Path of Exile 2: How To Find More Citadels

Path of Exile 2: A Guide to Locating 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 starting point, Citadels require more strategic searching. The 0.1.1 update enhances Citadel visibility, but if your Atlas remains Citadel-free, use these strategies:

Understanding Citadels in PoE 2

Citadels are unique map nodes, categorized as Iron, Copper, and Stone, each guarding a powerful boss (repurposed campaign bosses with significant buffs). Defeating these bosses yields Crisis Fragments—keys to unlock the Burning Monolith and its pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash, thus completing the "Pinnacle of Flame" quest.

• Iron Citadel: Count Geonor (Act 1 boss). Appears as a large city with black walls.
• Copper Citadel: Jamanra, the Abomination (Act 2 boss). Resembles a large encampment surrounding the map node.
• Stone Citadel: Doryani (Act 3 boss). Looks like a stone pyramid, similar to Act 3 ziggurats.

Accessing a Citadel requires a Tier 15 or higher Waystone. Each Citadel offers a single attempt; death means losing the chance to defeat the boss and claim the rewards. These areas are valuable for both Crisis Fragments and high-tier loot.

Effective Citadel Hunting Strategies

The 0.1.1 update significantly improves Citadel visibility. A bright beacon now marks their location, even through the Fog of War.

If Citadels remain hidden, try these methods:

1. Linear Exploration: Travel in a straight line across the Atlas, maximizing Fog of War clearing and revealing map areas.
2. Lost Tower Strategy: Investigate Lost Towers; clearing them reveals surrounding areas, potentially uncovering nearby Citadels.
3. 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
4. Strategic Relocation: After finding a Citadel, assume nearby ones are unlikely. Travel a significant distance in a new direction to increase your chances of finding more.

The 0.1.1 update's improved visibility should make Citadels easier to spot within a few screens of explored areas. If not, revert to the linear exploration strategy, and the beacon should guide you.