The Burning Monolith: Path of Exile 2's Endgame Challenge

The Burning Monolith, a unique map location in Path of Exile 2's Atlas of Worlds, presents a significant endgame challenge. Similar to the Realmgate, it's found near the starting area of your mapping journey, but accessing it demands considerable effort.

Unlocking the Burning Monolith

To activate the Burning Monolith, you need three Crisis Fragments, each obtained by conquering a Citadel. Citadels are incredibly rare and challenging map nodes within the Atlas. Your first attempt to activate the Monolith initiates "The Pinnacle of Flame" quest, encompassing three sub-quests: Ezomyte Infiltration (Iron Citadel), Faridun Foray (Copper Citadel), and Vaal Incursion (Stone Citadel). Completing these Citadels yields the necessary Crisis Fragments. Once you possess all three, use them at the Monolith's altar to unlock the fight against the Arbiter of Ash.

Confronting the Arbiter of Ash

Prepare thoroughly before facing the Arbiter of Ash. This pinnacle boss is the game's most formidable, boasting devastating attacks and immense health.

Locating the Elusive Citadels

Three Citadels—Iron, Copper, and Stone—await discovery. Each houses a unique boss; defeating them grants a Crisis Fragment. The primary difficulty lies in their unpredictable location. The Atlas is procedurally generated, meaning Citadel placement varies for each player. While no guaranteed method exists, several strategies have emerged:

1. Directional Exploration: Choose a direction on the Atlas and explore systematically. Unlocking Towers provides a broader map view.
2. Corruption Focus: Look for corrupted nodes on the Atlas's periphery. Clear these nodes, unlock nearby Towers, and repeat.
3. Clustered Appearance: Anecdotal evidence suggests Citadels often cluster together. Finding one might lead you to the others.

Citadel hunting is a late-game endeavor, best undertaken with a fully optimized build.

Alternative Acquisition of Crisis Fragments

While hunting Citadels is the traditional method, Crisis Fragments can be purchased from online trading platforms or the in-game Currency Exchange. Their rarity often results in high prices, providing a viable alternative for players prioritizing efficiency over the challenge of the hunt.