Runic Splinters vs Other Shards: Which Should You Prioritize

[Matthew]

When it comes to endgame progression in Path of Exile 2, players often face a critical decision: where to focus their farming efforts. With multiple shard- and fragment-type items circulating through the endgame each unlocking unique encounters or crafting opportunities it’s easy to wonder whether Runic Splinters deserve top priority. While all shards serve a purpose, Runic Splinters stand apart for their long-term value, scalability, and connection to some of the game’s most lucrative content. Understanding how they compare to other shards helps you plan your farming strategy more efficiently.

Runic Splinters are fragments used to form a Runic Tablet, the key to accessing the Kalguuran Tomb. The Tomb represents a pinnacle challenge that rewards exclusive loot, powerful crafting materials, and rare gear bases unavailable through regular mapping. Because the rewards from these encounters directly impact character progression and the in-game economy, Runic Splinters have an intrinsic value that scales with player skill and build strength. In short, investing time into farming them pays off more as your character improves.

Other shards, like Expedition Shards, Map Fragments, or Delve Resonance pieces, generally serve more specialized purposes. Expedition Shards, for example, provide solid returns through artifact trading and vendor rerolls, but their loot tables are limited compared to the Kalguuran Tomb. Similarly, Map Fragments used for summoning certain bosses or unlocking alternate zones are excellent for steady farming but lack the same endgame ceiling. These shards excel in accessibility and consistency but not in overall reward potential.

The key advantage of Runic Splinters lies in how they scale with investment. Every aspect of the farming loop from map tier to modifiers affects drop rates and value. The more challenging and juiced your maps are, the greater the returns from Runic Splinter runs. This scalability ensures that the time you spend farming them remains worthwhile even deep into endgame progression. By contrast, other shards often hit diminishing returns once you’ve mastered their associated content or obtained the items they unlock.

There’s also a strategic element to consider. While other shards can often be traded or acquired in bulk, Runic Splinters encourage direct engagement with Kalguuran content. Each Tomb run tests your mechanical skill and build efficiency, transforming farming into a skill-based progression path rather than a repetitive grind. The unique relics and crafting options you gain from Tombs have long-lasting effects on your character’s power curve benefits that few other shard systems can match.

That said, diversifying your shard farming can still be beneficial. Early in progression, Expedition or Map Fragment farming may provide faster currency returns due to their lower entry requirements. These shards are ideal for building up resources and gear before committing to high-end Runic Splinter farming. Once your build reaches a stable power threshold, however, shifting focus to Runic Splinters becomes the more rewarding long-term investment.

Runic Splinters should be your priority once you’re ready for serious endgame play. They offer access to the most challenging content, deliver exceptional loot, and scale infinitely with your investment and skill. Other shards remain valuable stepping stones, but Runic Splinters represent the true gateway to mastering Path of Exile 2’s high-end systems. For players seeking sustained growth and top-tier rewards, prioritizing Runic Splinters is the clearest path to ultimate efficiency and progression.