Path of Exile 2: Mastering the Elusive Citadels
After conquering the main campaign and Acts 1-3 on Cruel difficulty, players unlock the Endgame and the Atlas of Worlds. Navigating this Atlas presents unique challenges, including locating the enigmatic Citadels. Unlike readily visible structures like Lost Towers, Realmgates, and Burning Monoliths, Citadels require a more strategic approach. The 0.1.1 update improves Citadel visibility, but if you're still struggling to find them, these tips will help.
The Importance of Citadels
Citadels are unique map nodes in PoE 2, appearing in three forms: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each houses a significantly empowered campaign boss:
- Iron Citadel: Count Geonor (Act 1 boss). Visually identified by large black city 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.
Defeating these bosses yields Crisis Fragments, crucial keys to unlocking the Burning Monolith and its pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash. This completes the "Pinnacle of Flame" quest. Access requires a minimum Tier 15 Waystone. Citadels are one-time encounters; once completed, they cannot be revisited.
Citadels offer exceptional loot, making them worthwhile targets.
Locating Citadels in PoE 2
The 0.1.1 update enhances Citadel visibility with prominent beacons visible even through the Fog of War.
If Citadels remain elusive:
- Strategic Pathing: Travel in a straight line to maximize Fog of War clearing and Atlas map exploration.
- Lost Tower Strategy: Prioritize clearing Lost Towers; their reveal radius often uncovers nearby Citadels.
- Biome Targeting: Focus on specific biomes:
- Iron Citadels: Grass or Forest biomes.
- Copper Citadels: Desert biomes.
- Stone Citadels: Coastal areas of any biome.
Remember, Citadels rarely cluster. After finding one, explore in a completely different direction. The 0.1.1 update's improved visibility should make locating them significantly easier. If beacons remain hidden, revert to the straight-line pathing strategy.
