WIKI
Three socket systems, each gated by rarity: Decoration (single-stat gems, Rare+), Engraving (two-stat engravings, Immortal+) and Inscription (one random stat, Arcana+). All are done in the Cube. Don't socket gear you'll replace — save it for keepers, and you can strip sockets later with the Removal function.
The three socket systems
Sockets are how you push a piece of gear beyond its base affixes. Each system attaches to a higher rarity tier than the last, so your socketing options deepen as your gear improves. All three live in the Cube:
| System | Gear needed | Adds |
|---|---|---|
| Decoration | Rare+ | One single-stat gem per socket |
| Engraving | Immortal+ | Monster-material engravings, two stats each |
| Inscription | Arcana+ | One added random stat from a large pool |
For where these sit among the Cube's other jobs (Synthesis, Alchemy, Crafting), see the full Cube guide; for the rarity ladder itself, see items & rarity.
Decoration — single-stat gems
Decoration is the first socket system you'll meet, unlocking around level 8 once you have Rare-or-better gear. It slots a single-stat gem into a piece — flat or percentage boosts to attack, health, crit and the like. Because gems are one stat each, they're the cleanest way to top up exactly what a hero is missing: crit for a damage dealer, health for a tank, and so on. Gems are cheap relative to the higher systems, so Decoration is where most mid-game tuning happens.
Engraving — two-stat monster engravings
Engraving opens once your gear reaches Immortal rarity. Instead of single gems, it uses monster-material engravings that each grant two stats at once, so a single socket does more work. The catch is supply: the materials come from farming the right enemies, so engraving is a late-game investment you make on gear you're confident you'll keep. Match the two-stat pairing to the hero's role rather than chasing raw numbers.
Inscription — a random added stat
Inscription is the top tier, gated behind Arcana-or-better gear. It adds one extra random stat pulled from a large pool — powerful, but a gamble, since you don't choose the result. Treat Inscription like a finishing touch on your very best pieces: the gear is already strong, and you're rolling for an extra edge. Don't burn Inscription attempts on anything you might replace.
Removing & reusing sockets
Changed your mind, or want to sell a piece? The Cube's Removal function (around level 10) strips a socket back out. Two things to remember:
Removal destroys the socketed material (you don't get the gem or engraving back) and charges a small gold fee, and the gear must be unequipped first. You also usually have to strip an item's sockets before it can be listed on the Steam Market, so factor that in before you over-invest in gear you plan to sell.
Socketing strategy — what to do and when
- Don't socket gear you'll replace. Early on, your gear churns fast — wait until a piece is stable before investing.
- Match the stat to the role. Crit/attack gems on damage, health/defence on tanks, support stats on the Priest.
- Layer up with rarity. Decorate Rare+ pieces, add Engravings once you hit Immortal, and save Inscription for Arcana+ keepers.
- Plan around removal. Strip sockets before selling, and accept you won't recover the material.
- Feed the pipeline. Push gear rarity in the Cube via Synthesis, and fund it all with rune tree gold.
FAQ
What's the difference between Decoration, Engraving and Inscription?
Decoration adds one gem stat (Rare+), Engraving adds two-stat monster engravings (Immortal+), and Inscription adds one random stat (Arcana+). They layer as your gear rarity climbs.
Can I take a gem back out?
Removal strips the socket, but it destroys the material and charges a small fee, and the item must be unequipped. You don't get the gem or engraving back.
When should I start socketing?
Once a piece is stable (Legendary+ and not about to be replaced). Socketing gear you'll swap out soon wastes materials.
Do I need to remove sockets to sell on the market?
Usually yes — items typically must be stripped of sockets before they can be listed on the Steam Market.
Unlock levels and material sources can shift between patches; treat specifics as current-patch guidance. Unofficial fan resource, not official Nugem Studio data.