Mastering Gem Socketing: A Comprehensive Guide to Diablo 4

Gem socketing in Diablo IV can significantly enhance your gameplay by providing powerful buffs and effects to your gear. Understanding how to utilize this system effectively can be the difference between a mediocre character and a formidable one.

How To Socket Gems in Diablo 4

In Diablo IV, players have the ability to socket gems into their gear to augment its capabilities. This process is relatively straightforward:

Inventory Interaction: Open your inventory and hover over the desired gem.
Drag and Drop: Holding the right mouse button, drag the gem onto the selected item. The game will indicate where the gem can be placed.

However, not all items have sockets, especially at lower levels, and not every item is compatible with every gem. Each gem possesses three different effects, but only one effect will be applied to the item based on its type. Carefully read the gem descriptions to determine the most suitable placement for your build.

It's important to note that the ability to add more sockets to an item becomes available after reaching level 20 and speaking with the Jeweler NPC. This NPC provides various services related to gem socketing:

Gem Rarity: Jeweler offers the ability to combine three weaker gems into a rarer, more potent one.
Gem Extraction: As you acquire more powerful equipment, you can extract gems from existing sockets to transfer them to superior gear. This service incurs a cost in gold and Scattered Prism.
Socket Addition: The Jeweler can add sockets to items that either lack them or have insufficient sockets for your needs, although this service is not universally applicable.

What are Sockets Used For?

Sockets serve as slots on your gear where gems can be added to provide additional attributes. These attributes vary depending on the type of gem inserted, allowing players to tailor their gear to suit their preferred playstyle or build. Some items may already come with sockets, while others may require modification to accommodate gems.

Lastly, it's essential to exercise caution when salvaging gear at the blacksmith, as any gems socketed into the item will be lost along with it. Always consider the ramifications before discarding or modifying socketed items.