Summary
In the current endgame of Path of Exile, one of the most lucrative and high-intensity farming approaches revolves around Abyss-based mapping strategies. After extensive testing, a powerful strategy has emerged that can generate approximately 1.5 to 2 Divine Orbs profit per map by leveraging the unique mechanics of the Allflame Ember of Propagation combined with Abyss encounters, turning this into a reliable source of cheap POE currency that funds your other projects. This guide breaks down the complete setup, execution, and optimization of this strategy based on real testing results.
Core Concept: How the Strategy Works
The entire strategy revolves around a single powerful item: the Allflame Ember of Propagation.
The Propagation Mechanic
When you run this Allflame Ember, it spawns rare monster packs. When these monsters die, they spread their modifiers to other rare monsters in the area . This creates a chain reaction where rare modifiers proliferate across the map.
Why It Works with Abyss
When combined with Nemesis scarabs, the propagation spreads even more modifiers around the map. Crucially, it can spread modifiers to Abyss monsters before they even spawn . You're essentially building up your Abyss monsters before you activate and kill them.
Abyss monsters in POE 2 benefit more from additional modifiers, and when you're stacking 11, 15, even 20 modifiers onto them and spawning 4-5 per pit, they consistently drop high-value loot .
Required Scarab Setup
The core scarab configuration is as follows:
Scarab | Purpose |
1x Allflame Ember of Propagation | Core enabler - spreads modifiers between rare monsters |
2x Nemesis Scarab | Adds additional modifiers to rare monsters for propagation |
1x Betrayal Scarab of the Allflame | Adds more propagating monsters (optional - under testing) |
The Flex Slot (5th Scarab)
The fifth scarab slot is flexible. Testing has been conducted with two options:
Wisp Scarab (~100k investment per map) - More consistent results
Risk Scarab (~Divine investment per map) - Higher ceiling but more expensive
In testing across 20 maps with each setup, both options produced approximately 1.7 Divine profit per map on average . With Risk Scarabs becoming increasingly expensive, the Wisp Scarab may be the more sustainable choice.
Note: This strategy doesn't use any Abyss scarabs. The Lightless Astrolabe and Atlas tree provide the Abyss encounters.
Map Setup and Rolling
Map Selection
City Square is the preferred map for this strategy for several reasons:
Open layout allows for easy avoidance of Abyss encounters until the end
Quick boss rush capability to remove boss altars early
Less likely to "eat" your Abyss encounters compared to smaller maps like Cemetery
Map Rolling
Roll your maps with the following:
88%+ more scarabs modifier before chiseling
Apply Scarab Chisel after rolling
Apply Delirium Orb (one orb) - though testing suggests this may be optional as it adds rare monsters that can "steal" propagation
Critical warning: Never run maps with the modifier that increases the chance to drop Abyss scarabs. These are currently worthless and will replace valuable scarab drops.
The Lightless Astrolabe
The Lightless Astrolabe adds a shaped region containing Abysses to a quadrant of the Atlas . It creates maps with:
One additional Abyss encounter
Scaling difficulty and rewards for each completed Abyss map in the region
The Astrolabe is applied to City Square maps, making it the primary map you'll run.
Atlas Tree
The Atlas tree focuses on maximizing rare monster generation and scarab drops :
Priority Nodes
Abyss Cluster - Spawns additional rare monsters from Abysses
Scarab Nodes - All scarab-related nodes taken
Map Modifier Effect - All nodes taken
Scarab Blocking - Block worthless scarabs, increase valuable ones
Eater of Worlds Altar Nodes - For quantity and currency duplication altars
Synthesised Stability - Enables running City Square consistently
Optional Nodes
Bismuth Ore nodes - Can provide additional modifier to rare monsters (effectively a mini-Nemesis scarab)
Test results: 2 Bismuth ores in 40 maps - the multiplier is worth the investment
Nodes to Skip
Shaping the Skies / Shaping the Mountains - You already have enough monsters from Abyss; additional rare monsters can dilute propagation
Magic Monster nodes - Useless for this strategy
How to Run the Maps
Step 1: Boss Rush
Immediately rush to kill the boss. This removes boss altars from the pool, improving your chances of getting good quantity or currency duplication altars later in the map .
Step 2: Clear the Map (Avoid Abyss)
Clear all monsters on the map except the Abyss encounter. You'll notice that you drop many scarabs even before reaching the Abyss - the map itself and propagated rare monsters are still extremely lucrative .
Key tip: Pick any good quantity or currency duplication altars as you clear.
Step 3: Run the Abyss Last
Once the map is fully cleared, return to the Abyss encounter. If possible, clear the Abyss pit by pit:
Clear monsters surrounding one pit
When the pit starts spawning monsters, clear them before moving to the next pit
Repeat for all pits
For auto-bomber builds, you may need to clear the entire Abyss at once. This is still viable.
The "Pull-Out" Strategy
A crucial mechanic for maximizing Abyss loot: Abyss monsters spawn inside a "dark cloud" zone, but killing them inside the cloud reduces loot quality - specifically reducing valuable Omen of Light drops .
Correct method: Lure monsters outside the cloud before killing them, or burst them instantly upon exit. This ensures maximum access to high-value drops .
Astrolabe Modifiers Worth Switching Maps For
Not all Astrolabe modifiers are equal. These are the ones worth pivoting to a different map for :
Modifier | Why It's Valuable |
Rare monsters have 1 additional modifier | Half a Nemesis scarab - propagates more modifiers across the map (BEST BY FAR) |
Abysses have 2 extra pits | More rare monsters - makes loot more consistent |
Abysses spawn additional rare monsters | Similar to extra pits - more monsters to propagate to |
When to Pivot
If City Square doesn't have one of these modifiers, pivot to Cemetery or Terrace. These maps are your secondary options.
Warning: Avoid Toxic Sewer - testing shows Abysses sometimes don't spawn there at all.
Expected Profits
20-Map Test Results (Wisp Scarab Setup)
Investment: ~10 Divines
Return: ~45 Divines
Profit: ~35 Divines over 20 maps
Profit per map: ~1.75 Divines
20-Map Test Results (Risk Scarab Setup)
Investment: ~20 Divines
Return: ~55 Divines
Profit: ~35 Divines over 20 maps (similar profit, higher ceiling)
Notable Drops
2 Bismuth Ores in 40 maps (with zero rarity on gear)
Many valuable uniques (including tier-zero unique drops)
106 Chaos Orbs in 20 maps without rolling for currency drops
Optimization Tips
Map Selection
City Square remains the best option due to the boss rush capability and layout. Jungle Valley would be better for currency altars (since boss altars don't spawn), but Abyss can spawn in blocked locations .
Delirium Orbs
Testing is inconclusive on whether to use Delirium Orbs. While they add quantity and rare monsters, the delirium rare monsters may "steal" propagation that would otherwise go to Abyss monsters. This needs further testing .
Build Considerations
Headhunter strongly recommended - this strategy creates incredibly juiced rare monsters
Some mobs may become unkillable - adjust build accordingly
High survivability and strong screen clear are essential
Future Potential
The strategy has significant optimization potential:
The Crystals Scarab hasn't been tested yet
Alternative scarab combinations may outperform current setup
The tier-zero unique farm potential is significant
Summary Checklist
Roll maps for 88%+ more scarabs
Apply Scarab Chisel
Use Lightless Astrolabe on City Square
Scarabs: 1x Propagation, 2x Nemesis, 1x Betrayal Allflame, 1x Wisp (or Risk)
Atlas Tree: All scarab nodes + map effect + Abyss clusters
Run: Boss rush → Clear map (avoid Abyss) → Run Abyss last
Use pull-out strategy for Abyss monsters
Pivot maps only for valuable Astrolabe modifiers
Conclusion
This Abyss Propagation strategy represents one of the most promising farming methods in the current POE meta. By leveraging the Allflame Ember of Propagation's modifier-spreading mechanic with Abyss's monster density, you can consistently generate high profits per map—much of which comes as POE currency for sale on the trade market, making it easy to convert your loot into pure Divine Orbs.
The strategy requires significant investment and a strong build, but the returns are substantial. If you're short on startup capital, MMOEXP can help you acquire the necessary scarabs and orbs to get started. With continued optimization and community exploration, this could become one of the defining farming strategies of the league.
