After conquering the main campaign and tackling the Cruel difficulty Acts 1 through 3 in Path of Exile 2, you'll unlock the Endgame and gain access to the Atlas of Worlds. This sprawling map presents a variety of unique structures, each offering distinct challenges and gameplay mechanics. Among these are Realmgates, Lost Towers, the Burning Monolith, and the elusive Citadels.
Unlike the more readily visible Lost Towers, Realmgate, and Burning Monolith, Citadels present a unique challenge. While the 0.1.1 update enhances their visibility, making them easier to spot from a distance, finding them might still require some exploration. This guide offers tips to locate these crucial endgame objectives.
What are Citadels in PoE 2?
In Path of Exile 2, Citadels are unique map nodes, existing in three variations: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each Citadel houses a powerful boss—a significantly enhanced version of a campaign boss—ready for a challenging endgame encounter. Defeating these bosses rewards you with a Crisis Fragment, a key item needed to access the Burning Monolith and its pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash. This is crucial for completing the "Pinnacle of Flame" quest, unlocked after your first visit to the Burning Monolith.
- Iron Citadel: Count Geonor (Act 1 boss). Distinguished by its appearance as a large city with black walls.
- Copper Citadel: Jamanra, The Abomination (Act 2 boss). Recognizable by its large encampment surrounding the map node.
- Stone Citadel: Doryani (Act 3 boss). Resembles a stone pyramid, similar to the ziggurats found in Act 3.
Accessing a Citadel requires a Waystone of at least Tier 15. Remember, each Citadel offers only one attempt; defeat the boss, or lose your chance. These encounters are rewarding, offering not only Crisis Fragments but also high-value loot. Once completed, a Citadel cannot be revisited; you must rely on the Atlas to discover more.
How to Find More Citadels in PoE 2
The 0.1.1 update significantly improves Citadel visibility. A prominent beacon of light now marks their location on the Atlas, even through the Fog of War. However, if Citadels remain hidden, try these strategies:
Explore strategically: Travel in a straight line to reveal more of the Atlas map. Clearing the Fog of War maximizes your chances of uncovering hidden Citadels. Prioritize exploring near Lost Towers; their completion often reveals surrounding areas, potentially revealing nearby Citadels.
Consider biomes: Each Citadel type tends to spawn in specific biomes:
- Iron Citadels: Grass or Forest biomes
- Copper Citadels: Desert biomes
- Stone Citadels: Coastal areas of any biome
Explore efficiently: Once you've located a Citadel, it's unlikely others will be nearby. To find more, explore in a completely different direction. The 0.1.1 update's improved visibility should make spotting beacons easier, but if not, continue exploring in straight lines to reveal the map.
