Sustaining Waystones in Path of Exile 2 Endgame: A Comprehensive Guide
One of the biggest hurdles in transitioning from Path of Exile 2's campaign to the endgame is maintaining a steady supply of Waystones. Running dry, especially at higher tiers, severely impacts progression. This guide outlines key strategies to ensure a consistent flow of Waystones.
Prioritize Boss Maps
The most effective method is focusing your highest-tier Waystones on Atlas Boss map nodes. Bosses have a significantly higher Waystone drop rate. If short on high-tier maps, use lower-tier maps to reach Boss nodes, reserving higher-tier maps for the boss encounter itself. Defeating bosses often yields one, or even multiple, Waystones of equal or higher tier.
Invest Currency Wisely
Resist the urge to hoard Regal and Exalted Orbs. Consider Waystones an investment; spending currency to enhance them yields greater returns (provided you survive). Here's a currency allocation strategy:
- Tier 1-5 Waystones: Upgrade to Magic items (Orb of Augmentation, Orb of Transmutation).
- Tier 6-10 Waystones: Upgrade to Rare items (Regal Orb).
- Tier 11-16 Waystones: Utilize Regal Orbs, Exalted Orbs, Vaal Orbs, and Delirium Instills liberally.
Prioritize these key stats when enhancing Waystones:
- Increased Waystone Drop Chance: Aim for at least 200%.
- Increased Item Rarity: This boosts overall loot quality.
Also, seek items that increase monster quantity, especially rare monsters. List items for Regal Orbs instead of Exalted Orbs if they aren't selling quickly; they'll sell faster, generating usable currency.
Utilize Atlas Skill Tree Nodes
Strategic Atlas skill tree allocation is vital. These three nodes should be prioritized if Waystones are scarce:
- Constant Crossroads: 20% increased Waystone quantity.
- Fortunate Path: 100% increased Waystone rarity.
- The High Road: 20% chance for Waystones to be a tier higher.
These nodes are accessible by completing Tier 4 maps. Don't hesitate to respec if necessary; gold is readily available, Waystones are not.
Optimize Your Build
Insufficient build optimization leads to frequent deaths, hindering Waystone sustainability. Consult a build guide for your class and respec if needed. No amount of increased drop rates will compensate for constant deaths. Endgame mapping demands a different build strategy compared to the campaign.
Leverage Precursor Tablets
Precursor Tablets enhance monster rarity, quantity, and map modifiers. Stack their effects by using them on nearby towers. Don't hoard them; utilize them even in T5+ maps.
Supplement with Trade Site Purchases
Despite employing these strategies, you might occasionally run low on Waystones. Utilize the trade site for a temporary boost. Waystones typically cost around 1 Exalted Orb, with lower-tier ones often cheaper. For bulk purchases, use the in-game trade channel (/trade 1).
