PoE 2 Third Edict Atlas Progression Mastery Guide

Welcome to the wild and rewarding endgame of Path of Exile 2! The Third Edict introduces a dynamic Atlas system that can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, you'll be farming high-tier maps and raking in currency in no time. This guide breaks down the Atlas progression, how to optimize your Atlas skill tree, and the art of Waystone crafting to boost your loot and XP. Whether you're a new exile or a seasoned veteran, we've got you covered with practical tips to make your journey smooth and profitable.

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Atlas Progression: Core Path

The Atlas in Path of Exile 2 is an open-ended system, but there's a clear progression path to unlock its full potential. Here's how to approach it step-by-step:

Focus on Corrupted Zones First

• Start by targeting Corrupted Zones, which are marked on your Atlas. Completing a Nexus map in a Corrupted Zone cleanses all surrounding maps and grants 5 Atlas points.

• You need to complete six Nexus maps to earn 30 Atlas points. These points are critical for unlocking powerful Atlas passives that boost loot and XP.

• Tip: Use low-tier maps with easy modifiers for Nexus runs to avoid failing them. If you fail a Nexus map, you'll need to find another Corrupted Zone, which slows your progression.

Complete Unique Maps for Bonus Points

• After securing 30 points from Nexus maps, earn the final 10 Atlas points by completing five unique maps (e.g., The Wildwood). These are scattered across the Atlas, so explore to find them.

• Unique maps are straightforward but can drop valuable loot, so don't skip them.

Use Towers for Vision and Mechanics

• Towers provide vision of surrounding maps and allow you to insert tablets for extra mechanics, quantity, and rarity. Always slot tablets into towers, even basic ones, for a quick boost in rewards.

• Prioritize boss tablets to guarantee boss maps around the tower, which drop higher-tier maps and help you progress to Tier 15 faster.

Sustain Maps with Doriani's Vendor

• Doriani sells maps one tier below your highest completed tier (e.g., Tier 14 if you've cleared a Tier 15).

• Buy these maps and use the Reforging Bench (unlocked in Act 3) to upgrade them to the next tier. This is a cost-effective way to sustain higher-tier maps.

• Doriani's stock refreshes every level, so check back regularly to stock up.

Atlas Skill Tree: How to Allocate Your Points

The Atlas skill tree shapes your endgame experience, so choosing the right nodes is key. Below is a progression guide for allocating your 40 Atlas points, inspired by efficient farming strategies. (You can find a sample Atlas tree template on our site for a visual guide.)

• 0–20 Points: Core Progression

  • Prioritize nodes that increase map drop rates and monster density to ensure map sustain and faster XP gains.

  • Grab Corrupted Zone efficiency nodes to speed up Nexus completions and boost rewards from Cleansed Zones.

  • Early on, invest in general quantity and rarity nodes to maximize loot from all maps.

• 20–40 Points: Specialization for Profit

  • Focus on Strongboxes and Essences for high-value returns:

    • Strongboxes: Nodes like Research Strongboxes are excellent, as they drop currency, Exalts, and even Vaal Orbs. Always use Alchemy Orbs on Strongboxes, and consider Exalting them to six modifiers for juicier rewards.

    • Essences: The new Essences in PoE 2 are powerful and sell for 1–2 Divines. Essence nodes also guarantee extra rare monsters, boosting map density.

  • Add nodes for Breach, Expedition, or Ritual if you enjoy these mechanics. They're great for raw currency and loot explosions.

  • Prioritize quantity-focused nodes (search “quant" in the tree) to amplify drops across all mechanics.

• General Strategy

  • Aim for a balanced tree that supports rare monster kills and raw quantity. Avoid over-specializing in one mechanic unless you're farming specific content.

  • Always slot tablets with quantity modifiers to stack rewards. For example, Breach or Expedition tablets with +quantity are fantastic for juicing maps.

Waystone Crafting: Juicing Your Maps

Waystone crafting is where you turn good maps into great ones. Here's how to craft efficiently for maximum profit:

• Baseline Crafting

  • At minimum, Transmute and Augment every map to add modifiers.

  • Regal Orbs are cheap in the Third Edict, so use them to add another modifier for better returns.

  • Avoid Exalting low-tier maps, as the investment isn't worth it. Save Exalts for Tier 10+ maps.

• Advanced Juicing

  • Use Diluted Liquid to add specific modifiers. Options include:

    • Diluted Liquid Greed: Budget-friendly, adds pack size and rarity of item found.

    • Liquid Paranoia: A high-end choice that adds 15% more rare monsters for massive density.

    • Diluted Liquid Guilt: Cheap and effective, boosts pack size and monster quantity.

  • Corrupting Maps: Risky but potentially rewarding. Corrupted maps can yield insane modifiers, but test this on high-tier maps only.

  • Omens: Use Omens to tweak modifiers for specific outcomes, like increased currency drops.

• Tower Overlap Strategy

  • Aim for two-tower overlaps in Corrupted or Cleansed Zones for a ~30% quantity boost and extra mechanics (e.g., Breach + Boss).

  • In non-Cleansed Zones, go for three-tower overlaps to replicate the density of Cleansed Zones.

  • Cleansed Zones are ideal because monsters drop raw currency, making them perfect for farming.

Endgame Farming Tips

Once you've unlocked all 40 Atlas points, it's time to farm efficiently:

• Rush to Tier 15: Complete boss maps to unlock higher tiers. Boss tablets ensure more boss maps spawn nearby.

• Juice High-Tier Maps: Alchemy and Exalt maps to six modifiers, then add Zelium Orbs for extra rares or pack size.

• Focus on Cleansed Zones: These drop heaps of currency and synergize with tower overlaps.

• Tablet Flexibility: Use any tablets you have (Breach, Expedition, Ritual) to diversify loot. Prioritize those with quantity modifiers.

Path of Exile 2 The Third Edict Atlas Progression FAQs

What's the fastest way to earn Atlas points in PoE 2?

Complete six Nexus maps in Corrupted Zones (30 points) and five unique maps (10 points). Focus on low-tier, easy-modifier maps for Nexus runs to avoid failures.

Should I Exalt low-tier maps?

No, save Exalts for Tier 10+ maps. For low tiers, stick to Transmute, Augment, and Regal Orbs for cost-effective juicing.

What Atlas tree nodes are best for beginners?

Early on, prioritize map drop rate, monster density, and Corrupted Zone efficiency. Later, invest in Strongboxes and Essences for profit.

How do I sustain high-tier maps?

Buy maps from Doriani (one tier below your highest) and use the Reforging Bench to upgrade them. Slot boss tablets to spawn more boss maps.

Are Cleansed Zones worth farming?

Absolutely! Cleansed Zones drop extra currency and synergize with tower overlaps for high-density, high-reward maps.

Thanks for Reading

This guide should set you on the path to mastering the Third Edict Atlas in Path of Exile 2. By focusing on Corrupted Zones, optimizing your Atlas tree, and crafting Waystones strategically, you'll be swimming in loot in no time. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more tips, builds, and resources to dominate Wraeclast.