Path of Exile 2 Endgame Guide: What to Expect After Act 6
So you've fought your way through the six acts of Path of Exile 2, faced down some nasty bosses, and now you're staring at the credits - or at least you would be if this were any other game. But here's the thing: In PoE 2, finishing Act 6 isn't the end-it's just the warm-up. The real adventure begins in the endgame, a sprawling sandbox of chaos, loot, and endless challenges. If you're wondering what awaits you after Act 6, buckle up-this guide has everything you need to know about diving into Wraeclast's wild post-campaign world. Let's break it down!
A quick note about early access
Before we dive in, a heads up: As of right now, Path of Exile 2 is in Early Access, which means that only Acts 1-3 are playable. You run them once on Normal, then again on Cruel, and boom-you're in the endgame at around level 65. Acts 4-6 aren't here yet, but when the full game drops, the journey from Act 1 to Act 6 will lead directly into the same epic endgame systems. This guide assumes the full six-act structure, so consider it a preview of what's to come. For now, the mood is the same - just condensed!
Welcome to the Atlas of Worlds
Once you've completed Act 6 (or Act 3 on Cruel on Early Access), you'll land in the Ziggurat Refuge, your new home base. Here you'll find the Atlas of Worlds, a massive map system that's your ticket to PoE 2's endgame. Think of it as a tabletop game board dotted with nodes, which you'll conquer using Waystones. Each node is a randomized map filled with enemies, bosses, and loot, and your job is to clear them to advance deeper into the Atlas. It's less "follow the story" and more "create your own mayhem"-and trust me, it's addictive.
What's after Act 6?
The endgame isn't just one thing-it's a buffet of activities, each with its own flavor. Here's what you can expect when you enter this brutal new phase:
1. Map Madness
Maps are the meat of the endgame. You'll insert Waystones into the Atlas to spawn these zones, then dive in to slaughter everything that moves. Each map has its own biome-think snowy peaks or cursed jungles-and the further you go, the more difficult it gets. Rare and unique monsters are your targets, and killing them unlocks more Waystones to keep the cycle going. Die in a map? You're out, and you'll need a new Waystone to try again. It's high stakes, high rewards, and pure PoE chaos.
2. League Mechanics Galore
Ever heard of Breach, Ritual, or Delirium? These are endgame systems that add extra challenges to your maps. Breach rips open demon-filled rifts-kill fast and loot piles up. Ritual lets you sacrifice monsters at altars for tribute to trade for equipment. Delirium throws you into a foggy nightmare where the deeper you go, the crazier the rewards. Each mechanic has its own progression tree in the atlas, so you can lean on your favorites for unique goodies like Breach Tablets or Soul Cores.
3. Trials and Ascendancy Upgrades
Remember the Trials from the campaign? They're back, and they're meaner. The Trial of Sekhemas is a multi-level gauntlet with bosses and sweet loot like jewels for your passive tree. The Trial of Chaos is a survival slugfest with randomized bosses - defeat them for socketable Soul Cores that tweak your build. These trials also unlock your final Ascension points, allowing you to supercharge your class into something truly wild.
4. Pinnacle Bosses and Uber Battles
If you're looking for a real test, the endgame has pinnacle bosses like Xesht from Breach or the fortress-dwelling Uber Act bosses. These guys don't mess around - you'll need to prepare hard, track down keys or shards, and bring your A-game. The payoff? Exclusive rewards and bragging rights. It's the kind of challenge that will make you feel like a Wraeclast legend.
5. Loot, Loot, and More Loot
The endgame is where the gear grind shines. Maps drop Waystones, currency like Divine Orbs, and rare items that you can craft into god-tier stuff. Precursor Towers buff nearby maps with tablets, boosting your loot haul. Want to boost it even more? Spend atlas passive points to increase monster density or item rarity. It's a treasure hunter's dream - just don't drown in the loot!
Getting Started After Act 6
Fresh out of Act 6, you'll talk to Doryani in the Ziggurat Refuge to get your first Waystone. Place it in the map device, step through the portal, and start swinging. Early maps are forgiving-level 65 monsters-but they ramp up quickly. Focus on buffing your resistances (Chaos is a killer now) and tweaking your build. Grab some life nodes from the passive tree, socket those skill gems, and don't sleep on crafting - waystones and gear can be upgraded with orbs for bigger challenges and better drops.
What to watch out for
Death Hurts: Die in a map and you lose 10% XP after level 70. Stack defenses early - Elemental and Chaos Resistance are non-negotiable.
Build matters: Glass Cannon worked in the campaign? Not here. Balance damage with survivability, or you'll be portaling back to town a lot.
Waystone Management: Run out of waystones and you're stuck. Upgrade them with orbs for tougher maps and more drops to keep the flow going.
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Final Thoughts
Path of Exile 2's post-Act 6 endgame is where the game really flexes its muscles. From the Atlas of Worlds to trials and boss hunts, it's a playground of danger and reward that will keep you hooked for hours - maybe hundreds. Whether you're a looter, a build tinkerer, or a boss-slaying fiend, there's something here for you. So what's your first move after Act 6? Mapping, trials, or chasing that Breach boss? Drop your plans in the comments - I'd love to hear how you're tackling Wraeclast's endgame!