The Burning Monolith: A Path of Exile 2 Endgame Challenge
The Burning Monolith, a unique map location in Path of Exile 2's Atlas of Worlds, resembles a Realmgate but presents a significant challenge. Accessing it requires three Crisis Fragments, each obtained by conquering a Citadel – an exceptionally rare and difficult map node.
Unlocking the Arbiter of Ash
The Burning Monolith serves as the arena for the endgame boss, Arbiter of Ash. Your first attempt to activate the Monolith's door initiates "The Pinnacle of Flame" quest, comprising three sub-quests: Ezomyte Infiltration (Iron Citadel), Faridun Foray (Copper Citadel), and Vaal Incursion (Stone Citadel). Completing these Citadels yields the three essential Crisis Fragments. Combine them at the Monolith's altar to unlock the Arbiter of Ash encounter. Prepare a powerful build; the Arbiter is the game's toughest pinnacle boss, boasting devastating attacks and immense health.
The Citadel Hunt: A Test of Patience
Three Citadels – Iron, Copper, and Stone – each guard a unique Crisis Fragment. The primary difficulty lies in their elusive nature.
Key Considerations:
- Single Attempt: Citadels can only be attempted once.
- Random Generation: Their location on the randomly generated Atlas is unpredictable.
- Community Theories (Unconfirmed):
- Directional Search: Explore the Atlas systematically in a chosen direction.
- Corruption Focus: Target corrupted nodes at the Atlas's edges.
- Clustered Appearance: Finding one Citadel may indicate others nearby.
Citadel hunting is a late-game activity, best undertaken with a highly optimized build.
Alternative Acquisition:
While hunting Citadels is the traditional method, Crisis Fragments can be purchased from online trading platforms or via the in-game Currency Exchange. However, their rarity often commands a high price. Weigh the time investment against the cost before deciding on your approach.
