Path of Exile 2: Unveiling the Burning Monolith

The Burning Monolith: Conquering Path of Exile 2's Endgame Pinnacle Boss

The Burning Monolith, a unique map node in Path of Exile 2's Atlas of Worlds, resembles a Realmgate but presents a significantly more challenging encounter. Accessing it requires three Crisis Fragments, each obtainable only by conquering a Citadel – an exceptionally rare and difficult map node.

Unlocking the Arbiter of Ash

The Burning Monolith is the lair of the Arbiter of Ash, the game's most formidable pinnacle boss. Your first attempt to activate the Monolith's door initiates "The Pinnacle of Flame" quest, branching into three sub-quests: Ezomyte Infiltration (Iron Citadel), Faridun Foray (Copper Citadel), and Vaal Incursion (Stone Citadel). Completing these Citadels yields the three essential Crisis Fragments. Combine these fragments at the Monolith's altar to unlock the Arbiter of Ash encounter. Ensure your character build is optimized; the Arbiter of Ash boasts devastating attacks and immense health.

The Citadel Hunt: A Test of Patience and Power

Path of Exile 2 features three Citadels: Iron, Copper, and Stone, each guarded by a unique boss. The primary challenge lies not in defeating the bosses, but in locating the Citadels themselves. Each player's Atlas is procedurally generated, meaning Citadel locations are randomized. While definitive strategies are elusive, these community-derived tips may prove helpful:

1. Directional Progression: Choose a direction on the Atlas and systematically explore until you discover a Citadel. Utilizing Towers for a broader map view is recommended.
2. Corruption Tracking: Focus on corrupted nodes at the Atlas's periphery. Clear these nodes, unlock nearby Towers, and repeat. This strategy complements the first.
3. Clustered Appearance: Anecdotal evidence suggests Citadels often appear in clusters. Finding one may lead to the others.

Citadel hunting demands significant time and a powerful build. It's best reserved for the late-game when boss encounters are routine.

Alternative Acquisition: Purchasing Crisis Fragments

Crisis Fragments, the ultimate goal of Citadel hunting, can be acquired through the in-game trading website or Currency Exchange. However, their rarity often results in high prices. Weighing the cost against the time investment of hunting is crucial.