The Burning Monolith: Conquering Path of Exile 2's Endgame Pinnacle Boss
The Burning Monolith, a unique map node in Path of Exile 2's Atlas of Worlds, resembles a Realmgate but presents a significantly more challenging encounter. 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 is the lair of the Arbiter of Ash, the game's most formidable pinnacle boss. Your first attempt to activate the Monolith's door initiates "The Pinnacle of Flame" quest, comprising three sub-quests: Ezomyte Infiltration (Iron Citadel), Faridun Foray (Copper Citadel), and Vaal Incursion (Stone Citadel). Completing these Citadels yields the three essential Crisis Fragments. Combine these fragments at the Monolith's altar to unlock the Arbiter of Ash encounter. Ensure your character build is optimized; the Arbiter of Ash boasts devastating attacks and immense health.
The Citadel Hunt: A Test of Patience
Path of Exile 2 features three Citadels: Iron, Copper, and Stone, each guarded by a unique boss. The Crisis Fragment for each Citadel is the reward for defeating its boss. The primary challenge lies in locating these Citadels.
Citadel attempts are one-time only. Their placement on the randomly generated Atlas is unpredictable. Community strategies, while not foolproof, include:
- Directional Exploration: Choose a direction on the Atlas and systematically explore until you find a Citadel. Unlocking Towers provides a broader map view.
- Corruption Tracking: Focus on corrupted nodes at the Atlas's edges. Clear these nodes, unlock nearby Towers, and repeat. This complements the directional method.
- Clustered Appearance: Anecdotal evidence suggests Citadels often appear in close proximity. Finding one may indicate others nearby.
Citadel hunting demands significant time and a powerful build. It's best suited for the late game, when boss encounters are routine.
Alternative Acquisition: Trading
Crisis Fragments can be purchased through the in-game trading website or Currency Exchange. However, their rarity makes them expensive. This cost may be justifiable to avoid the arduous Citadel hunt.
