Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients - Kalguuran Gem Showcase

Summary

• New Content: The “Runes of Aldur” league introduces Remnant encounters, providing diverse rewards including new Kalguuran Gems.
• Unique Mechanics: Kalguuran Gems utilize Runic Ward instead of Mana for costs and lack attribute requirements, making them accessible to any class.
• Build Synergy: Success with these skills requires careful management of Ward costs, often supplemented by specific armor and runes.
• Skill Variety: The new skills range from offensive traps and projectiles to defensive channels and minion support.

Introduction to Kalguuran Gems

In the “Runes of Aldur” league, players can acquire Kalguuran Gems through Remnant encounters. These gems are fusions of ancient Kalguuran runeshapes and Wraeclast magic. Because they are powered by Runic Ward rather than Mana and have no attribute requirements, they can be integrated into any character build. Players must balance Ward costs, though specialized builds can be constructed entirely around these skills.

Offensive Kalguuran Skills

• Bitter Dead: Raises chilling volatile orbs that spend Ward to create cores. These cores seek out enemies, explode for damage, and leave behind a rune that inflicts Cold damage over time.
• Detonate Living: An alternative to corpse explosion; this skill causes enemies currently below the Cull threshold to explode while still alive.
• Conductive Runes: Spends Ward to place hazardous runes in front of the caster. Once armed, these explode when stepped on by an enemy, dealing Lightning Attack damage and causing Electrocution buildup. This skill is particularly effective for crowd control and escaping tight corners.
• Runeforged Blades: A support-style skill that consumes Ward to fire projectiles from supported skills after an enemy’s armor is fully broken. Its effectiveness is increased by modifiers such as pierce or chain.
• Fragments of the Past: Creates a Verisium volcano that spews Ice Fragments for a set duration. This skill is designed to augment existing Ice Fragment builds, such as those utilizing Freezing Salvo or Cross Slash.

Minion and Defensive Utility

• Eternal March: Acts as a recovery tool for minion builds by spending Runic Ward to instantly resurrect dead minions. While useful for sustained combat or fueling minion explosions, it leaves the player vulnerable due to the heavy Ward cost.
• Runic Reprieve: A defensive channelled spell that functions similarly to a shield. It blocks incoming hits—even from behind—but causes the player’s Ward to deplete during use. While channeling, Ward cannot be recovered, and the player suffers heavy stun buildup from hits.

Key References

• Path of Exile (YouTube Channel)
• Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients (Launch Date: May 29, 2026)