After conquering the main campaign and tackling the Cruel difficulty Acts 1 through 3 in Path of Exile 2, the Endgame awaits, unlocking the Atlas of Worlds. This vast map presents a variety of unique structures, each offering distinct challenges and gameplay mechanics, including Realmgates, Lost Towers, the Burning Monolith, and the elusive Citadels.
Unlike the more readily visible Lost Towers, Realmgates, and Burning Monolith, Citadels present a unique endgame challenge. While the 0.1.1 update improves their visibility, making them easier to spot from a distance, finding them can still require some exploration. This guide offers tips to locate these valuable map nodes.
What are Citadels in PoE 2?
Citadels are unique map nodes in Path of Exile 2, appearing in three variations: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each houses a powerful boss—reimagined campaign bosses with significant endgame enhancements—and offers a chance to acquire a Crisis Fragment upon victory.
These fragments are crucial for accessing the Burning Monolith and its pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash. This unlocks after your first Burning Monolith encounter and inspecting the locked door. Here's a breakdown:
- Iron Citadel: Count Geonor (Act 1 boss). Visually identified by large black walls.
- 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, similar to Act 3 ziggurats.
Accessing a Citadel requires a Waystone of at least Tier 15. Remember, each Citadel offers a single attempt; defeat the boss, or lose your chance. The rewards, however, are worth the effort, including high-tier loot.
How to Find More Citadels in PoE 2
The 0.1.1 update significantly enhances Citadel visibility on the Atlas map. A prominent beacon of light now marks their location, even through the Fog of War. However, if Citadels remain hidden, employ these strategies:
Travel in straight lines across the Atlas to reveal more of the map. Prioritize exploring near any discovered Lost Towers, as clearing them significantly reduces the surrounding Fog of War. Citadels often appear near specific biomes:
- Iron Citadels: Grass or Forest biomes
- Copper Citadels: Desert biomes
- Stone Citadels: Coastal regions of any biome
Citadels rarely cluster. After discovering one, explore in a completely different direction to increase your chances of finding more. With the 0.1.1 update's improved visibility, beacons should be visible within a few screens of your explored areas. If not, continue exploring in straight lines—the beacons will guide you.
