How to Explore the Endgame in Path of Exile 2

Dec-04-2024

 

With the Path of Exile 2 Early Access just around the corner, players are looking forward to its endgame content. Many will spend much time on main campaign, the true adventure begins after you finish Acts 1-3 and dive into the endgame systems. Let's break down what you can expect when you dive into the PoE2 endgame.

 

 

When Does the Endgame Begin?

In PoE 2, the endgame doesn't start right away. You'll need to finish the main campaign on Normal Difficulty first. Afterward, you'll unlock Cruel Difficulty, which is like a "New Game+" mode with stronger enemies and better rewards. Once you've completed the main campaign in Cruel, you'll unlock the real endgame content that will keep you coming back for more.

 

PoE 2 Endgame Systems

The endgame systems in PoE 2 are similar to those in the original game, but they come with exciting new twists and features. Here's a quick overview of the key mechanics you'll encounter:

 

1. The Atlas

The Atlas in PoE 2 is a revamped version of the one from PoE 1. Instead of using maps, you'll use Waystones to access different locations. These Waystones come in various tiers and modifiers, allowing you to customize your mapping experience. You'll need to explore the Ziggurat, a towering structure, to place Waystones and open portals to new areas.

 

As you progress, you'll unlock Lost Towers that expand the Atlas. These towers let you insert Tablets, which add special modifiers to your maps. For example, you can increase monster density, boost item rarity, or even add new mechanics like Breach or Delirium. The more you explore, the more fun and rewarding your maps will become!

 

2. Shrines

While mapping, you'll sometimes come across Precursor Artifacts, which are similar to the Shrines in PoE 1. To activate these, you'll need to defeat the monsters guarding them. Once you do, you'll receive powerful buffs such as increased movement speed, lightning damage, or faster experience gain.

 

3. Essence

Essence is back in PoE 2, and it's a great way to earn currency while farming for gear. You'll encounter monsters encased in crystal, and by defeating them, you'll earn Essences that you can use to craft or sell. The more dangerous the encounter, the better the rewards!

 

4. Expedition

The Expedition mechanic lets you help the Kalguuran settlers uncover hidden treasures using explosives. You'll need to carefully place explosives to unlock valuable rewards, but be cautious—some areas can be extremely dangerous. Occasionally, you'll find Expedition Logbooks, which lead you to treasure-filled locations. Be prepared to face powerful bosses like Olroth, who guards the loot!

 

5. Delirium

Delirium makes its return in PoE 2, bringing its signature mist-filled maps. When you encounter a Delirium Mirror, the entire area becomes engulfed in mist, making the monsters tougher but offering better rewards. As you kill enemies, you'll earn Distilled Emotions, a new currency that can be used to enhance your amulets and maps. If you're feeling brave, collect Simulacrum Splinters to unlock the Simulacrum, a gauntlet of 15 waves of increasingly difficult monsters!

 

6. Breach

The Breach mechanic returns, now with better visuals. When you enter a Breach, a portal will spawn, and you'll need to kill waves of monsters coming through it. Completing Breaches can help you earn Breachstones, which lead you to the Breach Lords' domains for even greater rewards. These are perfect for farming XP!

 

7. Ritual

The Ritual mechanic lets you find Ritual Altars on maps. These altars let you sacrifice defeated monsters to earn Tribute. You can use it to exchange for powerful items. The more altars you complete, the better the loot! You'll also find Omens in Rituals, which are useful for crafting better items.

 

8. Strongboxes

If you prefer something straightforward, Strongboxes are a great option. These treasure chests will spawn monsters when you interact with them. The stronger the enemies, the better the loot. You can even use Exalted Orbs to add extra modifiers to make the encounter more challenging—and rewarding.

 

How to Maximize Your Endgame Experience

Once you've unlocked the endgame systems, you'll want to improve your Atlas Passive Tree, which is similar to the skill trees in PoE 1. Allocating points in the tree allows you to enhance various mechanics, such as increasing the chance for Strongboxes to appear or boosting the rewards from Breach and Delirium.

 

The key to success in PoE 2's endgame is experimenting with different mechanics, creating powerful builds, and adapting to the constantly evolving challenges. Don't be afraid to test different Tablets, engage with the Expedition and Essence systems, and face the challenges of Delirium and Breach head-on!

 

Path of Exile 2's endgame offers a vast, engaging experience full of new challenges and rewards. Make sure to finish the main campaign in Cruel Difficulty and then dive into these mechanics to experience the real depth of the game.

 

Are you ready to embark on the endgame journey? The countdown to PoE 2 Early Access is on!