PoE 2 Rune Tier List - Best Runes in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 introduces a new crafting and item enhancement system centered around Runes and Sockets, which replace the crafting bench from the original game. In this Path of Exile 2 Rune guide, we will discuss the basics of runes, their functionality, and the best Runes to use in Early Access!

How Do Runes Work in Path of Exile 2?

Runes in Path of Exile 2 is a pivotal advancement of the crafting system from Path of Exile 1. The new system revolves around socketing Runes into items, allowing players to modify their gear in unique ways. Here’s an overview of how the system works:

1. Sockets on Items: Most items in Path of Exile 2 do not come with sockets by default. However, some items may drop with one or more sockets pre-installed. Items like chest armor and two-handed weapons can have up to two sockets, while other equipment, such as gloves, helmets, boots, and one-handed weapons, are limited to one socket.

2. Adding Sockets:
   To add a socket to an item, players need an Artificer’s Orb, which is obtained by salvaging items with sockets at the Salvage Bench in the Aam Village. When 10 socketed items are dismantled, an Artificer’s Orb is created. Once acquired, players can use the orb to add a socket to an item, enhancing its potential.

3. Runes: Runes are socketable items that grant additional modifiers to gear. These modifiers can range from elemental damage to resistance boosts or specific stat increases. For example, the Clal Rune adds 6–10 Cold Damage to attacks, making it an excellent choice for early-game builds.

4. Irrevocable Choices: Once a Rune or Soul Core is socketed into an item, it cannot be removed or replaced. This means players must carefully consider their choices, especially when upgrading powerful items later in the game.

Best Runes to Socket in Path of Exile 2

Not all Runes in Path of Exile 2 are equal. Some are essential for progression, while others excel in specific builds or endgame scenarios. Below is a ranked list of the best Runes based on their utility and power:

PoE 2 Best Runes for Weapons

Runes for Bows and Crossbows

1. Iron Rune:

   Effect: 20% increased Physical Damage.

   This is generally the best choice for scaling physical damage, as bows and crossbows often rely on physical damage that can be converted into elemental damage through skills or passives.

2. Storm Rune:

   Effect: Adds 1 to 20 Lightning Damage.

   A good alternative if you want to add flat elemental damage. This works well if your build focuses on elemental damage or status effects like Shock.

3. Desert Rune:

   Effect: Adds 7 to 11 Fire Damage.

   Useful for fire-based builds, though it provides less flat damage compared to Storm Runes.

4. Glacial Rune:

   Effect: Adds 6 to 10 Cold Damage.

   Provides a smaller damage boost but adds chilling effects, which can be useful for crowd control.

Runes for Staff

1. Iron Rune:

   Effect: 20% increased Physical Damage.

   Best for physical damage builds, especially if you’re converting physical into elemental damage.

2. Mind Rune:

   Effect: Leeches 2% of Physical Damage as Mana.

   If mana sustain is an issue, this rune can help significantly.

3. Storm, Desert, or Glacial Rune:

   Add flat elemental damage depending on your preferred element.

Runes for Shield

1. Vision Rune:

   Effect: +100 to Accuracy Rating.

   Helps ensure consistent hits, especially for melee or ranged weapon builds.

2. Stone Rune:

   Effect: Causes 25% increased Stun Buildup.

   Useful for builds focused on stunning enemies.

3. Rebirth Rune:

   Effect: Gain 20 Life per Enemy Killed.

   Great for survivability, especially in builds dependent on clearing large mobs.

PoE 2 Best Runes for Armor

1. Body Rune:

   Effect: +25% to maximum Life.

   One of the best choices for survivability, providing a significant boost to health.

2. Iron Rune:

   Effect: 20% increased Armour, Evasion, and Energy Shield.

   A versatile option for increasing overall defenses.

3. Rebirth Rune:

   Effect: Regenerate 0.3% of Life per second.

   Excellent for sustaining health over time, especially for tanky builds.

4. Desert, Glacial, or Storm Rune:

   Effect: +12% to Fire, Cold, or Lightning Resistance.

   Use these runes based on your weakest resistance to ensure survival against elemental damage.

5. Mind Rune:

   Effect: +20 to maximum Mana.

   Consider this rune if mana is a limiting factor in your build.

6. Vision Rune:

   Effect: 10% increased Life and Mana recovery from Flasks.

   Great for builds heavily reliant on flasks.

Best Runes For Specfic Builds

• For Physical Damage Builds: Prioritize Iron Runes on weapons and Body Runes on armor.

• For Elemental Damage Builds: Use flat elemental damage runes like Storm, Desert, or Glacial Runes on weapons and resistance runes on armor.

• For Survivability: Use Body Runes, Rebirth Runes, or resistance runes on armor.

• For Mana Management: Use Mind Runes for mana leech or maximum mana.

Advanced Rune Mechanics and Tips

Here we share more tips to help you to use runes effectively:

1. Exceeding Socket Limits:
   Players can exceed normal socket limits using Volatile Orbs (VOB). For example, a two-socket item can potentially gain a third socket. However, this comes with risks, including the chance of destroying the item or locking it from further crafting. Use this method cautiously.

2. Early Game Rune Usage:
   While it’s essential to plan for the late game, players should not hesitate to use Runes early to solve immediate challenges, such as resistance gaps or attribute requirements. This ensures smoother progression through the story.

3. Endgame Planning:
   Save your best Runes and Soul Cores for high-tier items. Avoid socketing them into gear that will likely be replaced soon.

Runes and Soul Cores are transformative mechanics in Path of Exile 2. By mastering the system of sockets, Artificer’s Orbs, and Rune selection, players can significantly enhance their gear and optimize their builds. Whether in the early game or at the endgame, understanding how to use Runes effectively is key to success in Path of Exile 2.