Path of Exile 2: Burning Monolith Explained

The Burning Monolith: Path of Exile 2's Endgame Challenge

The Burning Monolith, a unique map location in Path of Exile 2, resembles a Realmgate and is found near the starting point of your Atlas exploration. However, accessing it presents a significant challenge.

Accessing the Burning Monolith

To activate the Burning Monolith, you need three Crisis Fragments. These rare items are only obtainable by conquering Citadels – exceptionally difficult-to-locate map nodes on the Atlas. Your first attempt to activate the Monolith's door initiates the "Pinnacle of Flame" quest, comprised of three sub-quests: Ezomyte Infiltration (Iron Citadel), Faridun Foray (Copper Citadel), and Vaal Incursion (Stone Citadel). Successfully completing each Citadel yields a unique Crisis Fragment. Once you possess all three, use them at the Monolith's altar to unlock the fight against the Arbiter of Ash.

Confronting the Arbiter of Ash

Prepare thoroughly before engaging the Arbiter of Ash. This pinnacle boss is the game's most formidable, boasting devastating attacks and millions of hit points. A well-optimized build is crucial for survival.

Locating the Citadels

Path of Exile 2 features three Citadels: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each requires defeating a unique map boss to acquire its corresponding Crisis Fragment. The primary difficulty lies in their unpredictable location.

Citadel discovery is a random process, varying across player Atlases. Strategies for locating them include:

1. Directional Exploration: Choose a direction on the Atlas and systematically explore, unlocking Towers for a broader view.
2. Corruption Tracking: Focus on corrupted nodes at the Atlas's edges, clearing them and unlocking nearby Towers.
3. Clustered Appearance: Anecdotal evidence suggests Citadels may appear in clusters. Finding one might indicate the proximity of others.

Citadel hunting is a late-game activity, best undertaken with a powerful build.

Acquiring Crisis Fragments

While hunting Citadels is the traditional method, Crisis Fragments can be purchased through in-game trading platforms or the Currency Exchange. However, their rarity often commands a high price.

Remember that Citadels can only be attempted once. Weigh the time investment against the potential cost of purchasing the Fragments.