Path of Exile 2 0.3.0 Endgame Atlas & Progression Guide

Welcome, Exiles, to the thrilling world of Path of Exile 2's endgame! After conquering the campaign, you're ready to dive into the heart of the game's challenging and rewarding systems. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to Wraeclast, this guide will walk you through the essentials of endgame progression, from navigating the Atlas to mastering pinnacle encounters. For more resources and to gear up with Divine Orbs, crafting currency, omens, and more, consider bookmarking our Path of Exile 2 shop for all your in-game needs.

Getting Started: Ziggurat Refuge and Initial Checks

Your endgame journey begins the moment you complete the Path of Exile 2 campaign, waking up in the mysterious Ziggurat Refuge. Before diving deeper, ensure your character is ready:

1. Passive Tree Check: Confirm you have allocated 24 weapon set passive points. These are crucial for your build's foundation.

2. Base Spirit Verification: Ensure your character has 100 base spirit (excluding gear bonuses). Spirit fuels many abilities, so this is non-negotiable.

3. Campaign Bonuses: Double-check that you've collected all permanent bonuses from the campaign, such as skill points or unique rewards. If you missed any, consult a reliable guide like the one on MaxRoll (widely available online) to backtrack efficiently.

Once these are secured, head to King's March, the central hub of Act 4, and speak with the Hooded One to return to Ziggurat Refuge. You're now ready to tackle the endgame!

Understanding the Atlas: The Core of Endgame

The Atlas is the backbone of Path of Exile 2's endgame, serving as a dynamic map system that governs nearly all your activities. Here's how to get started:

• Accessing the Atlas: Speak with Alva and Doriani in Ziggurat Refuge. Doriani will provide a "way stone" (commonly called a map), which you'll use in the Map Device to open your Atlas.

• Atlas Overview: On your first character each league, the Atlas starts with a small visible area surrounded by fog. The Ziggurat Refuge node is your starting point, with connected map nodes branching out. A "home" icon helps you navigate back, and a Realm Gate teleporter unlocks pinnacle content later.

• Corrupted Zones: Look for a nearby corrupted zone with a Corrupted Nexus at its center. These are your first priority for progression.

To begin, run maps with two modifiers (check by holding Alt while hovering over a map) to keep difficulty manageable. For Corrupted Nexus maps, use four modifiers to spawn a mini-boss, which drops a quest item granting five Atlas skill points.

Mastering the Atlas Skill Tree

The Atlas Skill Tree (accessed via Ctrl + U) is your tool for scaling endgame rewards. Here's how it works:

• Earning Points: You can earn up to 40 skill points:

  • 30 Points from completing six Corrupted Nexuses (five points each).

  • 10 Points from completing five unique maps (two points each).

• Tree Structure: The central tree enhances default maps with generic improvements (e.g., increased item drops) or specific mechanics like essences, shrines, or rogue exiles. Outer sections focus on pinnacle mechanics, offering both map-based content and standalone boss encounters via the Realm Gate.

• Strategy: Prioritize the central tree's generic nodes for broad reward boosts. Experiment with mechanics you enjoy, but safe Atlas builds are available online for guidance.

Aim to collect 20–30 points early to maximize rewards before focusing on map tier progression or juicing strategies.

Map Tiers and Progression

Maps in Path of Exile 2 scale in difficulty and rewards via tiers:

• Tier System: Tier 1 maps start at monster level 65, increasing by one level per tier up to Tier 15 (level 79). Match map tiers to your character level for optimal experience and loot.

• Building a Map Pool: Completing maps drops higher-tier maps, which are essential for later juicing strategies. If a map feels too tough, drop down a tier; if it's too easy, push higher.

As you explore, you'll encounter structures called towers, which play a key role in enhancing your maps.

Towers and Tablets: Juicing Your Maps

Towers are a temporary but powerful feature in Path of Exile 2's endgame, likely to be reworked in future updates. For now, they're essential for boosting rewards:

• How Towers Work: Completing a tower map allows you to socket up to three tablets, which apply bonuses to surrounding maps. The number of tablets depends on the map's modifier count (e.g., a four-mod map allows more sockets).

• Tablet Selection: Focus on tablets with the "increased quantity of items" prefix for maximum loot. Secondary options include "increased rarity of items" or "more rare monsters" if budget-conscious. For suffixes, combinations like breach, radiated, and ritual or expedition are reliable.

• Maximizing Efficiency: Seek Atlas sections with overlapping towers (two or rarely three). High-tier maps increase the radius of tower bonuses, amplifying rewards. This setup, combined with good tablets, can generate significant currency.

Save tablet experimentation for later, as a dedicated guide on map juicing will cover advanced strategies like delirium or desecrated prefixes.

Pinnacle Encounters: The Ultimate Challenge

Pinnacle encounters are the culmination of Path of Exile 2's endgame, offering both challenge and rewards:

• Splinters: Running maps with pinnacle mechanics (via towers or Atlas nodes) drops splinters. Collect enough to unlock a pinnacle encounter at the Realm Gate.

• Rewards: Completing a pinnacle encounter grants a quest item for two Atlas skill points (specific to that mechanic's tree). Higher difficulties yield additional points, up to six per mechanic.

• Progression Loop: Focus on pinnacle mechanics that align with your Atlas build. Success here enhances your maps' rewards, fueling further progression.

The Endgame Cycle: Power and Profit

Endgame progression in Path of Exile 2 is a cycle of growth:

1. Atlas Skill Points: Secure 20–30 points early to boost rewards.

2. Pinnacle Progression: Add pinnacle mechanics to maps, collect splinters, and tackle encounters for more points.

3. Juicing Maps: Use towers, tablets, and high-tier maps to maximize currency drops, funding gear upgrades.

4. Character Power: Continuously improve your character through leveling, passive points, and gear upgrades (via trading or crafting). A stronger character handles tougher maps, yielding better loot.

This loop drives Path of Exile 2's addictive endgame, balancing challenge and reward.

FAQs About Path of Exile 2 Endgame Progression

What should I do first in the endgame?

Start by checking your passive tree (24 weapon set points) and base spirit (100). Then, collect campaign bonuses and head to Ziggurat Refuge to begin mapping.

How do I earn Atlas skill points?

Complete six Corrupted Nexuses (five points each) and five unique maps (two points each) for a total of 40 points.

What are the best tablets for towers?

Prioritize tablets with "increased quantity of items" prefixes. Use breach, radiated, and ritual or expedition suffixes for reliable results.

How do map tiers affect progression?

Higher-tier maps increase monster levels and rewards. Match tiers to your level (Tier 1 = level 65, Tier 15 = level 79) for optimal experience and loot.

What are pinnacle encounters, and why do they matter?

Pinnacle encounters are boss fights accessed via the Realm Gate, unlocked by collecting splinters. They grant Atlas skill points and enhance map rewards.

Thanks for Reading

Mastering Path of Exile 2's endgame is a rewarding journey of strategy and growth. By understanding the Atlas, prioritizing skill points, and leveraging towers and pinnacle encounters, you'll maximize your loot and power. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more guides and tips to elevate your Wraeclast adventure!