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 mechanics, including Realmgates, Lost Towers, Burning Monoliths, and the enigmatic Citadels.

Citadels, unlike readily visible structures, present a unique challenge. While Lost Towers pierce the Fog of War, and Realmgates/Burning Monoliths appear near the Atlas's 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.

The Purpose of Citadels

Citadels are unique map nodes in three variations: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each houses a powerful, endgame-enhanced version of a PoE 2 campaign boss. Defeating these bosses yields Crisis Fragments—keys to unlocking the Burning Monolith and its pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash. This is crucial for 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.
• Stone Citadel: Doryani (Act 3 boss). Looks like a stone pyramid.

Accessing a Citadel requires a Tier 15 or higher Waystone. Each Citadel offers a single attempt to defeat its boss; failure means you can't retry that specific Citadel. The rewards, however, make the effort worthwhile—exceptional loot awaits.

Finding More Citadels

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

If Citadels remain hidden, try these strategies:

1. Linear Exploration: Travel in a straight line across the Atlas, maximizing Fog of War removal and map visibility.
2. Lost Tower Strategy: Investigate 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 not nearby. Multiple Citadels rarely cluster together. Explore in a completely new direction after each discovery.

With the 0.1.1 update's improved visibility, Citadels should be apparent within a few screens of your explored Atlas area. If not, repeat the linear exploration strategy to uncover their beacons.