The Atlas Skill Tree serves as a pivotal endgame mechanic in Path of Exile 2, becoming accessible once players have conquered all six Acts of the campaign. As part of the main quest, Cataclysm’s Wake, players are assigned tasks by Doryani, which upon completion, yield Atlas skill point books—each granting an additional two skill points.
Strategically allocating these skill points is essential for ensuring a seamless endgame experience. The initial skill points are particularly critical; therefore, players should allocate them with utmost care. Below, you will find the most effective setups for the Atlas Skill Tree in PoE 2.
Updated April 11, 2025, by Hamza Haq: Following the recent Dawn of the Hunt update for Path of Exile 2, a comprehensive overhaul of the Atlas Skill Tree has taken place. This update has eliminated certain nodes and restructured others. The present article has been revised to correspond with Patch 0.2.0 reflecting these significant adjustments.
Optimal Early Mapping Atlas Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2
When it comes to the mapping stages from Tier 1 to Tier 10 in PoE 2, sustaining your Waystones is of paramount importance for advancing towards the endgame. While enhancing maps for increased monster drops may appear appealing, this approach is often short-lived. Instead, players should prioritize reaching Tier 15 maps, particularly if they aim to excel in endgame farming rather than merely experiment.
The first few skill points in the Atlas Skill Tree are vital. Focus primarily on the following three nodes:
|
Essential Early Endgame Atlas Skills |
|
|---|---|
|
Constant Crossroads |
Increases the quantity of Waystones found in your maps by 20%. |
|
Fortunate Path |
Doubles the rarity of Waystones discovered in your maps. |
| The High Road |
Grants a 20% chance for Waystones to be of a higher tier. |
By the time you complete the Tier 4 map quest assigned by Doryani, you should be able to allocate points to all three of these critical nodes. Constant Crossroads offers a straightforward enhancement to your Waystone drop rate. Fortunate Path allows players to conserve valuable currencies such as Regal Orb, Exalted Orb, and Orb of Alchemy, which might otherwise be spent on Waystones. Lastly, The High Road is particularly significant, as it provides a 20% chance of obtaining maps that are one tier higher than usual, helping to alleviate the challenges associated with tier progression.
Before venturing into Tier 5 maps and beyond, ensure that your build is finalized. No amount of Atlas Skill Tree optimization can offset the consequences of frequent deaths in maps.
Optimal Endgame Atlas Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2
Once players reach Tier 15 maps, the concern surrounding Waystones diminishes, as no further tier jumps are necessary. This shift allows players to steadily accumulate Tier 15 maps, effectively eliminating the Waystone dilemma. The focus now shifts toward enhancing the quantity of rare monsters, which provide the most valuable rewards on any map. Below are the nodes that should receive your attention first:
|
Primary Endgame Atlas Skills |
|
|---|---|
|
Grueling Journey |
Enhances the effect of your Waystones by 2% for each explicit modifier, potentially stacking up to a total of +12% effectiveness. |
|
Twin Threats |
Since rare monsters are a major source of loot, increasing their presence is crucial. Twin Threats guarantees at least one additional rare monster per map, and pairing it with Rising Danger can yield a 15% increase in rare monsters. |
| Precursor Influence |
To maximize profit during the endgame grind, prioritize Precursor Tablets. This node boosts the drop rate of Tablets by 30%, allowing for more profitable runs. |
| Local Knowledge (Optional) |
This node can lead to significant rewards by altering drop probabilities based on the selected map biome. However, note that it negatively affects two of the five biomes (Mountain and Desert). Be cautious when employing Local Knowledge and consider respeccing if the biome selection does not yield favorable results. If opting out of Local Knowledge, invest points in the Higher Tier Waystone node below Crystalline Growths and the Tablet Effect node next to Precursor Influence. |
|
Strongbox Type Selector |
Within the lower left section of the Atlas Tree, nodes enhance both Shrines and Strongboxes. Strongboxes generally prove more rewarding, especially the Ventor’s Contraption Researcher’s Strongbox, which can drop a substantial number of Divine Orbs and high-level Skill Gems for a relatively low cost. Opt for the ‘Researcher’s Strongbox’ in the Selector to increase the appearance of these lucrative opportunities. |
As you make the final allocations in your Atlas Skill Tree, determine your area of specialization. If your preference leans towards Strongboxes or Shrines, focus on the nodes located in the lower left area of the tree. Conversely, if you seek rewards from Essences and Azmerian Wisps, direct your efforts to the lower right section. However, for specific unique maps like the Silent Cave, which is known for its Essence drops, it might be beneficial to respec into the respective side of the tree temporarily.
Please note that the last ten points in the Atlas tree can only be earned by completing unique maps such as the Silent Cave and Phaaryl Megalith.