Path of Exile 2: Sustaining Waystones During Mapping

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• Prioritize Boss Maps on the Atlas

• Spend Currency On Waystones

• Take Waystone Drop Chance Atlas Skill Tree Nodes

• Finalize Your Build Before Doing Tier 5+ Maps

• Use Precursor Tablets

• Buy Waystones on the Trade Site

Transitioning from the campaign to the endgame in Path of Exile 2 can be challenging, especially when it comes to mapping and managing Waystones. Running out of Waystones, particularly at higher tiers, can be frustrating. However, by following the right strategies, you can maintain a steady supply of Waystones and enhance your endgame experience. Here are the essential steps to ensure you keep those Waystones flowing.

Prioritize Boss Maps on the Atlas

One of the most effective ways to sustain your Waystones in Path of Exile 2 is to focus on Boss map nodes in the endgame Atlas. Bosses have a significantly higher chance of dropping Waystones upon defeat. If you're low on high-tier maps, use lower-tier maps to reach a Boss node and reserve your higher-tier Waystones for these battles. Defeating a Boss often rewards you with an equivalent or higher-level Waystone, sometimes even multiple ones.

Spend Currency On Waystones

It's tempting to save your Regal Orbs and Exalted Orbs for trading or crafting, but investing them in enhancing your Waystones is crucial. Consider Waystones as investments; the more you spend, the more you can potentially gain. Here’s a breakdown of how to allocate your currency on Waystones:

• Tier 1-5 Waystones: Upgrade to Magic items using Orb of Augmentation or Orb of Transmutation.
• Tier 6-10 Waystones: Upgrade to Rare items with Regal Orbs.
• Tier 11-16 Waystones: Maximize upgrades using Regal Orbs, Exalted Orbs, Vaal Orbs, and Delirium Instills.

Focus on two key stats to make mapping more lucrative:

1. Increased Waystone Drop Chance: Aim for at least 200%.
2. Increased Rarity of Items found in this area.

Additionally, look for modifiers that increase the number of monsters, especially rare ones.

If items aren't selling on trade, list them for Regal Orbs instead of Exalted Orbs. They'll sell faster, and you'll earn usable currency.

Take Waystone Drop Chance Atlas Skill Tree Nodes

As you progress through Waystone tiers and complete Doryani's quest, you'll earn Atlas skill tree points. Using these points wisely is vital for sustaining Waystones. Prioritize the following nodes if you're struggling with Waystone drops:

• Constant Crossroads: 20% increased quantity of Waystones found in your maps.
• Fortunate Path: 100% increased rarity of Waystones found in your maps.
• The High Road: Waystones found have a 20% chance to be a tier higher.

These nodes should be accessible by the time you reach Tier 4 maps. Don't hesitate to respec your Atlas Skill tree if needed; gold is plentiful, but Waystones are not.

Finalize Your Build Before Doing Tier 5+ Maps

One common reason players struggle with Waystone sustainability is because their build isn't optimized for the endgame. If you're dying frequently to bosses, rares, or even regular mobs, it's time to refine your build. Consult build guides for your class and respec as needed. Remember, what worked during the campaign may not suffice in the endgame.

Use Precursor Tablets

Precursor Tablets can significantly enhance your maps by increasing monster rarity and quantity, as well as adding extra modifiers at towers. A lesser-known strategy is stacking these effects by using Tablets on nearby towers, effectively applying the benefits of multiple Tablets to a single map. Don't hoard these Tablets; start using them as early as Tier 5+ maps.

Buy Waystones on the Trade Site

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might still find yourself short on Waystones. In such cases, purchasing them from the trade site can give you the boost you need. Waystones of all tiers typically cost around 1 Exalted Orb, though sub-Tier 10 Waystones may be cheaper. When buying in bulk, use the in-game trade channel by typing /trade 1 in the chat box to access the most active trading community.