Path of Exile 2: How To Find More Citadels

After conquering the main campaign and tackling the Cruel difficulty Acts 1 through 3 in Path of Exile 2, you'll unlock the Endgame and gain access to the Atlas of Worlds. This sprawling map presents a variety of unique structures, each offering distinct challenges and gameplay mechanics. Among these are Realmgates, Lost Towers, the Burning Monolith, and the elusive Citadels.

Unlike the readily visible Lost Towers and the conveniently located Realmgate and Burning Monolith, Citadels are a bit more challenging to find. However, the 0.1.1 update makes them easier to spot, thanks to increased visibility. But if you're still struggling to locate them, these tips will help you unearth these crucial endgame objectives.

What are Citadels in PoE 2?

Citadels are unique map nodes in Path of Exile 2, appearing in three varieties: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each houses a powerful boss—reimagined campaign bosses significantly enhanced for the endgame—and rewards players with a Crisis Fragment upon defeat. These fragments are essential keys to unlock the Burning Monolith and face the Arbiter of Ash, the pinnacle boss, completing the "Pinnacle of Flame" quest.

• Iron Citadel: Count Geonor (Act 1 boss). Characterized 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 the ziggurats found in Act 3.

Accessing a Citadel requires a Waystone of at least Tier 15. Remember, each Citadel offers a single attempt; defeat the boss, or lose your chance. The rewards are well worth the effort, though—expect exceptional loot. Once completed, a Citadel cannot be revisited.

How to Find More Citadels in PoE 2

The 0.1.1 update significantly improves Citadel visibility on the Atlas map. A noticeable beacon of light now marks their location, even through the Fog of War. If you can't see any, try these strategies:

Travel in a straight line to reveal more of the Atlas map. Explore any Lost Towers you encounter; clearing them reveals a significant area, potentially uncovering nearby Citadels. Consider the biome: Iron Citadels are frequently found in Grass or Forest biomes, Copper Citadels in Desert biomes, and Stone Citadels along coastlines.

Citadels rarely cluster. After finding one, travel in a completely different direction to increase your chances of discovering more. With the 0.1.1 update's improved visibility, you should see Citadel beacons within a few screens of your explored areas. If not, continue traveling in a straight line—the beacons will eventually guide you.