Path of Exile 2: Strategies for the Atlas

Introduction

In this guide, we'll explore strategies for the Atlas in Path of Exile 2, including the selection of tower plaques, skill points allocation, and specific gameplay tactics.

Atlas Skill Introduction

First, let's dive into the Atlas skills. With 30 points available, we need to allocate them to three major nodes. This strategy focuses on increasing the number of rare monsters and their additional modifiers, ensuring a baseline of rewards. We also allocate points to "Twist of Fate," which allows us to double-corrupt maps during map conversion, potentially turning suboptimal T15 maps into valuable 8-mod maps or even T16 maps.

To obtain skill points for the legendary boss gameplay, you need to defeat the legendary bosses on maps of levels 79, 80, 81, and 82. These bosses drop books that grant skill points for boss gameplay. Once you have 8 skill points, follow this method to allocate points for legendary bosses.

• 1. Increase Boss Drops

  First, increase the quantity of drops from map bosses. Next, allocate points to ensure map bosses drop conversion stones, which are crucial for maintaining a steady supply of maps. After defeating a boss, you often get 3-4 maps, ensuring you have the necessary maps for future runs.

• 2. Extra Essences

  Allocate points to gain an extra essence from map bosses. High-tier essences, like Swift Essence, can be very expensive, making this a valuable choice for additional rewards.

• 3. Illuminated Areas

  Finally, allocate points to ensure map boss areas are always illuminated. This increases monster levels by one, enhancing rewards. However, be mindful of your build's strength, as these nodes increase map boss difficulty.

Creating and Managing High-Level Maps

Next, let's discuss how to create maps of levels 79, 80, 81, and 82. Some nodes on the Atlas have a "corrupted" marker, which increases the map level by one. Additionally, you need illumination to boost the area level. Without legendary boss skill points, use a Pioneer Plaque after completing a tower. This plaque increases monster levels in several maps within its range by one.

If you combine a node with a legendary boss, corrupted map modifiers, and illumination, you can prepare an 82-level map. Use a T16 map to enter an 80-level map, then add the two map levels to create an 82-level map. Defeat the boss to gain the corresponding skill points.

To get the remaining 2 points (for a total of 10), complete the Flame Peak quest. When mapping, prioritize plaques that increase monster levels in 10 maps within their range to help create 82-level maps. Avoid low-range plaques to maximize efficiency.

Atlas Gameplay

Beyond legendary bosses, other Atlas gameplay choices depend on your build's strength and skill range. For beginners or builds with limited range, focus on altars. Altars provide gear, currency, and valuable prophecies, including the highly prized "King's Meeting," which currently sells for around 7 divines.

For those familiar with gear values and with high-damage builds, breaches are an excellent choice. High-quality breach rings can sell for very high prices, and breaches guarantee rewards. Collecting 300 breach shards to form a breach stone can yield around 80 exalts.

Next, consider Delirium. High-tier Delirium drops valuable items like "Emotional Bond," with refined isolation valued at around 449 exalts. Delirium also guarantees rewards, with Delirium orbs currently priced at 230 exalts each.

Finally, there's Heist. The main profit from Heist comes from gear and specific boss drops in logs, which are still quite valuable.

Conclusion

These are the current strategies for Atlas gameplay. When choosing a strategy, consider your build's strength and suitability for the chosen gameplay. Regardless of potential rewards, ensure you can handle the content to maximize your currency gains.