The Simulacrum in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 brings with it a host of challenging endgame content, but few match the intensity and reward potential of The Simulacrum. An evolution of its Path of Exile 1 counterpart, The Simulacrum in PoE 2 tests your character's build, your mechanical skill, and your strategic thinking against escalating waves of chaos. In this guide, we'll break down how The Simulacrum works, how to access it, what to expect, and how to build your character and strategies for success.

What Is The Simulacrum?

The Simulacrum is an arena-style endgame event consisting of 20 escalating waves of enemies. Each wave increases in difficulty, density, and modifiers, culminating in one or more boss fights near the end. The encounter is designed to test high-end builds and offer tremendous loot for those who can make it to the final stages.

Originally introduced in Path of Exile 1 with Delirium, the Simulacrum in PoE 2 is redesigned to integrate better with the game's improved combat mechanics, AI systems, and skill visuals. It remains one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences in the game.

How to Access The Simulacrum in Path of Exile 2

To access The Simulacrum, you need to gather Simulacrum Splinters. These can drop from:

Delirium Mirrors in maps

Delirium encounters (e.g., Blight-influenced or Map Device Delirium toggles)

Special encounters tied to the Delirium mechanic

Once you collect 300 Simulacrum Splinters, they automatically combine into a Simulacrum Map Fragment, which you can use in the Map Device to open a portal to the Simulacrum.

Important Note:

You'll need a high-level character (around level 85+) to even consider completing all 20 waves, and ideally, you'll want to go in with optimized gear and a boss-capable build.

Simulacrum Mechanics and Structure

Each Simulacrum encounter features:

Wave-Based Progression

There are 20 total waves.

Every wave increases in difficulty and adds new monster modifiers.

Bosses begin appearing at Wave 5, with final bosses typically appearing between Waves 19-20.

Reward System

After each wave, you receive loot from a chest.

Rewards scale with wave number and monster difficulty.

Simulacrum-exclusive loot includes:

Cluster Jewels

Delirium Orbs

Unique Delirium-influenced items

High-value POE 2 currency (Exalted Orbs, Divine Orbs)

Death Consequence

You get one free death per run.

A second death ends your Simulacrum attempt.

Simulacrum Bosses

The Simulacrum is notorious for hosting powerful Delirium bosses, each with unique and punishing mechanics. Notable ones include:

Kosis, The Revelation

A spellcaster who uses chaos-based AOE spells and can instantly kill unprepared builds.

Weak to elemental stacking and chaos resistance penetration.

Omniphobia, Fear Manifest

A melee juggernaut who chains slams and charges.

Can stagger-lock players, so mobility is crucial.

Abrasax, the Awakened

One of the newer bosses introduced in PoE 2.

Uses mirror-based illusions and widespread AoE blasts.

Requires perfect movement and positional awareness.

Expect these bosses to appear in the later waves (15+), often at the same time in the final wave.

Best Builds for Simulacrum

Build Considerations

The ideal Simulacrum build must have:

High AoE clear speed

Layered defenses (Evasion + Spell Suppression, Block, or max resistances)

High chaos resistance

Excellent movement options

Strong single-target burst for bosses

Top Performing Builds (As of Current Meta)

1. Toxic Rain Ballista Pathfinder

Poison scaling and strong boss damage

Excellent safety via totems

Chaos resistance synergy

2. Cold DoT Occultist (Vortex + Creeping Frost)

Strong AoE and chill/freeze effects for crowd control

Curse stacking helps handle even tanky Simulacrum bosses

3. Boneshatter Juggernaut

Extremely tanky with armor and stun-based playstyle

Great against big packs and can facetank many mechanics

4. Lightning Arrow Deadeye

Massive AoE with projectile scaling

Speed farming waves while maintaining good boss damage

5. Detonate Dead Elementalist

Explodes corpses to wipe screens

Leverages corpse generation to scale damage

High fire resistance required to survive self-explosions

Gearing for Simulacrum

Here's what your gear should prioritize:

Defensive Layers

75% Chaos Resistance is almost mandatory

Spell Suppression or Block to handle ranged attacks

Recovery mechanics like Life on Kill or Leech

Offensive Scaling

Focus on AoE damage for waves

Maintain a swap or tool for single-target burst

Quality of Life

Phasing/Onslaught for movement

Movement Skills like Flame Dash, Dash, or Blink Arrow

Tips for Conquering The Simulacrum

1. Don't Rush Early Waves

Take your time; learn enemy patterns.

Save flasks and cooldowns for elite monsters.

2. Manage Flasks Carefully

Flask charges are precious in long encounters.

Use instilling orbs to automate utility flask usage.

3. Kill Priority Targets

Focus on Delirium monsters that explode or summon adds.

Deal with ranged enemies first.

4. Keep Moving

Standing still is death in Simulacrum.

Use movement skills frequently to reposition.

5. Bring a Portal Gem

Though one death is allowed, a Portal Gem gives you some leeway if things go south and you need to regear or adjust.

Profit Potential and Farming Strategy

The Simulacrum is not just hard-it's also incredibly profitable. Here's how:

Farming Strategies

Sell full Simulacrum Fragments if your build isn't ready.

Focus on Cluster Jewels, which still dominate build crafting.

Target Delirium-specific drops: Unique jewels, cluster bases, and orbs.

Recommended Farming Loop

Farm Delirium Mirrors or Maps for Simulacrum Splinters.

Run Simulacrums with a proper farming build.

Extract high-value loot or resell full fragments.

Repeat for exponential wealth.

Is Simulacrum Worth It in PoE 2?

Yes-absolutely. The Simulacrum offers:

A mechanically satisfying test of your build

A skill ceiling that rewards experienced players

Excellent loot at high levels

Access to highly tradeable Cluster Jewels and Delirium items

For experienced players and economy grinders alike, The Simulacrum represents the perfect fusion of difficulty and reward in Path of Exile 2's endgame.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for a challenge or hunting for top-tier loot, The Simulacrum in Path of Exile 2 remains one of the best-designed and most rewarding pieces of content. While it's not for the faint of heart, with preparation, the right build, and solid strategy, you can not only conquer all 20 waves but walk away with wealth that sets you up for league-long dominance.

MMOexp POE 2 Team