In Path of Exile 2, the way we use and value gear has changed a lot, and one of the biggest questions players ask is: Is a 6-link item still worth it? The short answer is: yes, but in a very different way than before. In this guide, we’ll break down the new socketing system, explain how it affects your gear and skills, and give you smart ways to make and save PoE 2 currency. Whether you're a beginner or a long-time player, this guide will help you make better choices and avoid wasting your hard-earned currency.

In PoE 1, players chased 6-link armor and weapons because they allowed the use of six skill supports in one skill. This made them a must-have for almost every strong build. You would spend a lot of Orb of Fusing trying to link items or buy PoE 2 currency just to buy a 6-link from other players.
However, in Path of Exile 2, the system is completely different. Skills are no longer tied to the gear directly — instead, they live in the skill tree and gear just offers sockets for support gems. This means a weapon or armor piece having 6 sockets is still useful, but it’s no longer the only way to boost your main skill.
So is a 6-socket still important? Yes, but its role has shifted. Instead of focusing all your supports on one main skill, now you can spread different support gems across various gear pieces. For example, your gloves might support an aura, your helmet might support a totem, and your main skill could be empowered through the tree. This gives you more flexibility — but it also means you need more support gems and gear with the right socket colors.
This is where managing your PoE 2 currency comes into play. You'll still need Chromatic Orbs to change socket colors, Jeweller’s Orbs to roll the number of sockets, and maybe even Orb of Binding to make better bases. Smart players keep these currencies or trade for them early in the league when prices are lower. If you don’t want to waste time farming, it’s completely okay to buy PoE 2 currency from trusted sellers like U4GM, where transactions are fast, safe, and secure.
A solid strategy is to focus early on gear with 4–5 sockets that match your build colors. Then as you get richer, look for 6-socket rare items or buy them using PoE 2 currency on the trade market. Prioritize items with strong base stats and good implicit mods. Items like Divine Orbs and Exalted Orbs are still popular, so if you find them, either sell for profit or use them to upgrade powerful gear.
In summary, 6-links are no longer the only path to power, but they’re still valuable for stacking multiple support gems. They offer more utility than before — supporting a wider range of skills — so they’re absolutely worth using. Just be smart about how you spend and trade. Managing your PoE 2 currency well is key, and don’t be afraid to buy PoE 2 currency at U4GM to save time and get ahead in the game.