Runes are one of the most crucial aspects of finalizing a build in Path of Exile 2. A fully socketed gear set that complements the build and playstyle is just as important as the gear choices themselves, as they can allow players to shore up their weaknesses or augment their strengths.
There are five possible Rune types players can place in an empty socket in gear: Lesser Runes, Normal Runes, Greater Runes, Soul Cores, and Talismans. This guide goes in-depth about how to obtain Greater Runes.
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How to Get Greater Runes in PoE 2
There are two ways to obtain Greater Runes in Path of Exile 2:
- Enemy Drops
- Reforging Runes
- Currency Exchange
Enemy Drops
Like Lesser Runes and Regular Runes, Greater Runes also have the possibility of dropping from monsters encountered anywhere in Path of Exile 2. However, thanks to their more valuable nature, their drop rate is significantly reduced compared to their lesser variants, making obtaining a Greater Rune as a regular drop unlikely.
The ‘Increased Quantity of Items Dropped’ stat affects the drop rate of all items, including Greater Runes. However, it does not allow for target farming these items.
Reforging Bench
Reforging three Lesser Runes of the same type will transform them into a Normal Rune, and combining three Normal Runes of the same type will transform them into a Greater Rune of that type. For example, three Lesser Iron Runes can be combined at a Reforging Bench to obtain an Iron Rune, and three Iron Runes can be combined at a Reforging Bench to obtain a Greater Iron Rune. Do note, however, that you will need to unlock the Reforging Bench through the campaign before this feature becomes available.
Currency Exchange
Like other socketables, Greater Runes can be purchased from other players through the Currency Exchange by talking to Alva in the Hideout. This is the optimal way to get what you want quickly, but it will cost some currency.
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How to Use Greater Runes in PoE 2
Greater Runes function in essentially the same way as Lesser Runes and Runes in Path of Exile 2. They can be socketed into an empty Rune Slot on any armor or weapon, providing fixed effects depending on the type of gear they are socketed into.
Drag and drop a Greater Rune into an empty Rune Slot to apply its effects. Once placed, a Greater Rune cannot be removed or recovered. However, it can be replaced by another Rune (Lesser/Normal/Greater), Soul Core, or Talisman.
