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's Atlas of Worlds, resembles a Realmgate but presents a significantly greater challenge. Accessing it requires three Crisis Fragments, each obtained by conquering a Citadel – exceptionally rare and difficult map nodes.

Unlocking the Arbiter of Ash

The Burning Monolith serves as the arena for the endgame pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash. Attempting to activate the Monolith's door initiates "The Pinnacle of Flame" quest, branching into three sub-quests: Ezomyte Infiltration (Iron Citadel), Faridun Foray (Copper Citadel), and Vaal Incursion (Stone Citadel). Successfully completing these Citadels yields the three necessary Crisis Fragments. Combine these fragments at the Monolith's altar to unlock the Arbiter of Ash encounter. Prepare a powerful build; the Arbiter of Ash is the game's most formidable pinnacle boss, boasting devastating attacks and immense health.

The Citadel Hunt

Path of Exile 2 features three Citadels: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each Citadel houses a unique boss; defeating them grants a corresponding Crisis Fragment. The primary difficulty lies in locating these Citadels.

Citadels are one-time attempts. Their placement on the randomly generated Atlas is unpredictable. While community theories exist (treat them with caution), some strategies include:

1. Systematic Exploration: Choose a direction on the Atlas and explore persistently. Utilize Towers for a broader view.
2. Corruption Tracking: Focus on corrupted nodes at the Atlas's edges, clearing them efficiently and utilizing nearby Towers.
3. Clustered Appearance: Finding one Citadel may indicate others are nearby.

Citadel hunting is a late-game activity, requiring a highly optimized build.

Alternative Acquisition

Crisis Fragments, the ultimate goal of the Citadel hunt, are available for purchase on trading websites or through the Currency Exchange. However, their rarity often commands a high price, potentially making direct purchase a viable alternative to the challenging hunt.