In Path of Exile 2, one of the most common questions players ask is: Is a 6-Link still worth it? With the overhaul of the socketing system and gear customization, understanding how sockets, skill gems, and PoE 2 currency work together is essential for every exile—especially if you want to maximize your character’s power without wasting valuable resources.
In PoE 2, the old way of socketing gems into armor and linking them has changed. Now, skill gems themselves hold their own support sockets. This means you no longer need to find that elusive 6-Link armor just to fully power up your main skill. So, is a 6-Link chest piece obsolete? Not entirely—but its role has shifted.
Instead of using gear as the main socket source, each active skill gem can now be upgraded individually with its own support links, up to 5 supports. That’s a 6-Link skill, but the linking happens inside the gem, not the item. This change dramatically alters how you should approach crafting, trading, and spending your PoE 2 currency.
Because of this, PoE 2 currency such as Orb of Fusing, which was once vital for linking sockets, now has reduced demand. Instead, players are focusing more on currency like Chromatic Orbs to adjust support colors, and Orbs of Regret to re-spec skill setups, since each gem has its own socket color needs. Other valuable items include the Divine Orb, which is always in demand for rolling high-value stats on gear. These changes mean smart use of your PoE 2 currency is more important than ever.
If you’re looking to gear up quickly, many experienced players buy PoE 2 currency from trusted marketplaces to save time grinding. For example, platforms like U4GM are frequently used by the community for fast and secure transactions. It’s a solid way to build your wealth in-game and acquire essential items for endgame builds, especially when time is limited.
So what’s the new approach to socketing strategy? Focus on upgrading your skill gems first. Make sure they’re high level and quality, then look for gear that supports your playstyle—such as increasing AoE, crit chance, or elemental damage. Items no longer need to be 6-Linked, but they do need to have the right affixes to complement your chosen skills. Buy PoE 2 currency wisely to reroll these affixes using Chaos Orbs and Exalted Orbs when you’re crafting.

For example, if you’re building a cold-based caster, you’ll want gear that enhances cold damage and crit multiplier. Once you find a good base, use Essences or Fossils to roll better stats. If you don’t get what you want, you can sell the item, get more PoE 2 currency, and try again.
In conclusion, while the traditional 6-Link item may not be essential in PoE 2, its concept lives on within skill gem linking. Spend your resources not on finding 6-Link gear, but on enhancing your gems, crafting high-stat items, and building an efficient economy. And if you’re short on time, you can always buy PoE 2 currency from U4GM to stay ahead of the game. Understanding these mechanics will help you thrive in Wraeclast and avoid costly mistakes.