Find Hidden Citadels in Path of Exile 2

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 the Atlas map presents various challenges, including Realmgates, Lost Towers, the Burning Monolith, 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 are near the Atlas starting point, Citadels require a more strategic approach. The 0.1.1 update enhances Citadel visibility, but if they remain elusive, use these strategies:

What are Citadels?

Citadels are unique map nodes in three varieties: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each houses a powerful, campaign-reused boss significantly enhanced for endgame combat. 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.

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

Accessing a Citadel requires a minimum Tier 15 Waystone. Like other maps, success hinges on completing the Citadel and defeating the boss without dying. Citadels offer exceptional loot but are one-time encounters; finding more requires further Atlas exploration.

Finding More Citadels

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 unseen, try these methods:

1. Linear Exploration: Travel in a straight line across the Atlas, maximizing Fog of War clearing and map visibility.
2. Lost Tower Strategy: Investigate Lost Towers; clearing them reveals a significant area, 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. Explore a completely different direction to increase your chances of discovery.

The 0.1.1 update's improved visibility should reveal Citadel beacons within a few screens of explored areas. If not, revert to the linear exploration strategy. The beacons will guide you to your next challenge.