Path of Exile 2: How to Get Tier 16+ Waystones

Waystones in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) are crucial for unlocking and running higher-tier maps, which provide stronger enemies and better loot. While Tier 15 Waystones are the highest-tier Waystones that drop as regular loot, keen players have discovered ways to access even higher tiers, specifically Tier 16, 17, 18, and 19, which increase both the level of monsters and the quality of rewards from maps.

Below, we break down how to obtain Tier 16 Waystones and simulate the effects of Tier 17, 18, and 19 Waystones.

How to Get Tier 16 Waystones in PoE 2

To obtain a Tier 16 Waystone in PoE 2, you need to use a Vaal Orb on a Tier 15 Waystone. This process is the only way to directly upgrade a Waystone to Tier 16. Here's what can happen when you apply the Vaal Orb:

Tier 15 Waystone → Tier 16 Waystone: The best outcome, though rare (less than 5% chance).

Tier 15 Waystone → Tier 14 Waystone: A downgrade, though still a rare outcome.

Tier 15 Waystone → Random Modifiers: The modifiers on the map are randomized, which could either enhance or worsen the outcome.

No Change: Occasionally, the Vaal Orb will not affect the Tier 15 Waystone.

Using Vaal Orbs on Waystones adds an element of risk and reward: you could increase your map's difficulty, making it more lucrative but also much more challenging.

How to Simulate Tier 17 & 18 Waystones

While Tier 17 and Tier 18 Waystones do not exist as actual PoE 2 items in the game, you can achieve their effects through the Atlas passive tree and map modifiers. Here's how to simulate the effects of Tier 17 and 18:

Tier 17 Waystones:

Effect: The primary feature of Tier 17 Waystones is the ability to spawn Level 19 Skill Gems.

How to Achieve: You can simulate the effect of a Tier 17 Waystone by focusing on Atlas nodes that modify the monster level of your maps. Some of these nodes increase the monster level in your maps, allowing for the drop of Level 19 Skill Gems, which is exclusive to Tier 17 maps.

Tier 18 Waystones:

Effect: The primary feature of Tier 18 Waystones is the ability to spawn Level 20 Skill Gems.

How to Achieve: Similarly, by optimizing your Atlas tree and map modifiers, you can increase the monster level high enough to simulate Tier 18 maps, which will allow you to obtain Level 20 Skill Gems (the highest tier of gems in the game).

This can be accomplished by focusing on map mods and passives that increase the difficulty and level of the monsters you encounter, as well as ensuring that the monster level reaches the required thresholds for Level 19 and 20 gems to drop.

How to Achieve the Effect of Tier 19 Waystones

Tier 19 Waystones are the most elusive, as no actual Tier 19 Waystone exists in PoE 2. However, you can simulate their effect by combining Corrupted Tier 16 Waystones with specific Atlas modifiers.

How It Works:

You’ll need to corrupt a Tier 16 Waystone (which is already Vaal-corrupted). Once corrupted, the Waystone can be upgraded to a Tier 17 Waystone.

When the Tier 17 Waystone is activated in an Atlas node that has both Corrupted and Irradiated modifiers, it will add +2 to the monster level. This +2 monster level effectively simulates the effect of a Tier 19 Waystone.

By using this method, you unlock the possibility of encountering Level 83 enemies in your maps, making these encounters highly rewarding with better drops, including higher-tier skill gems, boss items, and rare crafting materials.

To optimize your maps and loot, make sure to focus on upgrading your Waystones, selecting the right Atlas passives, and utilizing corrupted Tier 16 Waystones to unlock higher monster levels. These methods will significantly increase the rewards from your maps, making higher-tier content both more profitable and challenging.

PoE 2 Currency and Items for Tier 16+ Waystones

As you go after Tier 16+ Waystones, your currency and items become essential for crafting your way to higher-tier maps. From Vaal Orbs to Atlas modifier crafting, you'll need to gather a considerable amount of resources to ensure you can upgrade and modify your maps efficiently. Keep an eye on crafting materials and currency items that allow you to boost your Atlas and map runs to their maximum potential.

If you plan to focus on minion-supporting gear or Fire damage-enhancing PoE 2 items like in the Infernalist Witch build, make sure your PoE2 currency management can support both upgrading Waystones and acquiring the right gear for these tougher maps. The better your gear and resources, the more successful you'll be in conquering higher-tier maps and reaping the rewards.

Summary

Tier 16 Waystones can be obtained by using Vaal Orbs on Tier 15 Waystones, though the chances of upgrading are low. This upgrade increases the difficulty of your maps and rewards with higher-level drops.

Tier 17 and 18 Waystones do not exist but can be simulated by increasing monster level through Atlas passive nodes and map modifiers, allowing you to obtain Level 19 and Level 20 gems.

Tier 19 Waystones can be simulated by corrupting Tier 16 Waystones and using Corrupted + Irradiated modifiers on the Atlas, which increases the monster level by +2, allowing for Level 83 monsters to spawn.

MMOexp POE 2 Team