Path of Exile 2: How To Find More Citadels

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 offering unique challenges, 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's starting point, Citadels require more strategic discovery. The 0.1.1 update enhances Citadel visibility, but if they remain elusive, these tips will help you locate them.

The Significance of Citadels

PoE 2 Citadels are unique map nodes, categorized as Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each houses a significantly powered-up campaign boss:

Iron Citadel: Count Geonor (Act 1 boss). Visually identified by large black city walls.
Copper Citadel: Jamanra, The Abomination (Act 2 boss). Appears as a large encampment surrounding the map node.
Stone Citadel: Doryani (Act 3 boss). Resembles a stone pyramid, similar to Act 3 ziggurats.

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. Access requires a minimum Tier 15 Waystone. Citadels are one-time challenges; once completed, they cannot be revisited.

Citadels offer exceptional loot, making them worthwhile targets.

Strategies for Finding Citadels

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

If Citadels remain hidden, try these strategies:

Linear Exploration: Travel in a straight line across the Atlas, maximizing Fog of War removal and map visibility.
Lost Tower Strategy: Lost Towers reveal significant areas, potentially uncovering nearby Citadels. Prioritize exploring around them.
Biome Targeting: Citadel types favor specific biomes:
- Iron Citadels: Grass or Forest
- Copper Citadels: Desert
- Stone Citadels: Coastal areas
Strategic Spacing: Once a Citadel is found, assume others are distant. Multiple Citadels rarely cluster. Explore in a completely new direction after each discovery.

With the 0.1.1 update's improved visibility, Citadels should be within a few screens of your explored map areas. If not, employ the straight-line exploration strategy to locate their beacons.