Grinding through Wraeclast just got a whole lot more exciting. Path of Exile 2's latest update, Patch 0.3.0 – The Third Edict, introduces a massive revamp to the gem system, including new skill gems, spirit gems, support gems, and an all-new category: Lineage Support Gems. These additions dramatically expand build possibilities, allowing players to experiment with combos that were impossible before. Let's dive into everything PoE 2 veterans and newcomers need to know.
PoE 2 0.3 – Skill Gems Overview
The 0.3.0 update adds a wide variety of new skill gems across Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. These gems introduce fresh mechanics, from warcries and projectile skills to minion-focused abilities and persistent buffs. Here's a detailed look at the standout new skills:
1. Fortifying Cry
A must-have for tanky melee builds, Fortifying Cry grants Guard, a temporary buffer above your life and energy shield. While Guard is active, your shield attacks release shockwaves that damage enemies. Cooldowns can be skipped using Endurance Charges, making this perfect for Monks or Shield Warriors seeking both defense and crowd control.
2. Forge Hammer
Forge Hammer allows you to slam a fiery hammer into the ground and recall it to reset its cooldown. Using a warcry near the lodged hammer shatters it, dealing spiral fire damage. Ideal for hammer-focused melee builds, this skill excels at single-target damage.
3. Ancestral Cry
This high-risk, high-reward skill relies on Glory, gained by igniting enemies. Activating Ancestral Cry transforms you into a volcanic powerhouse, boosting melee damage and causing eruptions with every step. Best reserved for boss fights or elite mobs in fire-focused melee builds.
4. Toxic Domain
Toxic Domain generates a poisonous area around you, regenerating life but increasing skill costs. Projectiles within the domain apply Toxic Pustules to enemies, which explode after stacking poison. Excellent for ranged poison builds who enjoy controlling space.
5. Ice-Tipped Arrows
Empower your next bow or spear attacks to spawn ice fragments that explode for additional cold damage. Cooldowns are refreshable with Frenzy Charges, making it a perfect pick for fast, high-volume projectile attacks.
6. Frost Darts
Launches icy projectiles that shatter into damage-dealing ice chunks on chilled or frozen enemies. A top-tier option for cold spellcasters who want a mix of crowd control and burst damage.
PoE 2 0.3 – Spirit Gems Overview
Spirit Gems provide buffs or active abilities in exchange for the Spirit resource, opening new strategic options for various builds.
1. Iron Ward
Stores a portion of physical damage your armor blocks and releases it as a spike nova, punishing enemies around you. Ideal for tanky frontline characters.
2. Mortar Cannon
Summons a totem firing grenades at a faster rate than usual. Perfect for pre-fighting tough enemies or ranged tactical setups.
3. Mirage Archer
Arguably the strongest new spirit skill, dodging spawns a mirage that attacks with your ranged skills. Rewards timing and mechanical skill for dexterity-focused ranged builds.
4. Ravenous Swarm
Summons insect swarms that poison nearby enemies. Great synergy with Bonestorm and minion-heavy builds for sustained damage and Impale stacking.
5. Siphon Elements
Generates Infusion Remnants from status effects, powering up elemental builds that rely on freeze, shock, or ignite mechanics.
6. Grim Feast
Revives dead minions instantly at the cost of Spirit, offering more consistent minion gameplay. Excellent for summoner-focused strategies if managed correctly.
PoE 2 0.3 – New & Reworked Support Gems
Patch 0.3.0 overhauls the Support Gem system, removing previous limits and allowing multiple copies of the same support gem. Many gems were renamed, reworked, or combined for clarity and balance. Additionally, Lineage Support Gems are introduced as high-end alternatives for endgame builds.
Leaked Support Gems (China Trail Event)
· Boundless Energy
· Bounty
· Cannibalism
· Greatwood
· Magnified Area
· Mysticism
· Rageforged
· Retaliate
· Skittering Stone
· Thornskin
· Vanguard
· Poisoning
· Redundancy
· Immortal Butterfly
· Ambush
· Eroding Ground
· Ritual Curse
· Elemental Army
· Charge Shot
· Call of the Ancestors
· Foresight
· Glacier
· Frost Exposure
· Frost Infusion
· Cooldown Recovery
· Withering Touch
· Split Crack
· Biting Chill
· Severe Pain
· Upheaval
· Extended Lead
· Wind of Support
· Helping Wind
· Strong Momentum
· Upflow
· Fort
· Fortitude Totem
· Great Opportunity
· Zenith
· Ordered
· Cluster Bomb
· Perfect Stamina
These gems expand gameplay creativity, allowing combinations that weren't previously possible.
PoE 2 0.3 – Lineage Support Gems
Lineage Support Gems are exclusive, powerful supports that primarily enhance endgame builds. Unlike standard support gems, they are rare drops from high-level bosses or specific encounters.
Notable Lineage Support Gems and Effects:
Gem Effect
Ratha's Assault Supported Crossbow skills load multiple bolts when dodging; normal reload disabled.
Zarokh's Refrain Supported spells echo twice, repeating effects multiple times.
Sione's Temper Gain Wildshards; chance to fire 8 extra projectiles.
Dialla's Desire +1 to skill gem level, +10% quality, increased mana cost.
Arjun's Medal 35% chance to load bolts on killing blow with supported skills.
Tawhoa's Tending Totems gain 50% max life and trigger vengeance on death.
Rakiata's Flow Treats enemy elemental resistances as weaknesses.
These gems allow novel, high-power builds that challenge the conventional skill and support meta.
Conclusion
Patch 0.3.0 – The Third Edict dramatically reshapes the Path of Exile 2 gem ecosystem. New skill gems, spirit gems, reworked support gems, and the introduction of Lineage Support Gems create unprecedented build diversity. Whether you enjoy tanking with Fortifying Cry, shattering enemies with Frost Darts, or experimenting with new Lineage Support Gem synergies, PoE 2 0.3 encourages experimentation and mastery.
This update is a must-play for both casual players and endgame strategists, redefining how you approach combat, builds, and synergy in Wraeclast.
We hope this article is helpful. For more tips on Path of Exile 2 and trusted POE2 Currency services, be sure to visit Eld.gg.