If you’ve played Path of Exile for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that gems are at the core of every build. Skills, defenses, damage scaling, utility effects—all of them run through the gem system. One of the biggest leaps in power you can get for your character comes from upgrading your gems, and in the late game, that usually means moving toward awakened support gems.
When I first discovered awakened gems, I thought they were just “shinier versions” of regular supports. After investing in one for my build, I quickly realized how big the difference could be. The catch is that awakened gems don’t just drop like candy, and the process of upgrading isn’t always obvious. This guide walks you through everything: what awakened support gems are, how to exchange a non-exceptional gem for its awakened version, and whether it’s worth it for your build.
Understanding Support Gems in Path of Exile
Support gems in PoE are not skills themselves but modifiers that change how your skills behave. They add extra projectiles, increase area of effect, boost damage, or alter mechanics entirely. For example, Increased Critical Strikes Support will raise your chance to critically strike with a linked skill.
Not all support gems are created equal. Some are called non-exceptional support gems, which simply means they are the standard versions you find throughout the game. Others are labeled exceptional, usually because they offer unique or build-defining mechanics.
Awakened support gems take this progression further. They’re like a final evolution of regular support gems, offering stronger stats and sometimes even completely new mechanics.
What Are Awakened Support Gems?
Awakened support gems are high-level versions of standard support gems, introduced in the Conquerors of the Atlas expansion. Think of them as “endgame versions” of the supports you already know.
For example:
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Awakened Multistrike Support gives more attack speed and adds bonus effects compared to normal Multistrike.
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Awakened Increased Area of Effect Support scales better and adds higher multipliers than the base version.
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Some awakened gems even unlock new features, like Awakened Curse on Hit, which allows multiple curses to apply when the regular version does not.
These gems only start dropping in endgame content, and they require high character levels (up to level 72+) to use. They are considered some of the most valuable items in the trade economy because of their rarity and power.
How to Exchange a Non-Exceptional Support Gem for Its Awakened Version
Here’s the part most players are curious about: the actual exchange process. In Path of Exile, certain vendor recipes allow you to trade items for upgraded versions. To exchange a non-exceptional support gem for its awakened version, you typically need:
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A Level 20, 20% quality non-exceptional support gem
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The proper awakened upgrade option available through the vendor recipe system
For example, if you want to upgrade Elemental Damage with Attacks Support, you need a fully leveled version of the base gem. Once you sell it to the vendor along with the recipe requirements, you’ll receive the awakened version in return.
The tricky part is that not all gems can be upgraded this way. Only specific non-exceptional support gems have awakened counterparts.
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Other Ways to Obtain Awakened Gems
While vendor recipes are the most straightforward way to “exchange” a gem, they are not the only source. Here are the other main methods:
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Boss Drops
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Sirus, Awakener of Worlds, is the original main source of awakened gems. Defeating him on higher Awakening Levels gives you a chance at one or more awakened gems.
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Maven and some endgame invitations can also drop awakened gems.
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Trade Market
If you’re not into boss farming, the trade market is usually the fastest way. Prices fluctuate depending on the league and the gem’s usefulness, but staples like Awakened Multistrike or Awakened Spell Cascade tend to hold high value. -
League Mechanics and Drops
Certain league content (such as Simulacrums or Delirium) can also reward awakened gems indirectly by dropping valuable currency you can trade for them.
Are Awakened Gems Worth It?
This is where personal opinion comes in. In my experience, awakened gems are not always worth the cost for every build. Some awakened gems only offer slightly better stats than their base versions, while others completely transform how your skill functions.
For example, Awakened Curse on Hit is a game-changer for curse-based builds, since it allows you to apply multiple curses automatically. On the other hand, Awakened Added Cold Damage is strong, but if you’re tight on budget, the normal version may do just fine until you can afford the upgrade.
The rule of thumb I follow:
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If the awakened gem unlocks new mechanics, it’s usually worth it.
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If it’s just a minor stat boost, weigh the cost against how much DPS or utility you actually gain.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
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Don’t upgrade too early
Awakened gems require a high level to equip. Don’t sink currency into them if your character isn’t ready. -
Check the market first
Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy an awakened gem directly than to grind for one yourself. -
Only upgrade key gems
Focus on awakened versions of supports that are central to your build’s damage or defense.
Farming and Trading Strategies
If you’re planning to farm awakened gems, focus on Sirus and Maven encounters. Building a character capable of safely farming them is a long-term project, but the rewards can be worth it.
In terms of trading, awakened gem prices usually spike early in a league when fewer players can access endgame bosses. If you drop one early, it might be worth selling it right away for maximum profit. If you’re looking to buy, waiting a few weeks often brings the price down.
Conclusion
Exchanging a non-exceptional support gem for its awakened version is one of the most satisfying upgrades in Path of Exile. It represents a step into true endgame power. While not all awakened gems are worth the investment, the right one can completely change your build. Whether you farm them, trade for them, or use the vendor recipe, awakened gems are always exciting milestones in your PoE journey.
If you’re new to them, start small. Choose one awakened gem that really boosts your build, save up for it, and experience the difference. Once you feel that jump in power, you’ll understand why players chase these gems league after league.
FAQ
Q: Can you get awakened gems without fighting Sirus?
Yes. You can buy them from other players or sometimes get them from Maven and other endgame bosses.
Q: Are all support gems upgradeable to awakened versions?
No. Only select non-exceptional gems have awakened counterparts.
Q: What is the best awakened gem for beginners?
It depends on your build, but commonly useful ones include Awakened Multistrike, Awakened Spell Cascade, and Awakened Increased Area of Effect.
Q: Do awakened gems always outperform their normal versions?
Almost always, but the real question is whether the upgrade is worth the price for your build and league stage.
