PoE2 Map Guide: From Best to Worst

Time: 2025-01-20 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: PoE2 map guide

Path of Exile 2 introduces players to a complex endgame where maps serve as the primary arena for progression and testing your build. With 42 maps to navigate, understanding which maps offer the best experience in terms of speed, rewards and security is crucial. Here, we'll explore a detailed best-to-worst ranking, providing insights into map layouts, boss encounters, and tips for maximising your gameplay efficiency.

Best maps in PoE2

These maps are the cream of the crop, with open layouts, easy navigation and manageable bosses, making them ideal for both speedrunning and league play.

Wetlands:

Layout: A simple open area with minimal obstacles, perfect for rituals and breaches.

Boss: Devourer, easy to manage with double boss encounters for extra loot.

Strategy: Clear from the outside in, focusing on the corridors for full coverage.

Willow:

Layout: Open with some tree obstacles, but still very navigable.

Boss: Good, straightforward encounter.

Strategy: Sweep around the edges before moving in to make sure no rare mobs are left behind.

Steppe:

Layout: Diamond-shaped, allowing for efficient circular clearing.

Boss: Easy, low threat.

Strategy: Start at the edges and work towards the centre, adapting to the mechanics.

Steaming Springs:

Layout: Open with aesthetic appeal, great for space intensive mechanics.

Boss: The snake boss from Act 2, relatively easy.

Strategy: Enjoy the clear path, clearing alcoves as you go.

Savannah:

Layout: Short and open, with ruins that need some attention.

Boss: Beware of the slam attack, but generally manageable.

Strategy: Quick runs, focus on clearing around the ruins.

Sand Pit:

Layout: Linear and straightforward, reminiscent of PoE1's beach map.

Boss: Manageable, with the caveat of freezing shadows.

Strategy: Clear one side then the other for maximum efficiency.

Rust Bow:

Layout: Open and quick to clear.

Boss: Rust King, an easy boss fight.

Strategy: Ideal for chaining maps due to its simplicity.

Creek:

Layout: More open areas with some alcoves.

Boss: Nice and easy.

Strategy: Make sure you check the alcoves to avoid missing rare mobs.

Burial Bog:

Layout: Circular with side paths.

Boss: The tree boss from act 3, very easy.

Strategy: Clear in circles, paying attention to the location of the boss.

Blooming Field:

Layout: Has obstacles but is still fairly open.

Boss: Can be time consuming with low DPS, but otherwise easy.

Strategy: Manage the duration of the boss fight, clear systematically.

Good maps

These maps offer a balance of challenge and reward, with some requiring more attention due to complex layouts or tougher bosses.

Backwash:

Layout: More complex with interconnected areas.

Boss: Queen of Filth, can be dangerous if not careful.

Strategy: Make sure you completely clear each section to avoid backtracking.

Bloodwood:

Layout: Long and narrow, but with plenty of room for mechanics.

Boss: Manageable, focus on movement.

Strategy: Clear side areas before moving forward.

Canyon:

Layout: Circular with cave-like passages.

Boss: Easy, but the terrain can complicate the mechanics.

Strategy: Focus on clearing the caves thoroughly.

Crimson Shore:

Layout: Several interconnected areas, requires attention to alcoves.

Boss: Can be challenging, be careful.

Strategy: Complete each section before proceeding.

Decay:

Layout: Surprisingly open for an underground map.

Boss: One of the easiest in the game.

Strategy: Circular clearing works well here.

Fortress:

Layout: Essentially a large circle with a central path.

Boss: Gin Barrier, tricky with her invisibility.

Strategy: Clear quickly, but be prepared for a longer boss fight.

Hidden Grotto:

Layout: Simple circle, but with many obstacles.

Boss: Can be packed with monsters, good for density.

Strategy: Clear around obstacles, look for hidden rares.

Hive:

Layout: Open and reminiscent of Act 3 zones.

Boss: Easy, good for explosion mechanics.

Strategy: Clear in a circular motion, manage crawler spawns.

Oasis:

Layout: Large open areas with some navigation required.

Boss: Long battle but manageable.

Strategy: Clear each large area methodically.

Ravine:

Layout: Long and winding, low density but easy to navigate.

Boss: Not particularly known for its difficulty.

Strategy: Keep moving forward, make sure you do not backtrack.

Bad maps

Maps here have notable drawbacks such as complex layouts or less favourable boss encounters, making them less desirable for efficient farming.

Abyss:

Layout: Twisting with many narrow paths.

Boss: Long, tanky battle with Tall Gold.

Strategy: Clear methodically, be patient with bosses.

Augury:

Layout: Simple circle, but with lever mechanics.

Boss: Can be time consuming, but the map is easy to clear.

Strategy: Activate levers, clear in one go.

Crypt:

Layout: Tight for mechanics, but quick to clear.

Boss: Very easy, good for quick boss kills.

Strategy: Skip if not for the boss, otherwise clear quickly.

Deserted:

Layout: Easy to miss sections due to design.

Boss: Not particularly notable.

Strategy: Methodical clearing to avoid missing mobs.

Worst maps

These maps are challenging due to their layout or combination of dangerous bosses and complex navigation.

Channel:

Layout: Narrow, easy to miss areas.

Bosses: Relatively dangerous.

Strategy: Avoid unless necessary, careful clearing required.

Mine Forge:

Layout: Corridor heavy, backtracking common.

Boss: Very difficult with the titan.

Strategy: Clear each area completely, prepare for the boss.

Lofty Summit:

Layout: Long with parallel paths, confusing.

Boss: Can be problematic if unprepared.

Strategy: Clear systematically, avoid back and forth movement.

Mine Shaft:

Layout: Long and complex.

Boss: Dangerous, especially with the fire mechanic.

Strategy: Only run if you have specific objectives or rewards.

Maelstrom:

Layout: Narrow paths, easy to miss sections.

Boss: Can be challenging.

Strategy: Thorough clearing, take your time with each section.

Unique Maps

Unique maps offer special gameplay or rewards, often requiring special strategies:

Vault of Atziri: No monsters, just loot from chests. Use for high-level, risky maps.

Hideouts: Small, quick to clear for lower level maps.

Moment of Zen: Select a unique item, map tier may affect quality of selection.

Untainted Paradise: XP farm, no loot but safe for leveling.

Thanks for Reading

Understanding the nuances of each map in Path of Exile 2 can have a significant impact on your endgame experience. Whether you're looking for speed, loot or experience, this guide should help you prioritise your map runs. Remember that the strengths of your build may also dictate which maps are best for you, so adapt as needed.