all beginners. With each prism, you’re making meaningful progress toward a more formidable and effective character, setting yourself up for success in both campaign and endgame content. Stick with it, and every Gemcutter’s Prism will bring you a step closer to the peak of your build’s potential.
Posted
Jul 25 2025, 06:27 PM
by
Samuel554