PoE 2: Atlas, Maps, Waystones, and More Endgame Guide

Path of Exile 2 is set to revolutionize its endgame systems, offering a robust and dynamic post-campaign experience. With significant changes to mapping, progression mechanics, and loot systems, understanding these core elements will be crucial for success. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the PoE 2 endgame.

PoE 2 Endgame Overview

The PoE 2 endgame revolves around the Atlas, a massive network of interconnected maps filled with powerful enemies, valuable loot, and strategic progression mechanics. To access these maps, you'll use Waystones, while also managing various mechanics like Strongboxes, Essences, and unique boss encounters.

Atlas & Maps System

Atlas Overview

The Atlas is an expansive map grid that acts as the primary endgame content.

Maps are now directly integrated into the Atlas.

Portals on the Atlas indicate map status:

Blue Portals - Maps currently accessible.

Grey Portals - Maps you can progress toward.

Green Portals - Maps you have already completed.

Key Atlas Features

Progression is tied to unlocking new maps by clearing corruption and defeating powerful enemies.

Unique Atlas mechanics like Towers, Realmgates, and Reliquary Vaults add strategic depth to your journey.

Waystones - Key to Map Progression

Waystones are the new PoE 2 currency for accessing maps. The tier of the Waystone determines the difficulty and rewards of the map.

Waystone Crafting

Prefixes increase map rewards (e.g., increased monster packs, better loot).

Suffixes increase map difficulty (e.g., stronger enemies, additional hazards).

Higher-risk Waystones drop more frequently in dangerous maps, ensuring a sustainable map progression system.

Map Mechanics - Artifacts, Strongboxes, Essences

Mapping in PoE 2 introduces key mechanics that enhance progression and reward systems.

Precursor Artifacts

These are new versions of Shrines. Activate them after clearing nearby enemies to gain powerful temporary buffs.

Strongboxes

Containers packed with loot and enemies.

Opening them triggers waves of monsters with modifiers that impact their difficulty and rewards.

Essences

Found by defeating crystallized monsters.

In PoE 2, Essences can:

Upgrade an item's rarity (Normal → Magic or Rare).

Add a guaranteed modifier to a crafted item, making them essential for targeted crafting.

Atlas Progression & Skill Tree

Completing Maps

Clear all Rare and Unique monsters in a map to mark it as completed.

Dying in a map results in losing your Waystone and any mechanics added to the map.

Atlas Passive Skill Tree

Earn Atlas Passive Points by completing higher-tier maps.

Customize your endgame by enhancing map mechanics such as:

Increasing monster density.

Enhancing Strongboxes, Essences, or other encounters.

Special "Boss" sections of the tree focus on empowering map bosses for better rewards.

Towers - Atlas Expansion Tool

Towers are unique locations on the Atlas that unlock new regions by scouting further. Clearing these Towers expands your vision of the Atlas and allows the use of Precursor Tablets, which provide additional strategic rewards.

PoE 2 Endgame Systems & Mechanics

PoE 2 introduces several powerful endgame mechanics. Here's a brief overview of major systems that expand on the Atlas experience:

1. Breach

Enter an unstable portal to face waves of monsters from another realm.

Rewards include:

Catalysts - Increase item quality up to 50% on Breach Rings.

Breach Rings - Powerful accessories that can surpass standard Rare rings in power.

2. Ritual

Maps with Ritual markers include Altars that consume defeated monsters.

Activate Altars to resurrect slain foes, earning Tribute to exchange for rewards.

The final Altar in a map combines all previous sacrifices for a challenging battle and enhanced loot.

Omens, obtained via Tribute, enable powerful crafting options.

3. Delirium

Maps with Delirium markers are shrouded in mist, spawning dangerous monsters.

Delirium encounters provide stacking rewards the deeper you venture into the fog.

Endgame Boss Encounters

Map bosses are tougher and rarer in PoE 2. Only 1 in 4 maps will contain a boss, Defeating these bosses grants unique loot and powerful skill points for the Atlas Tree.

Tips for Boss Encounters

Identify boss routes on the Atlas if you plan to focus on boss farming.

Skipping bosses is possible, but you'll miss out on valuable Atlas progression points.

Energy Shield and Mana Scaling for Endgame

Energy Shield and Mana-focused builds thrive in PoE 2's challenging endgame thanks to powerful scaling options.

Recommended Items for Energy Shield Scaling

Shavronne's Wrappings - Prevents Chaos Damage from bypassing your Energy Shield.

Presence of Chayula - Provides substantial Energy Shield and Stun Immunity.

Incandescent Heart - Grants powerful defensive bonuses by converting Elemental Damage into Energy Shield.

Recommended Items for Mana Scaling

Mind Over Matter (MoM) - Redirects 30% of damage taken to your Mana pool, making high Mana builds incredibly durable.

The Agnostic - Regenerates life based on your missing Mana, ideal for sustaining in high-damage encounters.

Devouring Diadem - Reduces Mana Reservation and supports high-aura builds.

Key Mechanics to Leverage

Use Essences to craft powerful Mana and Energy Shield gear with precise modifiers.

Combine Energy Shield nodes on the Atlas Skill Tree with defensive passives for optimal sustain.

Final Tips for PoE 2 Endgame Mastery

Waystone Crafting is essential - balance risk and reward to maintain map momentum.

Prioritize Atlas Passive Points to enhance the mechanics that best suit your build.

Seek out Breach Rings and Omens for potent crafting strategies.

Invest in Mana Scaling PoE 2 Items and Energy Shield Gear to create a durable character capable of tackling high-tier maps.

By mastering these systems, you'll be well-prepared to conquer PoE 2's expansive and rewarding endgame.