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 with unique challenges, including Realmgates, Lost Towers, Burning Monoliths, 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 relatively close to the Atlas starting point, Citadels require a more strategic approach. The 0.1.1 update enhances Citadel visibility, but if they remain elusive, these tips will help you locate them.

What are Citadels and their Purpose?

Citadels are unique map nodes in PoE 2, categorized into Iron, Copper, and Stone varieties. Each houses a powerful boss—reimagined campaign bosses with significant endgame enhancements—dropping a Crisis Fragment upon defeat. These fragments are crucial Pinnacle Boss keys, necessary to unlock the Burning Monolith and face the Arbiter of Ash, the Atlas pinnacle boss. This unlocks 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.

Finding More Citadels

The 0.1.1 update significantly improves Citadel visibility. A prominent light beacon now marks their location, even through the Fog of War.

If Citadels are scarce, 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: 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 Movement: Once a Citadel is found, assume others are distant. Multiple Citadels rarely cluster together. Explore in a drastically different direction after each discovery.

The 0.1.1 update's enhanced visibility should make Citadels easier to spot. If they remain hidden, continue linear exploration—the beacon will guide you.