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, each 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 more strategic discovery. The 0.1.1 update enhances Citadel visibility, but if your Atlas remains Citadel-free, these tips will help.
The Purpose of Citadels
Citadels are distinct map nodes, appearing as Iron, Copper, or Stone variants. Each houses a powerful, endgame-enhanced version of a campaign boss:
- Iron Citadel: Count Geonor (Act 1 boss). Identified by its large, black-walled city appearance.
- 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, reminiscent of Act 3 ziggurats.
Defeating these bosses yields Crisis Fragments – keys to the Burning Monolith and its pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash, completing the "Pinnacle of Flame" quest. Access requires a minimum Tier 15 Waystone. Each Citadel offers a single attempt; death means losing the opportunity. Rewards include valuable loot.
Locating Citadels
The 0.1.1 update significantly improves Citadel visibility. A bright beacon now marks their presence, even through the Fog of War.
If no Citadels are visible, try these strategies:
- Linear Exploration: Travel in a straight line across the Atlas, maximizing Fog of War removal and map visibility.
- Lost Tower Strategy: Investigate Lost Towers. Completing them reveals a significant 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.
Remember, Citadels rarely cluster. After discovering one, explore in a drastically different direction to increase your chances of finding more. The 0.1.1 update's beacon system should make them easier to spot within a few screens of your explored area. If not, continue linear exploration—the beacon will guide you.
