Quick Links
The Atlas Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2 is a pivotal endgame mechanic that becomes available after completing all six Acts of the campaign. By tackling objectives in the main quest, Cataclysm's Wake, issued by Doryani, players can earn Atlas skill point books, each granting 2 points. These points are crucial for optimizing your endgame strategy, and knowing where to allocate them can make all the difference in your journey through the Atlas.
Best Early Mapping Atlas Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2
In the early stages of mapping from Tier 1 to Tier 10, the primary focus for players should be sustaining Waystones to progress smoothly into the true endgame. While the temptation to juice maps for more monster drops is understandable, it's a strategy that can hinder long-term progress. The goal should be to reach Tier 15 maps, where serious farming can begin.
To achieve this, the initial points on the Atlas skill tree are vital. Here are three key nodes to prioritize:
| Best Early Endgame Atlas Skills |
|---|
| Constant Crossroads 20% increased Quantity of Waystones found in your maps. |
| Fortunate Path 100% increased rarity of Waystones found in your maps. |
| The High Road Waystones have a 20% chance of being a tier higher. |
By the time you complete the Tier 4 map quest assigned by Doryani, you should have amassed enough Atlas points to secure these three crucial nodes. Constant Crossroads directly boosts your Waystone drop rate, making it an essential choice. Fortunate Path helps you conserve valuable currency like Regal Orbs, Exalted Orbs, and Orbs of Alchemy, which would otherwise be spent on enhancing your Waystones. The High Road is particularly vital, offering a 1 in 5 chance to obtain higher-tier maps, easing the transition between map tiers.
Before venturing into Tier 5+ maps, ensure your build is fully optimized. No amount of Atlas skill tree planning can compensate for a character that's not ready for the challenges ahead.
Best Endgame Atlas Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2
Once you reach Tier 15 maps, the issue of Waystone scarcity diminishes as there's no more tier jumping. This stage allows you to build a surplus of Tier 15 maps, effectively resolving any Waystone concerns. The focus now shifts to maximizing the number of rare monsters on your maps, as they are the most profitable targets. Here are the nodes you should prioritize:
| Best Endgame Atlas Skills |
|---|
| Deadly Evolution Gives 1 to 2 additional modifiers to Magic and Rare Monsters, drastically increasing the number and quality of drops. |
| Twin Threats Adds a flat +1 Rare monster to every map. Consider also picking up Rising Danger for a 15% increase in Rare monsters in your maps. |
| Precursor Influence Increases the drop chance of Precursor Tablets by +30%, making your endgame grind more profitable by juicing maps with these tablets. |
| Local Knowledge (Optional) Adjusts the weighting of drops based on map biome. Be cautious as it can negatively impact drops in Mountain and Desert biomes. If it doesn't yield favorable results, consider respeccing into Higher Tier Waystone (below Crystalline Growths) and Tablet Effect (next to Precursor Influence). |
If you notice a drop in Waystone quantity, it may be wise to respec back into the Waystone-focused nodes on the Atlas tree to maintain your map pool.
