Path of Exile 2 players can look forward to a significant boost in endgame progression options as Grinding Gear Games has revealed plans to introduce 43 new crafting socketables in the upcoming Patch 0.2.1. These rare, powerful items are designed to raise the power ceiling and provide incremental character upgrades for dedicated players.
Expanding the Endgame with Powerful New Socketables
Originally scheduled for release in late May, Patch 0.2.1 has been pushed back to the first week of June as developers need additional time to perfect the update. When it arrives, it will address a key issue with the current socketable crafting system – the lack of exciting endgame options to replace early-game runes.
The update will introduce three distinct categories of new socketables:
- 22 new Runes (available only as world drops, cannot be upgraded from existing Runes)
- 14 new Soul Cores (obtainable from Endgame Ultimatum encounters in the Trial of Chaos)
- 7 new Talismans (dropped by Azmerian Spirit-possessed enemies)
What makes these socketables special?
Unlike the current socketables that primarily help players fill attribute gaps and resistance requirements during the campaign, these new additions are specifically designed as valuable chase items for the endgame. They'll allow players to min-max their characters with more powerful offensive and defensive options once their basic stats are covered by regular gear.
Grinding Gear Games has emphasized that these items won't be acquired easily – they're intended to be rare finds that provide meaningful progression over the mid to long term as players delve deeper into Path of Exile 2's endgame content.
A Glimpse at the New Socketables
The preview showcased several examples of the upcoming items, including multiple new Runes that will be available exclusively as world drops. Players will also be able to hunt for the "Tacati's Soul Core of Affliction" among the 14 new Soul Cores from Endgame Ultimatum encounters, and the "Talisman of Thruldana" – one of 7 new Talismans dropped by enemies possessed by Azmerian Spirits.
More content on the horizon
Beyond the socketables, Grinding Gear Games has confirmed that Patch 0.2.1 will include additional content that's still in development. The studio plans to preview new Unique Items later this week, giving players even more to look forward to when the update arrives in early June.
For Path of Exile 2 veterans who have reached the endgame, these new socketables represent a significant expansion of character customization options and a compelling reason to continue hunting for upgrades in the world of Wraeclast.