PoE Gem Linking Guide – Best Links & Supports Explained

Path of Exile (PoE) is one of the most complex and rewarding action RPGs on the market. Set in the dark world of Wraeclast, it offers endless build customization, deep POE currency itemization, and challenging endgame content. For newcomers, the game’s sheer scale can be intimidating — but starting off right can make all the difference.

This MMOexp guide will walk you through the core steps, tips, and strategies to get your character off to a strong start in Wraeclast.

1. Understanding Path of Exile’s Core Systems

Before diving into the action, it’s important to grasp a few fundamentals:

Passive Skill Tree: A gigantic network of nodes providing stats, keystones, and build-defining bonuses.

Active Skill Gems: Abilities come from socketed gems in your gear, not from your class.

Support Gems: Modify active skills for extra power or utility.

Currency Items: Instead of gold, PoE uses various orbs for crafting, trading, and upgrades.

Knowing how these systems fit together lets you make better choices early on.

2. Choose a Beginner-Friendly Class

PoE offers seven classes (plus Ascendancies later). As a beginner, pick one with a straightforward playstyle and strong early-game skills:

Marauder (Juggernaut/Chieftain): Tanky melee with solid survivability.

Witch (Necromancer/Elementalist): Easy summoner or spellcaster builds.

Ranger (Deadeye/Pathfinder): Simple ranged or bow builds.

You can make any class work, but some are more forgiving for newcomers.

3. Follow a Proven Leveling Build

Rather than improvising your first build, follow a guide created by experienced players:

Reduces risk of bricking your character.

Ensures smooth progression through the campaign.

Helps you understand gem links and passive priorities.

MMOexp’s community forums often highlight strong starter builds each league — check there for up-to-date recommendations.

4. Focus on Life/Resistances Early

New players often underestimate defenses. Prioritize:

Life Nodes on the Passive Tree: More HP = more mistakes you can survive.

Elemental Resistances: Fire, Cold, and Lightning should be capped at 75% before entering maps.

Armor/Evasion/Energy Shield: Pick one based on your build and stack it.

Staying alive is more important than squeezing out extra DPS early on.

5. Learn the Currency System

Instead of gold, PoE runs on orbs — each with a distinct purpose:

Chaos Orbs: The main trade currency for mid-tier items.

Exalted Orbs: High-end crafting/trade currency.

Orb of Alchemy / Orb of Fusing / Jeweller’s Orbs: Upgrade and modify items.

Keep your orbs organized and don’t waste them on low-level gear. MMOexp’s secure marketplace is an option if you need to speed up your currency gains without grinding endlessly.

6. Gem Links: The Heart of Your Power

Active skill gems gain massive power from the right support gems:

A 4-link setup early in the game can double or triple your damage.

Aim for 4-links in Acts 1–4, then 5–6 links as you reach endgame.

Prioritize support gems that directly increase your main skill’s damage or clear speed.

Color-matching sockets matters (red/green/blue) — plan your gear accordingly.

7. Gear Smartly While Leveling

You don’t need perfect gear to beat the campaign. Instead:

Use Rare Items with Life + Resistances: Most effective stat combo for beginners.

Upgrade Weapons Regularly: Especially for melee or attack-based builds.

Use Vendor Recipes: Combine items at NPCs for guaranteed results (e.g., 3 linked colors = Chromatic Orb).

Save your best crafting currency for later, or use MMOexp to buy starter gear quickly.

8. Move Fast, Clear Smart

Speed is survival in PoE:

Use a Movement Skill: Leap Slam, Dash, Flame Dash, Whirling Blades, etc.

Don’t Overloot: Pick up valuable items, currency, and crafting bases; skip junk.

Know When to Skip Encounters: If a mechanic seems overtuned, move on — especially in Hardcore.

9. Understand the Endgame Map System Early

After Act 10, the Atlas of Worlds becomes your main playground:

Maps: Randomized dungeons with modifiers, bosses, and loot.

Atlas Tree: Similar to passive skills but affects your mapping strategy.

Endgame Goals: Build a map pool, defeat pinnacle bosses, and upgrade your Atlas bonuses.

Learning about maps while leveling helps you prepare for a smooth transition.

10. League Mechanics: Don’t Get Overwhelmed

Each league introduces a new mechanic (e.g., Delirium, Breach, Heist). Early on:

Sample the mechanics but don’t feel obligated to max them out.

Focus on those that synergize with your build or reward valuable currency.

As you get stronger, invest more time into high-reward mechanics.

11. Use the Community to Your Advantage

PoE’s community is huge and resourceful:

Build Guides: Websites like Poe.ninja or MMOexp’s forums show meta builds.

Trade Sites: Official PoE trade site for items.

Crafting Tools: Tools like Craft of Exile help plan item upgrades.

Engage with these resources early to accelerate your learning curve.

12. Trading Safely and Efficiently

Trading is crucial in PoE:

List Items Publicly: Use premium stash tabs or third-party tools.

Check Market Prices: Don’t undersell valuable gear.

Avoid Scams: Double-check trades before accepting.

MMOexp provides a trusted marketplace for PoE currency and items, ensuring fast, secure transactions so you can focus on playing instead of grinding.

13. Upgrade Your Flask Setup

Flasks in PoE aren’t just healing potions — they’re temporary buffs:

Life Flasks: Always have an instant recovery flask for emergencies.

Utility Flasks: Granite (armor), Jade (evasion), Quicksilver (movement speed).

Roll Modifiers: “Immunity to Bleeding” or “Freeze Immunity” are lifesavers.

Updating your flask setup regularly is one of the easiest POE currency for sale ways to boost survivability.

14. Learn About Ascendancies Early

After Act 3’s Labyrinth, you unlock your Ascendancy — a subclass with powerful nodes:

Complete the Labyrinth trials as you progress.

Pick Ascendancy nodes that complement your main skill and defenses.

These nodes can make or break your build, so plan ahead.

15. Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Spreading Passive Points Too Thin: Focus on a clear path.

Ignoring Resistances: Leads to constant deaths.

Using Currency Recklessly: Save high-value orbs for later.

Skipping Movement Skills: Slower = more danger.

Neglecting Flask Upgrades: Outdated flasks can get you killed.

16. Sample Early-Game Roadmap

Level RangeFocusWhy

1–20Pick a proven leveling skill & link supportsSmooth early clear speed

20–40Prioritize Life/Resistances gearSurvive Act bosses

40–60Upgrade flasks & weapon basesTransition to endgame-ready gear

60+Start mapping & Atlas learningBuild sustainable endgame progression

17. How MMOexp Helps You Succeed

Grinding in PoE can be fun but also time-consuming. MMOexp gives you:

Quick, secure currency purchases for chaos, exalted, and other orbs.

Starter gear or rare uniques to kick-start a build.

Community support to find reliable trading partners.

This lets you spend more time mastering mechanics instead of farming endlessly.

Final Thoughts

Path of Exile rewards knowledge, planning, and efficient play. By starting with a clear build, prioritizing defenses, learning the currency system, and practicing smart looting and trading, you’ll carve a powerful path through Wraeclast.

With MMOexp, you can supercharge your journey — acquiring the orbs, gear, and guidance you need to focus on the game’s most exciting content. Combine disciplined play with strategic support, and you’ll go from exile to endgame powerhouse in no time.