To unlock Atlas in Path of Exile, you need to complete the questline provided by Zana at around Act 2. Once you have completed her missions, you will gain access to the Atlas of Worlds and can start exploring the endgame content it offers.
Unlocking Atlas in Path of Exile
In Path of Exile, unlocking the Atlas is a pivotal aspect of the endgame content that introduces players to a series of maps with progressing difficulty levels and unique challenges. To begin unlocking the Atlas, players must first complete the storyline quests and defeat Kitava in Act 10. This achievement unlocks the Epilogue, where players can interact with Zana, Master Cartographer, to start their Atlas journey.
Acquiring the First Map
Zana will provide players with their first map as a gift to kickstart their exploration of the Atlas. This initial map will act as the gateway to the Atlas system, where players will be tasked with clearing the map of monsters and locating the boss. Upon completion, players will be rewarded with new maps to further progress their Atlas adventure.
Expanding the Atlas
To continue expanding the Atlas and unlocking more maps, players need to run maps and defeat the bosses within them. Each map has a chance to drop a map of a higher tier, allowing players to venture into more challenging territories. By completing maps and acquiring new ones, players gradually uncover more regions on the Atlas and gain access to higher-level content.
Unlocking Watchstones
As players progress through the Atlas, they will encounter Conquerors, powerful bosses guarding regions of the map. By defeating these Conquerors, players can obtain Watchstones, which can be socketed into the Atlas to upgrade its regions. Watchstones enhance the difficulty and rewards of maps in specific regions, encouraging players to challenge themselves further in the endgame content.
Confronting the Maven
After acquiring a sufficient number of Watchstones and progressing through the Atlas, players will have the opportunity to confront the Maven, a challenging boss linked to the Atlas storyline. By defeating the Maven and her challenges, players can elevate their Atlas experience and unlock additional rewards and challenging encounters.
Exploring the Maven's Invitation
Upon defeating the Maven, players will receive special invitations to her challenges, granting access to unique encounters and substantial rewards. By participating in these invitation challenges, players can test their skills and strategy in tough battles that offer valuable loot and progression opportunities within the Atlas.
Mastering the Endgame Content
As players delve deeper into the Atlas and conquer its challenges, they will eventually reach the pinnacle of the endgame content in Path of Exile. By unlocking Atlas regions, defeating Conquerors, and conquering the Maven's challenges, players can master the complexities of the Atlas system and reap the rewards of high-level content and unique encounters that await in the endgame of Path of Exile.