- Uncut skill gems unlock or upgrade a skill. Uncut supports make that skill actually function.
- Spirit pays for persistent effects. If a buff will not turn on, you are over Spirit, not “bugged”.
- Quest and drop names can shift in 1.0. The socket-on-skill rule is the part likely to stay.
Uncut gems
Pick them up. The vendor / gemcutter UI lets you choose a skill or support you have unlocked. You do not need the global meta pick; you need something that clears the pack in front of you.
Supports live on the skill
Open the skill, socket a support that matches tags (AoE on a slam, projectile on a bow, etc.). If it will not socket, the tags disagree — not your item level.
Replace, do not hoard, until you understand the six supports you actually press.
Spirit
Persistent skills (auras, companions, some meta skills) cost Spirit. Stack enough Spirit on gear or the tree before you add a third aura and wonder why the button is grey.
When to open PoB2
After you have a six-link-equivalent setup you like, export to Path of Building 2. During campaign, the in-game tooltip is enough. See tools.
FAQ
I out-levelled my PoE 2 skill gem.
Use a higher uncut gem or the level-up path the patch gives you. A level 4 skill in Act 3 is a self-inflicted wound.
Which support is “best”?
The one that matches the skill tags and does not brick your mana or Spirit. Exact 1.0 rankings wait for launch.