Path of Exile 2: Burning Monolith Explained

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

The Burning Monolith, a unique map node reminiscent of the Realmgate, awaits players on the Atlas of Worlds near their mapping journey's starting point. Accessing it, however, presents a significant challenge.

Unlocking the Burning Monolith

To activate the Burning Monolith, you'll need three Crisis Fragments. These elusive items are obtained by conquering Citadels – exceptionally rare and difficult map nodes on the Atlas. Your first attempt to activate the Monolith's door initiates "The Pinnacle of Flame" quest, encompassing three sub-quests: Ezomyte Infiltration (Iron Citadel), Faridun Foray (Copper Citadel), and Vaal Incursion (Stone Citadel). Successfully completing these Citadels yields the three crucial Crisis Fragments. Once acquired, use them on the Monolith's altar to unlock the fight against the Arbiter of Ash.

Prepare for a formidable foe. The Arbiter of Ash is the game's most challenging pinnacle boss, boasting devastating attacks and a colossal health pool. Ensure your character build is optimized before engaging.

Locating the Elusive Citadels

Path of Exile 2 features three Citadels: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each Citadel houses a unique map boss; defeating them grants the corresponding Crisis Fragment. The primary difficulty lies in their unpredictable location on the randomly generated Atlas. While definitive strategies are lacking, community observations suggest the following:

1. Directional Progression: Choose a direction on the Atlas and systematically explore it until you discover a Citadel. Utilize Towers to expand your map visibility.
2. Corruption Tracking: Focus on map nodes exhibiting corruption, often found at the Atlas's edges. Clear these nodes, unlock nearby Towers, and repeat. This method can be combined with the first.
3. Clustered Appearance: Anecdotal evidence suggests Citadels tend to cluster together. Finding one may lead you to the others.

Citadel hunting is a late-game endeavor, best undertaken with a fully optimized build and considerable boss-fighting experience.

Alternative Acquisition: Trading

Crisis Fragments, the ultimate reward for Citadel conquests, can be purchased via online trading platforms or the in-game Currency Exchange. However, their rarity often commands a high price, making this a viable alternative for players prioritizing efficiency over the challenging hunt.