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 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 appear near the Atlas starting point, Citadels require a more strategic approach. 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 surrounding the map node.
• Stone Citadel: Doryani (Act 3 boss). Looks like a stone pyramid, reminiscent of 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 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 across the Atlas, maximizing Fog of War removal and map visibility.

2. Lost Tower Strategy: Prioritize Lost Towers; clearing them reveals significant areas, 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: Multiple Citadels rarely appear close together. After discovering one, explore in a completely different direction.

With the 0.1.1 update's improved visibility, Citadels should be easier to spot within a few screens of revealed areas. If not, revert to linear exploration to uncover their beacons hidden within the Fog of War.