Quick Guide to Earning Map Boss Atlas Skill Points in Path of Exile 2

Acquiring Map Boss skill points within your Atlas in Path of Exile 2 can be quite perplexing. While the tooltip provides some information, it often leaves players uncertain about how to unlock all the necessary skill points. This guide outlines the steps required to obtain these essential Map Boss skill points in your Atlas.

Unlocking Map Boss Skill Points in Path of Exile 2

Map Boss in Path of Exile 2 — Screenshot by Prima Games

In total, there are 10 Map Boss skill points available within the Atlas skill tree. The specific requirement states:

“Slay a boss in an area level 79+ map to earn points in this tree. Additional points are earned for slaying bosses in maps with higher area levels and difficulties. Two points can also be earned from completing the Pinnacle of Flame quest. You must be the map owner to earn points in this tree.”

To start, players must navigate through map monster levels. The first two points can be acquired by engaging with monsters at level 79, which corresponds to running a Tier 15 Waystone. Successfully defeating a Map Boss in such a map grants these initial skill points. Note that players do not need to complete the entire map—defeating the Map Boss is sufficient.

Tier 16 Waystone — Screenshot by Prima Games

The subsequent step involves obtaining a map node that features either Irradiated or Coalesced Corruption. Each of these modifiers elevates the map’s monster level by +1. Finishing a Tier 15 Waystone with one of these modifiers awards another two Map Boss skill points.

For monster level 81, players must ensure that both modifiers, Irradiated and Coalesced Corruption, are active. This combination results in a total +2 increase to the monster level, thereby allowing for the acquisition of additional Map Boss skill points.

To unlock the 7th and 8th skill points, seek another node that has both Irradiated and Coalesced Corruption. Furthermore, corrupt a Tier 15 Waystone with a Vaal Orb to ideally achieve a Tier 16 Waystone. This corruption process can yield various results, so players may need to attempt four to six corruptions to succeed.

The final Map Boss skill points are obtained by completing the Pinnacle of Flame quest, specifically the Burning Monolith task. This requires players to track down Citadels, farm fragments, and ultimately defeat the pinnacle boss to earn the remaining skill points.

Optimal Map Boss Atlas Skill Tree for Farming in Path of Exile 2

Map Boss Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2 — Screenshot by Prima Games

It is essential to prioritize the following notable skill nodes for effective farming:

Spoils of War
Radiant Waystones
Crystal Realm
Organized Forces
Beyond Reality

The Map Boss skill tree tends to be somewhat rigid in options. These skill nodes are typically preferred, as alternatives are often less effective. In this regard, Spoils of War offers better utility than Fit for a King.

Moreover, the value of Essences exceeds that of the rewards acquired from Strongboxes, solidifying Essences as the primary choice when farming for currency. While some may consider pursuing Shrines due to specific build needs, this approach often compromises overall loot quality and rewards.

While these nodes form the foundation of any viable build or farming method, players should strategically consider their early game investments in the endgame phase. Securing four to six nodes in the Map Boss skill tree will help sustain your Waystones while progressing through the Cataclysm’s Wake quest. Thus, prioritizing these Map Boss skill nodes should be a primary focus in advancing your Atlas.

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