Path of Exile 2 – How to Get and Use Inscribed Ultimatum

Key Takeaways:

1. Optimized Strategies: Map modifiers and ultimatum-specific Atlas tree nodes influence the farming efficiency for Inscribed Ultimatums.
2. Risk vs Reward: Surviving all 10 waves yields better rewards, but greed can lead to costly mistakes. Walk away if necessary.
3. Multiplayer Advantage: Running maps with friends can multiply rewards significantly, making group farming an attractive strategy.

Understanding Inscribed Ultimatums

In Path of Exile, Inscribed Ultimatums are high-value items that can generate substantial rewards if approached correctly. Farming these efficiently requires a precise understanding of map mechanics, modifiers, and the role of various Scarabs. However, the community’s understanding of how these rewards are scaled is often muddled by speculation. This guide aims to clear up the confusion and provide a complete strategy for maximizing profit.

The Mechanics Behind Inscribed Ultimatums

What Are Inscribed Ultimatums?

Inscribed Ultimatums are items that challenge players to complete specific objectives in exchange for doubling their investment. They range from low-tier offerings (e.g., basic Chaos Orbs) to high-tier rewards such as Divines, Exalted Orbs, or even rare items like Headhunter and Mageblood.

To earn these ultimatums, players must:

• Equip specific Atlas tree nodes.
• Use the correct combination of Scarabs.
• Select maps and modifiers carefully.

Scarab Combinations for Farming

The most common farming setup for Inscribed Ultimatums includes:

• 1x Scarab of Catalyzing: Increases the catalyst reward pool.
• 1x Scarab of Inscription: Converts catalysts to Inscribed Ultimatums.
• 2x Scarabs of Bribing: Adds additional rounds to Ultimatums for better rewards.

Debunking Scarab Myths

Many players believe that map quant (quantity) or modifiers influence the rarity of Inscribed Ultimatums. However, evidence suggests this is false. The Scarab of Inscription simply converts catalysts to Inscribed Ultimatums based on a predetermined logic, not quant or rarity scaling.

Instead, focus on:

• Map Layout: Choose maps with straightforward layouts (e.g., Strand or Alleyways) to quickly find Ultimatum encounters.
• Atlas Passives: Nodes such as “Prove Yourself Worthy” (25% chance to duplicate rewards) or “Increased Currency Rewards” can boost farming efficiency.

The Farming Process

Step 1: Setting Up Your Atlas Tree

To maximize rewards, allocate points in the Atlas Passive Tree for:

• All Ultimatum nodes (except Stone Circles, which slow farming).
• Beyond nodes (optional, for extra mobs and loot).
• Valdo’s Rest areas for corrupted maps.

Step 2: Preparing Maps

• Use T16 maps for the best results.
• Chisel and Alch your maps, and roll them with modifiers that your build can handle.
• 8-Mod Maps provide better rewards but are more challenging. If your build isn’t strong enough, consider running simpler maps.

Step 3: Running Ultimatums

• Start with Bribing Scarabs: These simulate beginning at round five, scaling rewards earlier.
• Focus on Catalysts to Inscribed Ultimatums Conversion: Use Inscription Scarabs to ensure catalysts become ultimatums.
• Choose Manageable Modifiers: Avoid mods like “Sawblades” or “Stalking Runes” if your build struggles with them.

Maximizing Rewards: Understanding Inscribed Ultimatum Tiers

The quality of rewards is determined by maximum monster life modifiers:

• 0% Monster Life: Low-tier rewards (Chaos Orbs).
• 30% Monster Life: One Divine Orb rewards.
• 70% Monster Life: Four Divine Orbs or equivalent.
• 120% Monster Life: Eight Divine Orbs.
• 200% Monster Life: High-value items (e.g., Headhunter, Mageblood).

Pro Tip: Reroll unused ultimatums (5-to-1 vendor recipe) to potentially upgrade their tiers.

Surviving All 10 Rounds

Build Requirements

• High Survivability: Dying during an ultimatum forfeits rewards. Your build must survive high-damage encounters.
• Strong Damage Output: Clear mobs efficiently to prevent being overwhelmed.
• Crowd Control: Certain mods (e.g., “Assassin” monsters) can slow farming significantly.

When to Walk Away

If you’re nearing the later rounds and your rewards are already substantial, don’t get greedy. Leaving early ensures you keep your gains instead of risking it all.

Group Farming: A Hidden Goldmine

Invite friends to multiply your earnings! Each participant receives their own Inscribed Ultimatums from the same Ultimatum encounter.

• 2 Players: 20 rewards.
• 4 Players: 40 rewards.
• 6 Players: 60 rewards.

Just ensure your group is well-coordinated, as a single death can waste time and resources.

Profiting From Inscribed Ultimatums

Inscribed Ultimatums are valuable even if you don’t run them yourself. Here’s how to profit:

• Sell Them Directly: High-tier ultimatums (e.g., 8 Divine rewards) can be sold for 6-7 Divines.
• Run Low-Risk Ones: Complete easy ultimatums for quick Chaos Orb profit.
• Vendor Rerolls: Combine low-tier ultimatums to create higher-tier ones.

FAQs

1. Do map quant and rarity affect Inscribed Ultimatums?

No. The conversion process from catalysts to Inscribed Ultimatums is independent of map quant or rarity.

2. Are Bribing Scarabs worth using?

Yes, especially if your build can handle higher-tier Ultimatum rewards. Bribing Scarabs let you start at a higher reward threshold.

3. Can I farm with a weaker build?

Yes, but avoid 8-mod maps and challenging mods. Focus on survivability and exit early if needed.

4. What’s the best map layout for Ultimatum farming?

Linear maps like Strand or Alleyways are ideal, allowing quick access to the Ultimatum encounter.

5. How do I reroll Inscribed Ultimatums?

Use the 5-to-1 vendor recipe. Combine five ultimatums of the same type to create a new, potentially higher-tier ultimatum.