Path of Exile 3.26 introduces a significant new game mechanic called Runegrafting, deeply remodeling the passive skill tree system and providing players with novel customization options and strategic depth. Runegrafting replaces the previous league's Runesmithing and focuses on modifying mastery nodes in the passive tree PoE 1 Currency, which grant powerful, build-defining buffs. This mechanic allows players to tailor their characters more precisely than before by swapping these mastery passives with unique "grafts" discovered or crafted throughout the game.

Runegrafting works by enabling players to replace a mastery node on their passive skill tree with a Runegraft, which is a distinct passive ability that offers notable benefits such as damage bonuses, defensive boosts, or utility effects. Unlike the earlier system that affected mainly attribute nodes, these mastery nodes carry stronger, more impactful modifiers, meaning a single graft can meaningfully shift the effectiveness and playstyle of a build. Players can obtain various grafts through the league content around the Atlas and in endgame challenges, adding a new layer of progression and itemization.

Each Runegraft is unique and cannot be stacked with duplicates, encouraging players to experiment with a variety of grafts to optimize their characters for different roles or encounters. Common examples include the Runegraft of Time, granting a chance for skills to avoid cooldown, or the Runegraft of the River, which offers a chance to recover to full life when entering low life. Others, like the Runegraft of the Fortress, provide significant defensive bonuses at the cost of reduced attributes, while some specialize in enhancing specific equipment bonuses or combat mechanics.

Beyond individual powers, Runegrafting represents a broader design philosophy of "mastery customization," where players can shape their characters' fundamental capabilities by selecting the optimal combination of grafts. This creates dynamic build possibilities that can be adjusted as players progress through the Secret of the Atlas content or as new grafts become available through crafting and trading. The scarcity and variety of grafts also influence the in-game economy, making certain grafts highly sought after for their synergy with popular builds.

Runegrafting integrates closely with the Atlas endgame and the new Secrets of the Atlas challenges, blending with other features like the Threads of Consciousness and memory-based map modifiers. This synergy enriches the overall gameplay experience by combining passive tree customization with engaging map mechanics and enemy afflictions. As a result, players not only craft their characters' strengths but also adapt their runegrafts and strategies to the evolving threats and rewards of the league.

In summary, Runegrafting in Path of Exile 3.26's Secrets of the Atlas expansion is a transformative mechanic that replaces older passive modification systems with powerful, mastery-focused nodes. It offers deep customization, incentivizes experimentation, and tightly integrates with the league's broader thematic and gameplay innovations, marking a major evolution in Path of Exile’s character development and strategic depth. This advancement promises to shape player approaches and the meta for months to come, underpinning the competitive and creative spirit of the game Poe 1 Divine Orb.