Waystones in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) are essential for unlocking and running higher-tier maps. These maps provide stronger enemies and significantly better loot, making them a crucial aspect of the game's endgame content. While Tier 15 Waystones are the highest-tier Waystones that drop naturally as loot, dedicated players have discovered methods to access even higher tiers, including Tier 16, 17, 18, and 19. These higher tiers increase both the level of monsters and the quality of rewards obtained from maps.
In this article, we will discuss how to acquire Tier 16 Waystones, simulate the effects of Tier 17, 18, and 19 Waystones, and optimize your PoE 2 experience to maximize rewards from high-tier maps.
How to Obtain Tier 16 Waystones
The only way to obtain a Tier 16 Waystone in PoE 2 is by using a Vaal Orb on a Tier 15 Waystone. This process involves a degree of randomness and risk, making it both a gamble and an opportunity. Here are the possible outcomes when applying a Vaal Orb:
Upgrade: A Tier 15 Waystone transforms into a Tier 16 Waystone (less than 5% chance).
Downgrade: The Waystone is reduced to Tier 14 (a rare but possible outcome).
Random Modifiers: The map modifiers are randomized, which could enhance or weaken the map's difficulty and rewards.
No Change: The Vaal Orb has no effect on the Waystone.
Since the chance of successfully upgrading to a Tier 16 Waystone is low, players often accumulate multiple Tier 15 Waystones before attempting the upgrade. Using Vaal Orbs on Waystones introduces an element of risk and reward: successful upgrades lead to more lucrative maps, but failures can result in wasted resources.
Simulating Tier 17 & 18 Waystones
Currently, Tier 17 and Tier 18 Waystones do not exist as actual in-game items. However, their effects can be simulated using specific Atlas passive tree nodes and map modifiers that increase monster levels.
Tier 17 Waystones: How to Simulate
Effects of Tier 17 Waystones
Ability to spawn Level 19 Skill Gems, a key feature exclusive to Tier 17 maps.
How to Achieve
To replicate the effect of a Tier 17 Waystone, follow these steps:
Increase Monster Level: Invest in Atlas passive nodes that enhance map difficulty and increase monster level.
Modify Maps: Use map modifiers that boost enemy strength and add challenging affixes.
Corruption & Altar Influence: Utilize map corruption techniques and altar modifiers that raise monster level, indirectly simulating a Tier 17 environment.
With these methods, maps will reach the necessary monster level threshold, allowing for Level 19 Skill Gem drops, effectively mimicking Tier 17 maps.
Tier 18 Waystones: How to Simulate
Effects of Tier 18 Waystones
Ability to spawn Level 20 Skill Gems, the highest tier of gems available.
How to Achieve
Like Tier 17, achieving the effects of a Tier 18 Waystone requires careful map manipulation:
Advanced Atlas Passives: Select Atlas passive nodes that further increase monster level and map difficulty.
Enhanced Map Modifiers: Apply modifiers that push monster levels beyond their natural limits.
Special Events & Corruption: Use mechanics such as Vaal corruption to amplify map difficulty.
Through these methods, maps will allow Level 20 Skill Gems to drop, effectively simulating a Tier 18 environment.
Simulating Tier 19 Waystones
Tier 19 Waystones are the most elusive since they do not exist in PoE 2. However, players can simulate their effects by corrupting Tier 16 Waystones and applying specific Atlas modifiers.
How It Works
Corrupt a Tier 16 Waystone: Since it is already Vaal-corrupted, this action increases its challenge level.
Activate Atlas Modifiers: Choose nodes that add Corrupted and Irradiated map effects.
Monster Level Increase: The combination of these effects adds +2 to monster levels.
By implementing this method, maps will reach Level 83 monster encounters, bringing high-tier rewards such as:
Higher-level Skill Gems.
Exclusive boss drops.
Rare crafting materials.
This technique ensures that the highest possible monster levels and loot potential are achieved, replicating the impact of a theoretical Tier 19 Waystone.
Currency and Item Management for Tier 16+ Waystones
Upgrading Waystones and optimizing high-tier maps require significant currency and resource management. Below are key items essential for maximizing your map efficiency:
Vaal Orbs: Needed to upgrade Tier 15 Waystones to Tier 16.
Map Crafting Materials: Items that enhance maps with modifiers to increase difficulty and rewards.
Atlas Respec Points: Used to adjust passive selections for optimal monster level increases.
For those playing specialized builds, such as the Infernalist Witch (which relies on Fire damage and minion support), resource management is crucial. Investing in the right gear and modifiers ensures success in high-tier maps.
Conclusion
Pushing beyond Tier 15 Waystones in Path of Exile 2 requires strategic upgrading and map manipulation.
Tier 16 Waystones: Obtained by using Vaal Orbs on Tier 15 Waystones (with a low chance of success).
Tier 17 & 18 Waystones: Simulated through Atlas passive tree nodes and map modifiers that increase monster levels, allowing for Level 19 and Level 20 Skill Gem drops.
Tier 19 Waystones: Simulated using Corrupted Tier 16 Waystones combined with Corrupted + Irradiated modifiers, increasing monster levels to Level 83.
Mastering these methods will enable players to tackle the most challenging maps, maximize their rewards, and experience the pinnacle of PoE 2's endgame content. For more exciting follow-up, follow MMOEXP