poe how to buy level 1 gems | poe skill gems by tag

Level 1 gems are the foundation of any Path of Exile (PoE) build. Whether you're creating a new character, experimenting with a different skill, or meticulously crafting the perfect support setup, acquiring level 1 gems efficiently is crucial. This guide will delve into the best methods for obtaining these foundational gems, primarily focusing on Siosa and Lilly Roth, while also exploring related topics like gem quality, expensive gems, level control, and the broader landscape of PoE's gem system.

The Primary Sources: Siosa and Lilly Roth

The most reliable and consistent way to buy level 1 gems in Path of Exile is through two specific vendors:

* Siosa (Act 3 – The Library): Siosa becomes available after completing the "Lost in Love" quest in Act 3. He offers a wide selection of gems, but his stock is limited to the gems that are relevant to the classes that can access the Library zone at that point in the story. This makes him a great option for quickly grabbing the basics for your build as you progress through the campaign.

* Lilly Roth (Epilogue – The Rogue Harbour): Lilly Roth is located in the Rogue Harbour, accessible through Heist contracts. She boasts the most comprehensive selection of level 1 gems in the entire game. After completing her introductory quest, she sells *all* gems, regardless of your character's class or progression. This makes her the go-to vendor for specialized builds or for acquiring gems for future characters.

Why Siosa and Lilly are Essential

These vendors are vital for several reasons:

* Reliability: They consistently offer a selection of gems, unlike relying on random drops or player trading.

* Accessibility: Both are relatively easy to access, especially once you've unlocked them. Siosa is part of the main story, and Lilly Roth is easily accessed via the Heist mechanic.

* Affordability: They sell gems for relatively low prices, usually a few Orbs of Transmutation or Jeweller's Orbs.poe how to buy level 1 gems

* Convenience: Quickly purchasing the exact gems you need saves time and frustration compared to searching through player listings.

Navigating Siosa's and Lilly's Stock

While both vendors offer level 1 gems, their specific inventories and requirements differ slightly:

* Siosa: His selection is limited to gems usable by classes that can access the Library. If you're playing a class that uses a less common skill, you might not find it at Siosa. He sells gems for Orbs of Transmutation.

* Lilly Roth: She sells *all* gems, making her ideal for specialized builds or future characters. She also sells gems for Orbs of Transmutation.

Beyond the Basics: Understanding the Gem System

Acquiring level 1 gems is just the starting point. To fully utilize the power of PoE's gem system, you need to understand several related concepts.

1. PoE Gem Quality Chart

Gem quality enhances the effectiveness of a skill gem. There are three quality types:

* Superior: The basic form of quality, obtained from leveling gems, certain currency items (Gemcutter's Prism), or corruption outcomes. Superior quality provides incremental stat bonuses to the gem's effects. The bonuses vary depending on the gem.

* Divergent: These are alternate quality gems obtained from Heist. Divergent gems offer unique stat bonuses that often significantly alter the way a skill functions, sometimes providing completely different effects than the base gem.

* Anomalous: Another type of alternate quality gem from Heist. Similar to Divergent, Anomalous gems provide unique stat bonuses, but they often focus on less common or niche aspects of the skill.

* Phantasmal: The third type of alternate quality gem from Heist. Like Divergent and Anomalous, Phantasmal gems provide unique stat bonuses and can drastically change how a skill performs.

The best quality type depends on the specific gem and your build goals. Understanding the different effects of each quality type is crucial for optimizing your character. You can use the official Path of Exile wiki and third-party tools like PoB (Path of Building) to compare the effects of different gem qualities.

2. PoE Most Expensive Skill Gem

The price of a skill gem on the player market is determined by several factors:

* Rarity: Some gems are rarer than others, particularly alternate quality gems.

* Demand: Gems used in popular and powerful builds tend to be more expensive.

* Quality: High quality (especially alternate qualities) significantly increase the price.

* Level: Level 20 gems with 20% quality are highly sought after and command premium prices.

* Corruption: Corrupted gems can have powerful implicit modifiers, making them valuable.

Examples of historically expensive gems include:

* Awakened Gems (Empower, Enhance, Enlighten): These support gems are crucial for scaling builds to endgame levels, making them highly valuable.

* Certain Alternate Quality Gems: Gems with powerful or build-defining alternate quality bonuses.

* Gems with specific Corrupted Implicits: Certain implicit modifiers, such as "+1 to Level of Socketed Gems," can greatly increase a gem's value.