Key Takeaways:

1. Efficient Citadel Location Strategy: Navigate through expansive landmasses and avoid rivers to improve your chances of finding Iron, Copper, and Stone Citadels.
2. Unlocking the Burning Monolith: Collect all three Crisis Fragments, either by farming or purchasing, to unlock the path to the Arbiter of Ash boss fight.
3. Optimal Exploration Tips: Blitz through unexplored areas and pay attention to visual map cues to distinguish Citadel locations faster.

Path of Exile 2’s endgame content is nothing short of a thrilling challenge, and the Pinnacle of Flame quest stands out as one of its most demanding yet rewarding adventures. The primary objective? Find all three Crisis Fragments by locating Citadels and use them to unlock the Burning Monolith, where the Arbiter of Ash awaits. While the boss fight is daunting, many players agree that finding the Citadels is the trickiest part.

Let’s break it all down, from efficient Citadel-finding strategies to preparing for the epic battle against the Arbiter of Ash.

How to Easily Find Citadels in Path of Exile 2

Finding Citadels is the critical first step in completing the Pinnacle of Flame quest. There are three types of Citadels to locate: Iron Citadel, Copper Citadel, and Stone Citadel, and each drops a unique Crisis Fragment required to access the Burning Monolith. However, their randomized map spawns make them notoriously elusive. Here’s how to find them with minimal frustration:

1. Understand Citadel Types and Biome Cues

Each Citadel is tied to a distinct aesthetic and biome. Knowing what to look for can save you time:

• Stone Citadel: Resembles a large stone pyramid, typically found in field biomes.
• Iron Citadel: Looks like a castle or enclosed village with a prominent donjon building.
• Copper Citadel: Resembles an underground excavation site, often surrounded by tents.

These landmarks are larger than regular map nodes, so they should stand out once visible.

2. Efficient Exploration Strategies

a. Path Towards Distant Nodes

When starting from the Ziggurat Refuge, your best bet is to chart a path away from the starting area and head deep into unexplored zones. The further you go, the more likely you’ll uncover Citadels and other unique areas. Avoid clearing every node along the way this slow-paced approach can waste valuable time. Instead, blitz through a singular path to maximize efficiency.

b. Prioritize Large Landmasses

Wide, open landmasses are your golden ticket to spotting Citadels. Why? These areas reveal more nodes as you explore, significantly boosting your chances of stumbling upon a Citadel. Avoid paths along rivers or the edges of landmasses, as these tend to reveal fewer nodes. Instead, aim for the heart of big landmasses where map density is highest.

c. Pay Attention to Visual Map Cues

Each map node in Path of Exile 2 has unique visual art that hints at its type. Citadels are distinctive and difficult to miss if you’re paying attention. The Stone Citadel’s pyramid-like structure or the Iron Citadel’s fortress aesthetic, for instance, should immediately stand out.

3. Using Waystones for High-Tier Maps

Citadels become more accessible as you progress through the Atlas of Worlds. To tackle them efficiently, use Tier 14 or Tier 15 Waystones, which align with Citadel requirements. While biomes appear randomly, traveling across high-tier maps increases your chances of encountering these sought-after locations.

How to Open the Burning Monolith in Path of Exile 2

Once you’ve gathered all three Crisis Fragments (Iron, Copper, and Stone), you’re ready to unlock the Burning Monolith and face the Arbiter of Ash. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Head to the Burning Monolith
   Open the endgame map screen and locate the red skull icon representing the Burning Monolith. Click it to teleport directly to the monolith area.
2. Insert the Crisis Fragments
   Place one of each Crisis Fragment Iron, Copper, and Stone into the sealed door of the Burning Monolith. If you’re missing any fragments, you can purchase them from the Currency Exchange Market, though they can be costly.
3. Prepare for the Arbiter of Ash Boss Fight
   The Arbiter of Ash is a formidable opponent, and defeating it grants valuable Atlas skill points. Keep in mind that each new attempt will require a fresh set of Crisis Fragments, so farm extras or stock up in advance.

Citadel Farming Tips for Profit or Quest Completion

While many players only aim to complete the Pinnacle of Flame quest to earn Map Boss Skill Points, others farm Citadels for personal goals or profit. Crisis Fragments are in high demand, making them a lucrative commodity in the market. Here’s how to farm efficiently:

• Farm in High-Tier Maps: As mentioned, Tier 14 and Tier 15 maps are your best bet for locating Citadels. Stick to large landmasses to reveal the most nodes.
• Sell Extra Fragments: Any fragments you don’t need can be sold at a premium in the Currency Exchange Market, especially the rarer ones.
• Plan Your Routes: Avoid aimlessly wandering set clear routes through unexplored regions to maximize efficiency.

The Arbiter of Ash Boss Fight

Once the Burning Monolith is open, the real challenge begins: defeating the Arbiter of Ash. This pinnacle boss rewards Atlas skill points and lucrative loot drops, but it’s no walk in the park. Here are some tips to prepare:

• Stock Up on Resources: Ensure you have plenty of flasks, appropriate elemental resistances, and damage-over-time mitigation.
• Master the Boss Mechanics: The Arbiter of Ash has devastating fire-based attacks and arena-wide mechanics. Learn the boss patterns to avoid fatal mistakes.
• Consider Party Play: If the fight proves too challenging, team up with other players to share the load.

FAQs

1. What are Crisis Fragments in Path of Exile 2?
Crisis Fragments are rare items dropped by Citadel bosses. You’ll need one of each type (Iron, Copper, and Stone) to unlock the Burning Monolith and access the Arbiter of Ash fight.

2. Why can’t I find Citadels in Path of Exile 2?
Citadels spawn randomly and require exploration of high-tier maps. Focus on large landmasses and avoid rivers or shorelines to improve your odds.

3. Can I buy Crisis Fragments instead of farming them?
Yes, Crisis Fragments can be purchased from the Currency Exchange Market, though they are often expensive.

4. How do I defeat the Arbiter of Ash?
Prepare with strong fire resistances, bring plenty of flasks, and study the boss mechanics to counter its attacks effectively.

5. What’s the reward for completing the Pinnacle of Flame quest?
Defeating the Arbiter of Ash grants valuable Atlas skill points, which increase the difficulty and rewards of future encounters.