The Ultimate Guide to Uncut Skill Gems: Crafting, Effects, a

[Ryder]

Uncut Skill Gems in Path of Exile 2 are the foundational items that players must craft into usable Skill Gems through the gemcutting system, making them central to character progression and build customization. Unlike the original Path of Exile, where skill gems drop ready to use, PoE 2 requires players to find Uncut Skill Gems—raw items that unlock or upgrade skills when “cut” or engraved.

Crafting and Gemcutting Process
To transform an Uncut Skill Gem into an active skill, you right-click it in your inventory to open the Gemcutting menu. Here, you select which skill to unlock or upgrade based on the gem’s level and your character’s equipment. The level of the Uncut Skill Gem dictates the maximum level of the skill you can create or enhance; for example, a Level 5 Uncut Skill Gem can unlock or upgrade a skill to level 5, increasing its power and effectiveness. This system allows players to choose skills that fit their class, weapon type, and playstyle, with restrictions that can be toggled off for more freedom.

Types and Effects
There are three main types of Uncut Gems:
- Uncut Skill Gems unlock active skills such as spells, attacks, or movement abilities.
- Uncut Support Gems unlock support gems that modify active skills, enhancing damage, utility, or other effects.
- Uncut Spirit Gems unlock persistent buff gems that provide ongoing benefits like stat boosts or defensive auras.

This separation allows for deep customization, as players can mix and match active skills with support and buff gems to tailor their builds.

Best Uses and Strategic Considerations
Uncut Skill Gems are vital not only for acquiring new skills but also for upgrading existing ones. Instead of gaining skill experience through combat, skills are leveled by cutting higher-level Uncut Gems of the same skill, instantly boosting their effectiveness. This makes collecting higher-level Uncut Gems a priority for progression.

Players are encouraged to gather a diverse pool of Uncut Gems, enabling flexibility to switch skills depending on upcoming challenges or personal preference. Since Uncut Gems drop from enemies, bosses, chests, and quests, farming them is a continuous part of gameplay.

The gemcutting system also supports experimentation. Because you can choose which skill to unlock from an Uncut Gem, you avoid the frustration of waiting for specific skill drops and can adapt your build dynamically.

Uncut Skill Gems are the raw materials for all skill acquisition and upgrades in Path of Exile 2. Through gemcutting, they unlock active, support, and buff skills, with their level determining the maximum skill level attainable. This system offers players greater control over build customization and progression, making the collection and strategic use of Uncut Skill Gems essential for mastering the game’s combat mechanics.