Path of Exile 2: Burning Monolith Explained

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, resembles a Realmgate but presents a significantly more challenging encounter. Accessing it requires three Crisis Fragments, each obtained by conquering a Citadel – exceptionally rare and difficult map nodes.

Unlocking the Arbiter of Ash

The Burning Monolith is the gateway to the Arbiter of Ash, the game's most formidable pinnacle boss. Your first attempt to activate the Monolith's door initiates "The Pinnacle of Flame" quest, comprising three sub-quests: Ezomyte Infiltration (Iron Citadel), Faridun Foray (Copper Citadel), and Vaal Incursion (Stone Citadel). Successfully completing these Citadels yields the three necessary Crisis Fragments. Combine them at the Monolith's altar to unlock the Arbiter of Ash encounter. Ensure your character build is optimized before engaging this incredibly powerful boss.

Locating the Elusive Citadels

Path of Exile 2 features three Citadels: Iron, Copper, and Stone, each guarded by a unique boss that drops a corresponding Crisis Fragment. The primary challenge lies in their unpredictable location.

Citadels are one-time attempts.

The Atlas is procedurally generated, meaning Citadel locations vary per player. While definitive strategies are lacking, community observations suggest:

1. Systematic Exploration: Choose a direction on the Atlas and explore systematically until you locate a Citadel. Unlocking Towers provides a broader map view.
2. Corruption Tracking: Focus on corrupted nodes at the Atlas's periphery. Clear these nodes, unlock nearby Towers, and repeat. This can be combined with method 1.
3. Clustered Appearance: Finding one Citadel increases the likelihood of others being nearby.

Citadel hunting is a late-game activity requiring a highly developed character build.

Alternatively, Crisis Fragments can be purchased through in-game trading websites or the Currency Exchange, though their rarity often commands a high price. This option might be preferable to the lengthy and challenging Citadel hunt.