Path of Exile 2: Mastering the Elusive Citadels
After conquering the main campaign and Acts 1-3 on Cruel difficulty, Path of Exile 2 players unlock the Endgame and the Atlas of Worlds. Navigating this Atlas reveals various structures offering unique challenges, including Realmgates, Lost Towers, Burning Monoliths, and the enigmatic Citadels.
Citadels, unlike readily visible structures, present a unique endgame challenge. While Lost Towers pierce the Fog of War, and Realmgates/Burning Monoliths appear near the Atlas's starting point, Citadels require a more strategic approach. The 0.1.1 update enhances Citadel visibility, but if your Atlas remains Citadel-free, these tips will help you locate them.
The Citadel's Purpose
PoE 2 Citadels are unique map nodes, categorized into Iron, Copper, and Stone varieties. Each houses a campaign boss significantly empowered for endgame combat:
- Iron Citadel: Count Geonor (Act 1 boss). Visually identified by large black city walls.
- Copper Citadel: Jamanra, The Abomination (Act 2 boss). Appears as a large encampment surrounding the map node.
- Stone Citadel: Doryani (Act 3 boss). Resembles a stone pyramid, similar to Act 3's ziggurats.
Defeating these bosses yields Crisis Fragments—keys to the Burning Monolith and its pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash. This completes the "Pinnacle of Flame" quest, initiated after inspecting the Monolith's locked door.
Accessing a Citadel requires a Tier 15 or higher Waystone. Remember, each Citadel offers only one attempt; death means losing the opportunity to conquer that specific Citadel. The rewards, however, justify the effort, offering exceptional loot.
Effective Citadel Hunting Strategies
The 0.1.1 update significantly improves Citadel visibility. A prominent light beacon now marks their location, even through the Fog of War.
If Citadels remain hidden, try these strategies:
- Linear Exploration: Travel in a straight line across the Atlas, maximizing Fog of War reduction and map visibility.
- Lost Tower Strategy: Investigate Lost Towers; clearing them reveals a substantial area, potentially uncovering nearby Citadels.
- Biome Targeting: Citadels tend to spawn in specific biomes:
- Iron Citadels: Grass or Forest biomes
- Copper Citadels: Desert biomes
- Stone Citadels: Coastal areas of any biome
- Strategic Spacing: Citadels rarely cluster. After finding one, explore a completely different Atlas region.
With the 0.1.1 update's improved visibility, Citadels should be readily apparent within a few map screens of explored areas. If not, revert to the linear exploration strategy; the beacon will guide you.
