In Path of Exile 2, complex rune systems, sockets, and soul cores are integral parts of the character improvement process and make the character unique. Mastering these elements is essential for optimizing your experience in this game.

Understanding Gear Sockets

Gear sockets form the basis of your additional modifier selection to items. Maximum socket slots differ per item type:

• Chest Armor and Two-Handed Weapons: A maximum of two sockets.
• One-Handed Weapons, Gloves, Helmets and Boots: One socket.
• Quivers, Caster Weapons, and Jewelry: No sockets.

Bear in mind that just about everything drops with no sockets. You will want Artificer's Orbs that you can make by combining 10 of them from an Artificer's Shard, an alternative item found by using a socketed thing with your Salvage Bench and the Artificer's Shards you got from them in their combine menu to add one more socket.

The Role of Runes

Runes are used in place of the traditional crafting bench to apply specific modifiers onto the gear. Common modifiers are things like elemental resistances or flat additions of damage. A rune might give "+12% cold resistance" or imply weapon damage. Once placed within a socket, a rune cannot be removed or changed, making the application somewhat tricky.

Soul Cores

In the endgame, Soul Cores unlock, which are more powerful modifiers than regular runes. These can include things like providing additional spirit or better item rarity. Soul Cores are only acquired from the Trials of Chaos, an endgame mechanic borrowed from Path of Exile's Ultimatum. Like runes, a slotted Soul Core is there to stay in the item and cannot be taken out or replaced with another.

Adding Sockets to Gear

Adding sockets to your gear is a critical step in enhancing your equipment in Path of Exile 2. This process requires specific resources and a strategic approach. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Acquire an Artificer's Orb: Combine ten Artificer's Shards obtained from dismantling socketed items.
2. Apply Orb: Use the Artificer's Orb on an Item that you want to socket.

Note that if a Vaal Orb is used, sometimes an extra socket will be added, which may be in addition to the limit on sockets. However, using a Vaal Orb may corrupt the item and Vaal Orbs are always a gamble, so use them with caution.

Strategic Use of Runes and Soul Cores

As socketing runes/soul cores are permanent things, usage should be well thought over in advance:

• Early Game: Use runes to balance your resistances or increase your damage output.
• Endgame: Leave the best items for the soul cores, choosing careful modifiers that will help your build.

Remember, a set soul core or rune cannot be replaced or removed, so choose deliberately.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of runes, sockets, and soul cores is important in optimizing your character in Path of Exile 2. Knowing how to add sockets effectively and how to apply runes and soul cores thoughtfully will significantly upgrade your gameplay.