One of Path of Exile 2’s greatest strengths as an ARPG is its immense class variety. Whether you prefer an Ice Strike Monk, a Spark Sorceress, or a Totem Warrior, there are countless ways to build your character. The vast passive skill tree, multiple ascendancies, and a near-infinite combination of gear affixes allow for endless customization.

Among these powerful build options are Meta Skills, a unique type of Skill Gem that can be incredibly strong when used correctly. However, unlike regular Skill Gems, Meta Gems have special mechanics and require a different approach to maximize their potential. Let’s break down what they are, how they work, and how to make the most of them.

What Are Meta Skills in PoE 2?

Meta Skills are special Skill Gems that can be socketed alongside regular Skill Gems and Support Gems in a Support Gem Socket. These skills automatically activate their linked skills when certain conditions are met, provided their Energy requirement is fulfilled.

To identify a Meta Skill, simply look for the ‘Meta’ tag below its name in the context menu. Additionally, most Meta Skills require a Spirit Gem to function, though some can also be acquired through regular Skill Gems.

How Do Meta Skills Work in PoE 2?

Meta Skills serve as triggers, activating the Skill Gems socketed inside them once their Energy requirement is met.

• Energy Generation: Each Meta Skill generates Energy in a unique way, usually through specific in-game actions.
• Activation: Once a Meta Skill reaches 100 Energy, it automatically triggers its linked skill(s), then resets its Energy back to zero.
• Example - Cast on Freeze: This Meta Skill gains Energy every time you Freeze an enemy. Once it reaches 100 Energy, it will instantly cast the socketed skill (e.g., a damage spell like Ice Spear). Players focusing on this Meta Skill should aim to freeze enemies as frequently as possible to maintain high uptime on their triggered abilities.

Meta Skills cannot be socketed inside other Meta Skills, and most of them require at least 60 Spirit Reservation to function. Players start with 100 Spirit through permanent campaign bonuses, and more can be acquired through Spirit modifiers found on Amulets, Body Armors, and Sceptres.

How to Gain Energy for Meta Gems Faster

To maximize the efficiency of Meta Skills, players should focus on increasing the rate at which they generate Energy. There are four primary ways to do this:

1. Impetus Support Gem: Socketing the Impetus Support Gem into a Meta Skill increases its Energy gain by 40%. However, only one Impetus can be active at a time.
2. Gem Quality: Using a Gemcutter’s Prism on certain Meta Gems can increase their Energy absorption rate by up to 20%. Holding ALT while hovering over a Meta Skill will display how Quality affects it.
3. Passive Skill Tree Points: Some passive nodes in the skill tree enhance Meta Skill effectiveness, including Energy gain. Searching ‘meta’ in the tree will highlight relevant passives.
4. Sapphire Jewels: Sapphire Jewels can roll the suffix “Meta Skills gain (5–15)% increased Energy”, which can be found at relatively low prices on the PoE 2 trade site.

Mastering Meta Skills can significantly enhance your character’s power and efficiency, making them a crucial aspect of high-level play. For those looking to optimize their build and acquire the best gear, sites like U4GM offer fast and reliable trading services to help you stay ahead in Path of Exile 2.