In Path of Exile 2, Runes serve as an essential component in perfecting your character build. A well-formed set of runes, fully equipped into your gear, not only enhances the playstyle but also mitigates weaknesses and amplifies strengths within the game.
There are five distinct types of Runes you can fit into your equipment’s empty sockets: Lesser Runes, Normal Runes, Greater Runes, Soul Cores, and Talismans. This guide focuses specifically on the acquisition of Greater Runes.
Acquiring Greater Runes in Path of Exile 2
Players can obtain Greater Runes through one of three primary methods:
- Enemy Drops
- Reforging Runes
- Currency Exchange
1. Enemy Drops
Similar to their Lesser and Normal counterparts, Greater Runes can drop from monsters you encounter throughout Path of Exile 2. Nevertheless, due to their enhanced value, the drop rate for Greater Runes is considerably lower, making them rare finds as standard drops.
The mechanic of ‘Increased Quantity of Items Dropped’ influences the drop rates of all items, including Greater Runes, but does not permit targeted farming for these specific runes.
2. Reforging Bench
Players can utilize the Reforging Bench to convert Runes. By combining three Lesser Runes of the same variant, you can create a Normal Rune. Similarly, three Normal Runes of any type can be reforged into a Greater Rune of that type. For instance, amalgamating three Lesser Iron Runes will yield an Iron Rune, and subsequently, three Iron Runes can be reforged into a Greater Iron Rune. Please note that players must first unlock the Reforging Bench during the campaign to access this feature.
3. Currency Exchange
As with other socket items, Greater Runes are available for purchase from other players through Currency Exchange. Visiting Alva in the Hideout allows you to acquire the desired Greater Runes quickly, though this will require some in-game currency.
Utilizing Greater Runes in Path of Exile 2
Greater Runes operate similarly to Lesser and Normal Runes in Path of Exile 2. These runes can be inserted into empty Rune Slots available on weapons or armor, imparting fixed bonuses based on the gear type.
To apply a Greater Rune’s effects, simply drag and drop it into an empty Rune Slot. Keep in mind that once a Greater Rune is placed, it cannot be removed or retrieved. However, it can be exchanged for another Rune (of any type), Soul Core, or Talisman.