The Atlas of Worlds serves as the central focus of endgame content in Path of Exile 2, featuring a virtually infinite selection of maps to explore. When players first engage with the Map Device, the extensive options presented on the Atlas screen can be daunting. However, once familiarized with the Atlas mechanics, navigating and progressing through endgame systems will become much more intuitive.
To fully optimize your gameplay in the Realm of the Atlas, it’s important to understand various aspects such as map traversal, special encounters, and boss fights. By mastering the intricacies of the Atlas of Worlds, players can enhance their mapping experience in PoE 2 and achieve their endgame goals more effectively.
Unlocking the Atlas of Worlds & Entering PoE 2 Endgame
To gain access to the Atlas, players must successfully complete both the Normal and Cruel Campaigns. Currently, during the Early Access phase of PoE 2, only Acts 1 to 3 are available out of the intended six acts. After the conclusion of Act 3, players must replay the first three Acts at a higher difficulty to transition into the endgame content.
Upon finishing these campaigns, Doryani will introduce you to the Atlas of Worlds and grant your initial Waystone, setting the stage for your exploration of this expansive endgame realm.
Exploring Atlas Maps & Utilizing Waystones
To access your Atlas Map, interact with the Map Device. Each player’s Atlas layout is unique and generated randomly, ensuring a personalized mapping experience.
As you survey the Ziggurat, you’ll notice various Map Nodes connected by dashed lines. A blue glow indicates accessible Nodes, while Nodes without illumination are yet to be unlocked. Maps that are complete will exhibit a green glow. As you progress and complete maps, additional Nodes will unlock, opening new pathways from the Ziggurat.
Before you can begin mapping, acquiring a Waystone is essential. Select any highlighted Map Node, and a dialog box will appear, detailing the map and available Waystone slots. Insert your Waystone into one of the slots and click the “Travel” button to commence your journey.
Once activated, six portals will manifest around the Map Device, each leading to the designated map zone. These portals remain open for your duration of survival, allowing you to return to the Ziggurat Refuge or your Hideout once for each remaining portal.
If you perish during your mapping endeavor, you’ll return to your Refuge or Hideout, and the Map Node will be marked as “Attempted”. You can attempt to visit the town six times while utilizing the portals, but dying necessitates the use of a new Waystone for any further attempts—provided you still have attempts available.
Encountering Atlas Bosses and Special Events
During your exploration within the Atlas, players can anticipate special endgame events, unique landmarks, and the challenge of facing Pinnacle Bosses, in addition to the regular mapping experience.
Four notable events can randomly occur within Atlas Maps:
- Ritual Events: Engage hordes of enemies summoned after activating a Ritual Altar, which details any modifiers affecting them.
- Breach Events: Encounter a Breach Ring that expands as you defeat enemies, enhancing rewards based on enemies vanquished within its area.
- Expedition Events: Explosive interactions at an archeological site reveal treasure while summoning increasingly powerful enemies.
- Delirium Events: Stay within a moving AoE fog that empowers enemies and amplifies rewards for each kill within.
Maps that feature icons above them guarantee the presence of a particular event; hovering over the icons will reveal further details about what to expect. Each event possesses its own Passive Skill Tree that can improve rewards and experiences but functions independently of one another.
In addition to events, players can uncover significant locations such as:
- Lost Towers: These shorter maps lead to beacons that can accommodate Precursor Tablets, which alter map conditions.
- Citadels: These are nodes featuring repeat encounters with Act bosses, each requiring the highest tier of Waystone for a single attempt.
- The Burning Monolith: Players collect Fragments from Citadel bosses to face the unique Arbiter of Ash and conclude the quest “The Pinnacle of Flame.”
For further challenges, the Realmgate located near the Ziggurat permits players to confront Pinnacle Bosses, distinct from Citadel and Burning Monolith challenges. These bosses require special currencies from events to summon and offer only one opportunity to defeat them; if you fail, you must gather additional materials for another chance.
The PoE 2 Atlas Passive Skill Tree
Upon completing your inaugural map, a new quest will appear in your tracker, prompting you to complete 10 maps using at least a Tier 1 Waystone. Completing this quest grants you a book containing two Atlas Passive Skill Tree points and initiates a subsequent quest for the next tier of Waystone.
Utilize the book to earn your points, then access the Atlas Map via the Map Device and select the Atlas Passive Skill Tree icon on the map interface.
This section presents a sprawling tree of Atlas Passives, similar to the standard Passive Skill Tree in PoE 2. Here, players can invest in upgrades affecting their endgame experience, including item finds, rarity changes, and greater rewards for engaging with endgame content.
If you wish to reallocate your Atlas Passive Skill Tree points, consult Doryani at the Ziggurat Refuge, who will facilitate a refund process akin to the general Passive Skill Tree modifications.
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