Path of Exile's endgame mapping system provides a wealth of challenging content and rewarding loot. In this guide, we will explore the intricacies of endgame mapping and provide you with strategies to optimize your map runs and maximize your chances of success.
Understanding the Atlas
Familiarize yourself with the Atlas of Worlds, a map system in Path of Exile. The Atlas consists of interconnected maps, each with its own boss and unique modifiers. By completing maps and defeating bosses, you can progress through the Atlas and unlock higher-tier maps, get more POE currency and resources..
Map Completion
Aim to complete as many maps as possible on the Atlas. Completing a map grants you permanent bonuses to item quantity and rarity for all future maps of that tier. Additionally, fully completing a map region can unlock special bonuses and access to unique maps.
Map Drops and Sustaining
To sustain a healthy map pool, focus on running maps of a similar or higher tier than the ones you want to sustain. This increases the chances of maps dropping at the desired tier. Utilize items like Cartographer's Chisels to increase map quality, which improves the quantity of items dropped.
Atlas Objectives and Watchstones
Obtain and socket Watchstones into your Atlas to unlock new map tiers and modifiers. Each region on the Atlas can hold up to four Watchstones, and placing them strategically can influence the types of maps that drop. Completing Atlas Objectives provided by Zana can further enhance your map sustainment and progression.
Modifying Maps
Utilize currency items like Orb of Alchemy, Chaos Orbs, and Vaal Orbs to modify maps. Alchemy orbs can upgrade maps to rare status, while Chaos Orbs can roll different modifiers on the map. Vaal Orbs can corrupt maps, adding powerful modifiers or transforming them into unique versions. Experiment with different combinations to suit your playstyle and build.
Map Mods and Sextants
Apply Sextant modifiers to your Atlas regions for additional map modifiers and bonuses. Sextants can roll various modifiers that affect the maps within a specific radius on the Atlas, such as increased monster pack size, additional items dropped, or increased experience gained. Use Cartographer's Sextants to apply these modifiers strategically.
Map Clearing Efficiency
Optimize your map clear speed by utilizing movement skills, area-of-effect spells, and efficient mob farming techniques. Consider investing in increased movement speed, cast speed, and area damage to clear maps quickly. Utilize skills like Whirling Blades, Shield Charge, or Flame Dash for swift movement between packs of monsters.
Map Bosses and Loot
Pay attention to map bosses, as they can drop valuable items, unique maps, and special crafting bases. Build your character to handle map bosses efficiently and consider using skills that have high single-target damage. It's also beneficial to have increased item quantity and rarity modifiers to enhance your chances of obtaining valuable drops.
Delve and Incursion
Explore side content like Delve and Incursion while mapping. Delve offers valuable Azurite for upgrading your Sulphite capacity and access to valuable fossils for crafting. Incursion temples provide access to powerful rooms with unique rewards. Integrating these activities into your mapping routine can enhance your overall progression and loot acquisition.
Trading and Map Completion
Engage in map trading to fill gaps in your Atlas and acquire desired maps. Utilize trade websites, in-game chat channels, or join a trade league to connect with other players looking to trade maps. Completing your Atlas and obtaining maps from other players can significantly improve your map sustainment and variety.
Beyond Mapping
Once you have a solid map pool, consider engaging in higher-level content like the Shaper, Elder, or Conquerors of the Atlas fights. These encounters offer additional challenges, powerful unique items, and the opportunity to shape and influence your Atlas for even greater rewards.
Continuous Improvement
Mapping in Path of Exile is an ongoing process of refinement and optimization. Continuously seek to improve your character's power, efficiency, and survivability. Experiment with different strategies, map modifiers, and build variations to keep your mapping experience fresh and rewarding.
By following these strategies and tips, you can master endgame mapping in Path of Exile. Explore the vast variety of maps, challenge powerful bosses, get the best POE orbs(POE chaos orbs and POE exalted orbs) and items, and uncover valuable loot as you progress through the Atlas. Adapt your strategies to suit your playstyle and build, and enjoy the exciting and dynamic endgame content that Path of Exile has to offer. Good luck, and may the maps be ever in your favor!