
In the event of three or more linked sockets, as in the item pictured, all of the support gems in the socket group will modify the effects of all skill gems in the socket group. Placing two skill gems into linked sockets will have no effect beyond giving the player access to both skills. A player can place the Fireball skill gem into one socket and the Multiple Projectiles support gem into the other which will allow the player to fire multiple fireballs at once. For example, an item may be found with two sockets linked to each other. A support gem may be placed in a socket linked to a skill gem and the support gem will modify the effect of the skill gem. Sockets can also be linked to adjacent sockets forming groups of linked sockets. For example, a Strength/Dexterity sword is very likely to contain red or green sockets and unlikely to have blue sockets.

In addition, the attribute alignment of the item will influence which colors the sockets will be. One-hand weapons and shields cap out at three sockets, while two-hand weapons can contain six. High end body armor can reach six sockets. Most armor pieces can have up to four sockets. The size and type of item will influence how many sockets it can hold. Gems can be removed from sockets at any time with no penalty. Skill gems of the matching color may be placed into these sockets to immediately gain access to that skill. In Path of Exile, many items contain colored gem sockets.
