The most important item for Path of Exile 2’s endgame isn’t your fancy gear or powerful build—it’s Waystones. These humble keys to the Atlas of Worlds are the foundation of mapping, unlocking new areas, and fueling your progress through the endgame. Without Waystones, even the strongest Exile is stuck at a standstill.
Welcome to this guide on Path of Exile 2: How To Get & Upgrade Waystones, where we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding, crafting, and upgrading Waystones to keep your mapping journey alive. Whether you’re new to the endgame or just looking to optimize your Waystone strategy, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the Atlas with ease.
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What are Waystones?
Path of Exile 2 Waystone items are a vital resource in the endgame, acting as the keystone for unlocking the Atlas of Worlds, a sprawling system of interconnected zones corrupted by The Beast's blight. As a player, your objective in the Atlas is to cleanse this corruption, battle powerful enemies, and reclaim areas to expand your reach. Waystones power the portal device within the Ziggurat — a central temple where the Vaal research the very fabric of space and time—allowing you to traverse these corrupted zones.
Each Waystone has a tier, which determines the level and difficulty of monsters in the areas it unlocks. To progress deeper into the Atlas, players must complete adjacent zones by defeating rare and unique enemies within them. Completing an area grants access to new locations, moving you closer to your endgame objectives. However, death in a map ends your run for that zone, requiring players to either find a new route or craft new Waystones to continue.
Waystones are also highly customizable, functioning similarly to other items in Path of Exile 2. Players can use crafting currency to add modifiers to Waystones, enhancing both the rewards and challenges of the maps they unlock. Prefix modifiers boost rewards like loot quantity and rarity, while suffix modifiers increase the difficulty of encounters. Maps powered by heavily modified Waystones can yield significantly more Waystones as drops, forming a cycle of risk and reward. However, taking on these enhanced maps requires careful preparation and a strong build.
The Atlas system's complexity lies not just in its vast number of areas but in its dynamic and randomized nature. Each map is populated by unique combinations of over 400 monster types, creating a variety of challenges and opportunities. Certain maps may favor dense packs of magic monsters, while others emphasize rare and unique foes. Exploring, strategizing, and mastering the crafting of Waystones are key to maximizing progress, sustaining resources, and thriving in Path of Exile 2’s endgame.
In essence, Waystones fuel your endgame journey by unlocking zones, presenting new challenges, and providing the opportunity to reap greater rewards—all while propelling you further into the corrupted depths of the Atlas of Worlds.
How to Get Waystones
In this section, we’ll name not only the best ways to get Waystone but all of them. A little disclaimer here: With new leagues, these methods may change, or new ones may be added. We’ll update the guide if or when that happens.
Random Drops: The Main Source
Waystones frequently drop from enemies in high-tier maps and endgame zones. This is the most common method of obtaining Waystones but relies heavily on chance. Here’s how to maximize your drop rates:
- Use high-modifier Waystones to increase the chances of additional Waystones dropping. The more modifiers a Waystone has, the better your odds.
- Prioritize tougher maps with high enemy density and rare monsters. These maps are more challenging but also yield better rewards. BLOG20
While this method rewards boldness and skill, it also encourages strategic planning. If you're willing to take on the challenge, you'll find that riskier maps often provide greater returns.
Doryani’s Shop: A Reliable Backup
Doryani, located in the Ziggurat Refuge, offers Waystones for sale at every stage of your endgame progression:
- T1 Waystones: These are always available and affordable, making them an excellent starting point for beginners. While they lack modifiers, they’re enough to get you moving.
- Higher-Tier Waystones: As you progress, Doryani’s inventory scales to offer higher-tier Waystones, though at increasing prices.
If random drops aren’t going your way, Waystone purchase at Doryani’s provides a dependable fallback. Stock up on T1 Waystones when you’re low, and don’t hesitate to upgrade them later.
Reforging Bench: Upgrading Waystones
Unlocked in Act 3 after completing the Forgemaster quest, the Reforging Bench allows you to upgrade your Waystones:
- Combine three Waystones of the same tier to create one Waystone of the next tier. For example, three T1 Waystones will produce a single T2 Waystone.
- The output is always a Normal rarity Waystone with no modifiers, which you can enhance further using Orbs.
This system is especially useful for converting excess low-tier Waystones into higher-tier ones needed for advanced maps. Plan your inventory wisely to ensure you have enough resources for future progression.
Enhancing Waystones with Orbs
Like gear, Waystones can be upgraded to improve their stats and modifiers:
- Use an Orb of Transmutation to convert a Normal Waystone into a Magic one with a single modifier.
- Add a second modifier to a Magic Waystone using an Orb of Augmentation.
- Turn a Magic Waystone into a Rare one with three modifiers using a Regal Orb.
- Use an Exalted Orb to add even more modifiers, up to a maximum of six.
Focus on enhancing Waystone Drop Chance and attributes that align with your build, such as increased elemental damage or monster density. A well-upgraded Waystone can dramatically increase your efficiency in farming additional Waystones.
Precursor Tablets and Tower Irradiation
Precursor Tablets play a vital role in boosting your farming Waystones efforts:
- Found in endgame maps, these items allow you to irradiate towers, increasing monster levels in the surrounding maps.
- To irradiate a tower, clear it of enemies, activate the beacon, and insert a Precursor Tablet with the "Irradiate" attribute.
Irradiated maps offer higher rewards, including Waystones of a higher tier than the one you used to open them. Take your time when clearing towers, as they can be significantly more challenging than regular maps.
Beginner-Friendly Advice
If you're just starting out, here are some tips to keep in mind about the PoE 2 Waystones farm:
- Stick to simple maps: Avoid overly complex maps with difficult modifiers until you’ve built up your strength.
- Focus on sustainability: Use a single T1 Waystone to gradually expand your collection and improve your progression.
- Test your build: Towers and irradiated maps are excellent for gauging your build’s effectiveness before tackling harder challenges.
Trading for Waystones
Path of Exile 2’s trade system allows you to buy Waystones directly from other players:
- Use the official trade website or in-game trade chat to find sellers.
- Most trades use currencies like Exalted Orbs or Regal Orbs. Prices depend on the tier and rarity of the Waystone.
Trading is a great option for stocking up on Waystones before long mapping sessions. It ensures you’re prepared to focus on progression without interruptions.
Upgrading Waystones in Path of Exile 2
Upgrading Waystones is essential for progressing through Path of Exile 2’s endgame. By enhancing their tier and adding modifiers, you can increase their effectiveness and the rewards they yield. There are two main ways to upgrade Waystones: using the Reforging Bench and enhancing them with Orbs.
Upgrading with the Reforging Bench
The Reforging Bench is unlocked in Act 3 after completing the Forgemaster quest. This tool allows you to combine three Waystones of the same tier into one of the next tier. For example, combining three Tier 1 Waystones will create a single Tier 2 Waystone. The newly crafted Waystone will always start at Normal rarity, meaning it will lack modifiers, but it can be further improved later.
This method is particularly useful if you have a surplus of lower-tier Waystones and need to prepare for higher-tier maps. It’s also an efficient way to ensure that your mapping progression doesn’t stall due to a lack of higher-tier resources. BLOG20
Enhancing Modifiers with Orbs
Waystones function similarly to gear, allowing you to apply crafting items to improve their rarity and add modifiers. Starting with an unmodified Waystone, you can use an Orb of Transmutation to upgrade it to Magic rarity and add a single modifier. From there, an Orb of Augmentation can apply a second modifier, while a Regal Orb transforms it into a Rare Waystone with an additional modifier.
For the most advanced customization, you can use Exalted Orbs to add more modifiers, up to a total of six. These modifiers directly influence the maps you run, granting bonuses such as increased monster density, improved item rarity, or higher chances for additional Waystones to drop.
Key Considerations for Upgrading
When upgrading Waystones, it’s vital to evaluate their existing attributes and how they align with your build or mapping goals. Focus on improving Waystones with modifiers that increase efficiency, such as:
- Waystone Drop Chance: Boosts your chances of finding more Waystones during runs, ensuring a steady supply.
- Monster Pack Size: Adds more enemies to the map, leading to more loot opportunities.
- Item Rarity: Enhances the quality of loot found in the area.
Modifiers that complement your character's strengths, such as elemental bonuses or defensive boosts, can also make maps more manageable. Always consider your build's capabilities before committing to high-risk upgrades, especially if modifiers significantly increase difficulty.
Strategic Tips for Waystone Upgrades
While it can be tempting to go all-in on upgrading, pacing yourself is essential. Aim for a Waystone Drop Chance of at least 200% when farming for more Waystones, but don’t overinvest in upgrades if your build isn’t ready for tougher maps. Incremental progress, matched to your current level of power, is the key to making the most of your Waystones.
By using these methods, you’ll not only enhance your maps but also ensure a sustainable supply of Waystones for your continued endgame exploration.
How Not to Run Out of Waystones
Navigating Path of Exile 2’s endgame can be challenging, especially when you find yourself running low on Waystones. These crucial items are the key to accessing new maps and progressing through the Atlas of Worlds. However, with a strategic approach, you can ensure a steady supply of Waystones without compromising your mapping efficiency.
Target Boss Maps for Waystone Rewards
Boss maps offer the best opportunity to replenish your Waystones, as these encounters often yield multiple drops. Prioritizing these maps can significantly boost your supply.
How to maximize boss map benefits:
- Use low-tier Waystones to reach boss nodes.
- Save higher-tier Waystones specifically for boss fights.
- Expect rewards that often match or exceed the tier of Waystone you use.
Boss maps provide a consistent and rewarding method to maintain your Waystone reserves while offering valuable loot.
Invest in Waystones Using Currency
Spending currency wisely on Waystones is an investment in your progression. Upgrading Waystones enhances their modifiers, which can improve drop rates and rewards.
Currency use for Waystone upgrades:
- Tiers 1–5: Upgrade to Magic using Orbs of Augmentation or Transmutation.
- Tiers 6–10: Use Regal Orbs to create Rare-quality Waystones.
- Tiers 11–16: Maximize modifiers with Exalted Orbs, Vaal Orbs, or Delirium Instills.
Focus on stats like Increased Waystone Drop Chance (aim for 200% or more) and Increased Rarity of Items to optimize your mapping runs.
Use the Atlas Skill Tree to Boost Waystone Drops
The Atlas Skill Tree includes specific nodes that improve Waystone drop rates, rarity, and tier. Prioritizing these nodes early can help maintain your Waystone supply.
Essential skill nodes:
- Constant Crossroads: Increases Waystone quantity by 20%.
- Fortunate Path: Doubles the rarity of Waystones found.
- The High Road: Adds a 20% chance for higher-tier Waystones to drop.
These nodes are accessible by Tier 4 maps, and you can always respec your points to focus on Waystone-related benefits. BLOG20
Prepare Your Build for High-Tier Maps
An optimized build is critical for success in the endgame. Many players run out of Waystones due to frequent deaths, which waste valuable resources.
Preparation tips:
- Follow endgame-specific build guides for your class.
- Focus on gear upgrades and skill optimizations to handle Tier 5+ maps.
Being well-prepared minimizes the risk of failure and ensures your Waystones are used efficiently.
Get More Rewards with Precursor Tablets
Precursor Tablets can boost the rarity and density of monsters in maps, increasing the likelihood of Waystone drops.
Tips for using Precursor Tablets:
- Place tablets on adjacent towers to stack their effects.
- Use them in mid-tier maps to maximize Waystone rewards.
Precursor Tablets add an extra layer of efficiency to your mapping efforts, making them a valuable tool in your arsenal.
By targeting boss maps, investing in Waystone upgrades, and using the Atlas Skill Tree and Precursor Tablets effectively, you can avoid running out of Waystones. With a balanced approach that includes preparation and strategic resource management, you’ll maintain consistent progress through Path of Exile 2’s endgame.
Conclusion
Waystones are the cornerstone of endgame progression in Path of Exile 2, unlocking maps, enhancing challenges, and enabling deeper exploration of the Atlas of Worlds. Their strategic use can mean the difference between seamless progress and frustrating stagnation.
Experimenting with different farming and upgrading methods will allow you to tailor your strategy to suit your playstyle. Whether it’s maximizing boss map rewards, optimizing the Atlas Skill Tree, or utilizing Precursor Tablets, there’s no shortage of ways to maintain your supply of Waystones.
Remember to prioritize modifiers that increase drop rates and rarity while making efficient use of your resources. With careful planning and adaptability, you can ensure a steady flow of Waystones and conquer the challenges of Path of Exile 2’s expansive endgame. Keep experimenting, stay resourceful, and enjoy the thrill of mastering the Atlas.
F.A.Q.
What are Waystones in PoE 2?
Waystones are essential items in Path of Exile 2’s endgame, used to unlock and progress through maps in the Atlas of Worlds. They determine map modifiers, difficulty, and rewards.
How to farm Waystones in PoE 2?
To farm a lot of Waystones, you can do the following:
- Defeat enemies in high-tier maps and endgame zones for random Waystone drops.
- Use high-modifier Waystones on maps to boost drop chances.
- Focus on maps with high monster density and bosses for better rewards.
How to upgrade Waystones in PoE 2?
Combine three Waystones of the same tier at the Reforging Bench to create one of the next tier.
Use Orbs like Orb of Augmentation or Regal Orb to add modifiers and increase Waystone rarity.
Are PoE 2 Waystones tradable?
Yes, Waystones are fully tradable in PoE 2. You can buy or sell them through the in-game trade chat or official trade systems.
Where to find high-tier Waystones in PoE 2?
High-tier Waystones are found in advanced maps and boss nodes in the Atlas of Worlds. They can also be purchased from Doryani or obtained by upgrading lower-tier Waystones at the Reforging Bench.
