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, each presenting unique challenges. Among these, Citadels stand out as particularly elusive endgame objectives. Unlike readily visible structures like Lost Towers, Realmgates, and Burning Monoliths, Citadels require a bit more hunting. However, the 0.1.1 update improves Citadel visibility.
The Purpose of Citadels
Citadels are unique map nodes, appearing as Iron, Copper, or Stone variants. Each houses a significantly powered-up campaign boss:
- 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.
Defeating these bosses yields Crisis Fragments—keys to unlock the Burning Monolith and its pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash, completing the "Pinnacle of Flame" quest. Access requires a Tier 15 or higher Waystone. Citadels are one-time encounters; once completed, they cannot be revisited.
Strategies for Locating Citadels
The 0.1.1 update significantly enhances Citadel visibility with prominent beacons visible even through the Fog of War. However, if you're still struggling to find them:
- Strategic Pathing: Travel in straight lines across the Atlas to maximize Fog of War clearing. Prioritize exploring near Lost Towers, as their completion reveals a large area.
- Biome Targeting: Citadel types tend to spawn in specific biomes:
- Iron Citadels: Grass or Forest biomes.
- Copper Citadels: Desert biomes.
- Stone Citadels: Coastal areas of any biome.
- Spacing: Citadels rarely cluster. After finding one, explore in a completely different direction.
With the improved visibility of the 0.1.1 update, Citadels should be easier to spot within a few screens of your explored map. If not, continue using the straight-line pathing strategy to uncover their beacons. Remember, the rewards—exceptional loot and Crisis Fragments—make the search worthwhile.
