Path of Exile 2: How To Find More Citadels

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 this Atlas reveals various structures offering unique challenges, including Realmgates, Lost Towers, Burning Monoliths, and the enigmatic Citadels.

Citadels, unlike more readily visible structures, present a unique endgame challenge. While Lost Towers pierce the Fog of War, and Realmgates/Burning Monoliths are closer to the Atlas starting point, Citadels require a more strategic approach. The 0.1.1 update improves Citadel visibility, but if you're still struggling to locate them, these tips will help.

The Purpose of Citadels

Citadels are unique map nodes in PoE 2, appearing in three forms: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each houses a powerful boss (repurposed campaign bosses with significant buffs) and rewards players with a Crisis Fragment upon defeat.

Crisis Fragments are crucial for accessing the Burning Monolith and its pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash, 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 minimum Tier 15 Waystone. Like other maps, you have one attempt to defeat the boss. Citadels offer exceptional loot, but are one-time encounters; once completed, you must explore the Atlas for another.

Finding More Citadels

The 0.1.1 update significantly enhances Citadel visibility with prominent beacons visible through the Fog of War.

If Citadels remain elusive, try these strategies:

1. Linear Exploration: Travel in a straight line to maximize Fog of War clearing and Atlas map visibility.
2. Lost Tower Strategy: Prioritize Lost Towers; clearing them reveals a significant area, potentially uncovering nearby Citadels.
3. Biome Targeting: Each Citadel type favors specific biomes:
   • Iron Citadels: Grass or Forest biomes
   • Copper Citadels: Desert biomes
   • Stone Citadels: Coastal areas of any biome
4. Strategic Spacing: Citadels rarely cluster. After finding one, explore in a drastically different direction to increase your chances of finding another.

With the 0.1.1 update's improved visibility, Citadels should be easier to spot within a few screens of revealed map areas. If not, revert to the linear exploration strategy – a Citadel beacon will eventually guide you.