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 expansive 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.

Citadels stand out as particularly challenging endgame objectives. Unlike Lost Towers (which rise above the Fog of War) and the readily accessible Realmgate and Burning Monolith, Citadels require a bit more hunting. The 0.1.1 update improves Citadel visibility, making them easier to spot from a distance. However, if your Atlas map remains Citadel-free, these tips will help you locate them.

What are Citadels for in PoE 2?

In Path of Exile 2, Citadels are unique map nodes, appearing in three variations: 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 Crisis Fragments are crucial; they're the keys to unlocking the Burning Monolith and facing the Arbiter of Ash, the pinnacle boss. This unlocks the "Pinnacle of Flame" quest after your first Burning Monolith visit and inspection of the locked door.

• Iron Citadel: Count Geonor (Act 1 boss). Visually, it resembles a large city with black 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. Once inside, it's a one-life challenge; defeat the boss or perish. Citadels offer exceptional loot, but completion is permanent—no re-runs allowed. Your only recourse is to explore the Atlas for more.

How to Find More Citadels in PoE 2

The 0.1.1 update significantly enhances Citadel visibility on the Atlas map. A bright beacon now marks their location, even through the Fog of War. If you still can't find any, try this:

Travel in a straight line across the Atlas map. This reveals the most Fog of War, maximizing your view. Prioritize exploring near any discovered Lost Towers; clearing them reveals a large area, potentially uncovering nearby Citadels.

Citadel types tend to spawn in specific biomes:

• Iron Citadels: Grass or Forest biomes
• Copper Citadels: Desert biomes
• Stone Citadels: Coastal areas of any biome

Citadels rarely cluster. After finding one, explore in a completely different direction to increase your chances of finding 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 guide you.