In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), Waystones are essential items that allow players to unlock and run higher-tier maps. These maps offer increasingly difficult content and better rewards, including stronger monsters, higher-level skill gems, and valuable loot. While Tier 15 Waystones are the highest-tier Waystones you can find in regular loot drops, there are ways to access even more challenging and rewarding tiers, such as Tier 16, 17, 18, and even 19. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to obtain and simulate these higher-tier Waystones, and what they can unlock for you.
How to Get Tier 16 Waystones in PoE 2
To acquire a Tier 16 Waystone in PoE 2, you’ll need to use a Vaal Orb on a Tier 15 Waystone. This is the only way to directly upgrade a Waystone to Tier 16, but it’s important to note that this process has a few potential outcomes, so there’s an element of risk and reward involved. Here’s what you can expect when using the Vaal Orb:
- Tier 15 Waystone → Tier 16 Waystone: This is the best outcome, though it’s quite rare (less than 5% chance).
- Tier 15 Waystone → Tier 14 Waystone: A downgrade, which is another rare possibility.
- Tier 15 Waystone → Random Modifiers: The map’s modifiers are randomized, which could either improve or worsen your map’s conditions.
- No Change: Occasionally, the Vaal Orb might not affect the Tier 15 Waystone at all.
Using Vaal Orbs on Waystones adds a thrilling layer of uncertainty. While the rewards can be great, you might also face more challenging maps with more difficult poe2 currency sale enemies. This mechanic makes it crucial to carefully consider your approach and resources before committing to the upgrade.
Simulating Tier 17 & 18 Waystones
While PoE 2 doesn’t have official Tier 17 or Tier 18 Waystones in the game, you can still simulate their effects through Atlas passives and map modifiers. Here’s how you can mimic the benefits of these higher-tier Waystones:
Tier 17 Waystones:
- Effect: Tier 17 Waystones are known for the ability to spawn Level 19 Skill Gems, which offer some of the most powerful abilities in the game.
- How to Simulate: You can simulate the effect of Tier 17 by focusing on Atlas nodes that increase the monster level of your maps. Some of these nodes allow you to increase the monster level high enough to drop Level 19 Skill Gems, which are exclusive to maps that simulate Tier 17 conditions.
Tier 18 Waystones:
- Effect: Tier 18 Waystones can spawn Level 20 Skill Gems, the highest level of skill gems in the game.
- How to Simulate: Much like with Tier 17, you can increase the monster level of your maps by optimizing your Atlas tree and map modifiers. This will allow you to simulate Tier 18 maps, where Level 20 Skill Gems can drop, providing a major upgrade to your character’s skills.
Simulating Tier 19 Waystones
Tier 19 Waystones are the most elusive in poe2 currency sale, as they don’t actually exist as an in-game item. However, it is possible to simulate their effects through a combination of Vaal Corruption and Atlas modifiers. Here’s how you can achieve this:
- Corrupting Tier 16 Waystones: You’ll need to use Vaal Orbs on a Tier 16 Waystone, which already has a chance to create various random effects. If successful, you will create a Corrupted Tier 16 Waystone, which has the potential to be upgraded to Tier 17.
- Combining with Atlas Modifiers: To simulate Tier 19, you’ll need to use a Corrupted Tier 17 Waystone and activate it in an Atlas node that has both Corrupted and Irradiated modifiers. These modifiers increase the monster level by +2, effectively simulating the effects of a Tier 19 Waystone.
This process allows you to encounter Level 83 monsters, which provide some of the most rewarding and challenging content in PoE 2. The higher difficulty also increases the chances of receiving higher-tier skill gems, powerful boss items, and rare crafting materials, making these maps well worth the effort.
PoE 2 Currency and Items for Tier 16+ Waystones
Upgrading to higher-tier Waystones requires significant resources. As you chase Tier 16 and above, your currency management becomes critical. Here are a few essential items you’ll need:
- Vaal Orbs: These are key to upgrading your Waystones and triggering random modifiers. Make sure to gather a good supply if you plan to farm high-tier maps.
- Atlas Crafting Materials: Items like Shaper’s Orbs, Elder’s Orbs, and Exalted Orbs can help modify your maps and increase their difficulty and rewards.
- Currency for Gear: Higher-tier maps demand stronger gear. Consider focusing on powerful items that complement your build, such as minion-supporting gear or Fire damage-enhancing items, especially for more challenging maps like those found in the Infernalist Witch build.
Summary
- Tier 16 Waystones: Use a Vaal Orb on a Tier 15 Waystone for a chance to upgrade.
- Tier 17 & 18 Waystones: Simulate the effects by increasing monster level through Atlas nodes and map modifiers for Level 19 and Level 20 Skill Gems.
- Tier 19 Waystones: Corrupt a Tier 16 Waystone and combine it with Corrupted and Irradiated modifiers on the Atlas to simulate Level 83 monsters and higher rewards.
Pro Tip: If you want to optimize your way to higher-tier maps and loot, be sure to keep an eye on crafting materials and currency management. Your gear and resources are just as crucial as the maps themselves, so prepare accordingly for the toughest challenges PoE 2 has to offer.
For those looking to stock up on resources for your adventures, U4GM is a great place to get the cheap poe2 currency and items you need to support your PoE 2 map runs and build upgrades. Check them out for all your currency needs!
