Path of Exile 2: Unveiling the Burning Monolith

The Burning Monolith: Path of Exile 2's Endgame Challenge

The Burning Monolith, a unique map location in Path of Exile 2's Atlas of Worlds, resembles a Realmgate but presents a significantly more challenging encounter. Accessing this area requires three Crisis Fragments, each obtained by conquering a Citadel – an extremely rare and difficult-to-locate map node.

Unlocking the Arbiter of Ash

The Burning Monolith is the gateway to the endgame pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash. Your first attempt to activate the Monolith's door initiates "The Pinnacle of Flame" quest, comprised of three sub-quests: Ezomyte Infiltration (Iron Citadel), Faridun Foray (Copper Citadel), and Vaal Incursion (Stone Citadel). Completing these Citadels yields the three necessary Crisis Fragments. Combine these Fragments at the Monolith's altar to unlock the Arbiter of Ash fight. Prepare a powerful build; this boss is notoriously challenging, boasting devastating attacks and immense health.

The Citadel Hunt: A Test of Patience

Three Citadels—Iron, Copper, and Stone—each guarded by a unique boss, hold the key Crisis Fragments. The primary hurdle is their elusive nature.

Citadels are one-time attempts. The Atlas's random generation means Citadel locations vary for each player. While no guaranteed method exists, community observations suggest these strategies:

1. Directional Exploration: Choose a direction on the Atlas and systematically explore until you locate a Citadel. Utilizing Towers for a broader view is highly recommended.
2. Corruption Tracking: Focus on areas of Atlas corruption. Investigate corrupted nodes, clear them successfully, unlock nearby Towers, and repeat. This strategy pairs well with directional exploration.
3. Clustered Appearance: Anecdotal evidence suggests Citadels tend to appear in clusters. Finding one might lead you to the others nearby.

Citadel hunting is a late-game endeavor, requiring a highly optimized build and considerable boss-fighting experience.

Alternative Acquisition: Trading

Crisis Fragments, the ultimate goal of the Citadel hunt, are available for purchase via online trading platforms or in-game currency exchanges. However, their rarity commands a high price, potentially making this a worthwhile alternative to the arduous hunt.