So, you’ve conquered Act 3’s cruel end boss for the second time and find yourself staring at the map device, unsure of what comes next. Welcome to the endgame of Path of Exile 2—a complex, rewarding grind that revolves around mapping, strategic upgrades, and progressively tougher challenges. This guide will help you navigate the endgame efficiently, covering everything from the basics of maps to optimizing your Atlas skill tree and handling endgame bosses.

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Starting Out: Understanding the Map Device

The map device is your gateway to the endgame:

• Access: Found at Ziggurat Refuge Past.
• Maps: Place a tier 1 map in the device to begin. Each map has a monster level displayed, which impacts XP gains.
• XP Scaling: Keep in mind that the greater the level difference between you and the monsters, the less XP you gain.

Objective: Defeat all rare opponents on the map to mark it as completed. If some remain hidden, continue clearing until they are revealed.

Early Goals:

1. Unlock a Hideout:
   • Found on maps marked with a hideout symbol.
   • Allows you to access the map device and other stations conveniently.
2. Locate the Burning Monolith:
   • Required for the main endgame quest.
   • Leads to the Iron Citadel, Copper Citadel, and Stone Citadel.
   • These Citadels contain crucial progression items.

Unlocking these areas establishes a base of operations for your endgame journey.

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Efficient Map Farming and Atlas Progression

Maps drop randomly with varying tiers, and your goal is to sustain higher-tier map drops:

• Tier Strategy: Use higher-tier maps with bosses to increase chances of dropping same-tier or higher maps.
• Modifying Maps:
  • Use an Orb of Transmutation to turn a white map magic.
  • Add modifiers with Orb of Augmentation and Regal Orbs for better rewards.
  • Exalted Orbs can further amplify drops, making high investment maps worthwhile.

Example:

• Applying mods like “75% more Waystone drop chance” ensures a steady map pool.

Atlas Skill Tree:

• Prioritize nodes that:
  • Increase Waystone quantity.
  • Increase Waystone tier.
• This ensures a smoother progression to higher-level maps.

Efficient map management prevents running out of maps and keeps your endgame grind steady.

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Precursor Tablets and Enhancing Maps

Precursor Tablets: These are special items that modify maps within their range.

• Usage:
  • Transmute to magic using an Orb of Transmutation.
  • Apply modifiers for increased drops, enemy density, or map level.
• Synergy:
  • Place multiple precursor tablets to overlap effects on the same maps.
  • For example, combine:
    • Monster Level +1
    • Increased Gold Drops
    • Additional Breaches

Tip: Focus on map clusters to maximize precursor tablet effects.

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Dealing with Endgame Challenges

Endgame maps come with unique symbols:

• Hand Symbol: Indicates a Breach with extra enemies and loot.
• Irradiated Maps: Higher-level monsters with increased damage.

Death Penalty:

• From level 70 onward, each death deducts 10% XP.
• Prioritize resistances:
  • Aim for 75%+ in elemental resistances.
  • Boost Chaos Resistance to mitigate damage from corrupted maps.

Key Strategy: Build defenses first, then push into harder content.

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Inscribed Ultimatums and Ascendancy Points

Inscribed Ultimatums:

• Drop in higher-tier maps and are crucial for unlocking the third and fourth ascendancy points.
• Ascendancy Trials: Require multiple ultimatums to complete.
• Reward: Access to powerful ascendancy skills, further enhancing your build.

Efficient Ascendancy Farming:

• Focus on Temple of Chaos for Soul Cores that provide:
  • Chaos Resistance
  • Increased Life or Mana
  • Elemental Resistances

Farm these efficiently to boost survivability and unlock powerful ascendancy nodes.

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Advanced Tips: Managing Endgame Resources

1. Map Affinity:

• Use Atlas passives to increase map drop rates.
• Focus on boss-kill nodes for guaranteed map drops.

2. Currency Management:

• Save Regal Orbs and Exalted Orbs for high-tier maps.
• Use Alchemy Orbs for mid-tier map upgrades.

3. Exchange and Trade:

• Utilize the Currency Exchange in the endgame hub to convert lower-tier currencies.
• Buy chaos resistance and other vital stats if you’re short on drops.

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Conclusion

The endgame of Path of Exile 2 is all about efficient map management, maximizing rewards through modifiers, and continuously progressing through the Atlas. By focusing on map tiers, optimizing precursor tablets, and handling inscribed ultimatums effectively, you’ll carve a smooth path through the challenges of Wraeclast. Stay focused, Exile, and may your drops be plentiful!