Citadels Guide: Discover More in Path of Exile 2

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 with unique mechanics, including Realmgates, Lost Towers, Burning Monoliths, and the enigmatic Citadels.

Citadels, unlike readily visible structures, present a unique endgame challenge. While Lost Towers pierce the Fog of War, and Realmgates/Burning Monoliths are near the Atlas starting point, Citadels require more strategic searching. The 0.1.1 update improves Citadel visibility, but if you're still struggling to locate them, these tips will help.

The Purpose of Citadels

Citadels are unique map nodes in three variants: Iron, Copper, and Stone. 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. Citadels require a minimum Tier 15 Waystone for access and offer a single attempt per map. Rewards include exceptional loot.

Strategies for Finding Citadels

The 0.1.1 update significantly enhances Citadel visibility with prominent beacons visible through the Fog of War.

If Citadels remain elusive, try these strategies:

1. Linear Exploration: Travel in a straight line to maximize Fog of War clearing and Atlas map visibility.
2. Lost Tower Strategy: Prioritize Lost Towers; their completion reveals a significant area, potentially uncovering nearby Citadels.
3. Biome Targeting: Citadels tend to spawn in specific biomes:
   • Iron Citadels: Grass or Forest biomes.
   • Copper Citadels: Desert biomes.
   • Stone Citadels: Coastal areas of any biome.
4. Strategic Spacing: Once a Citadel is found, assume others are not nearby. Multiple Citadels on the same fully zoomed-out Atlas screen are rare. Explore in a completely different direction after each discovery.

With the 0.1.1 update's improved visibility, Citadels should be visible within a few screens of your explored areas. If not, revert to the linear exploration strategy; the beacons will guide you.