Path of Exile 2 Atlas of Worlds: How to Progress & Sustain Waystones

After completing the Path of Exile 2 campaign, you’ll enter the endgame, where you’ll interact with the Atlas of Worlds. If you’re familiar with similar games:

• From Diablo, think of it as rifts or pit levels.
• From Path of Exile 1, it’s comparable to maps.
• From Last Epoch, it resembles monoliths.

However, there’s a unique mechanic in Path of Exile 2: waystones. These consumable items are your key to accessing areas on the Atlas.

What Are Waystones?

Waystones come in 16 tiers, with Tier 1 being the lowest and Tier 16 the highest. The higher the tier, the rarer and more challenging the content becomes. Since waystones are consumable, you’ll need a steady supply to sustain your progression through the Atlas.

How Waystones Work

1. Consumable: You use one waystone to enter an area.
2. Rarity: Lower-tier waystones (1–3) drop frequently, while higher-tier ones become rarer as you progress.
3. Vendor Support: If you’re struggling to sustain your waystones, you can purchase them from Doryani in Vava Refuge or your hideout. He offers:
   • Limited quantities of Tier 1 waystones.
   • A decent selection of Tier 2 and Tier 3 waystones.

Sustaining Waystones

Early Tiers (1–3)

• Drops: Waystones for these tiers drop frequently. Running areas within your current tier ensures a steady supply.
• Vendor Purchases: Visit Doryani if you’re short on Tier 1–3 waystones. His stock refreshes periodically, making him a reliable source.

Mid Tiers (4–8)

• Upgrade Lower Tiers: Use crafting benches or mechanics within the Atlas to upgrade multiple lower-tier waystones into higher-tier ones.
• Group Play: Joining other players running mid-tier areas can help you access and acquire waystones more efficiently.
• Trading: Trade with other players for specific tier waystones if you’re struggling to progress.

High Tiers (9–16)

• Boss Drops: High-tier waystones are primarily found as drops from bosses or in areas corresponding to their tier.
• Efficient Farming: Focus on farming maps with the highest drop rate for your desired tier.
• Endgame Systems: Engage with endgame mechanics like Atlas passives, challenges, or league-specific systems to maximize your waystone yield.
• Trade Economy: At this stage, trading may become essential for acquiring the rarest waystones.

Tips for Progressing Through the Atlas

1. Plan Your Path: Use the Atlas to prioritize areas that drop the tier of waystone you need.
2. Diversify Your Content: Engage in different endgame activities (e.g., boss farming, unique encounters) to maximize your drop potential.
3. Use Resources Wisely: Avoid running high-tier areas unnecessarily, as it may waste valuable waystones.
4. Upgrade Strategies: Regularly upgrade your waystones through vendor recipes or crafting systems to maintain momentum.

Conclusion

Sustaining and progressing waystones in Path of Exile 2 requires strategic planning, resource management, and engagement with various systems in the game. By understanding the mechanics and utilizing vendors like Doryani, you can ensure a smooth progression through the Atlas of Worlds. With patience and practice, you’ll conquer even the most challenging Tier 16 areas!