In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), Waystones are essential for unlocking and running high-tier maps, offering stronger enemies and significantly better loot. While Tier 15 Waystones are the highest that drop naturally, players have discovered ways to push beyond this limit, simulating Tier 16, 17, 18, and even 19 Waystones. These advanced tiers increase monster difficulty and reward potential, making them a top priority for ambitious players.
How to Obtain Tier 16 Waystones in PoE 2
The only way to acquire a Tier 16 Waystone in PoE 2 is by using a Vaal Orb on a Tier 15 Waystone. However, this process is risky and unpredictable:
- Tier 15 → Tier 16 Waystone: The best outcome, but with a low success rate (less than 5%).
- Tier 15 → Tier 14 Waystone: A rare but possible downgrade.
- Tier 15 → Random Modifiers: The map’s modifiers are altered, which can be beneficial or detrimental.
- No Change: In some cases, the Vaal Orb does nothing.
Since using Vaal Orbs on Waystones is inherently risky, players should be prepared for potential setbacks. However, a successful upgrade can greatly enhance map difficulty and rewards.
How to Simulate Tier 17 & 18 Waystones
Although Tier 17 and Tier 18 Waystones do not exist as actual in-game items, their effects can be replicated through Atlas passive nodes and map modifiers. Here’s how:
- Tier 17 Simulation:
- Effect: Enables the drop of Level 19 Skill Gems.
- How to Achieve: Invest in Atlas passive nodes that increase monster levels in maps, allowing monsters to drop Level 19 Skill Gems, typically exclusive to Tier 17 maps.
- Tier 18 Simulation:
- Effect: Enables the drop of Level 20 Skill Gems.
- How to Achieve: By further optimizing Atlas passives and using map modifiers, you can raise monster levels enough to simulate Tier 18 maps, unlocking Level 20 Skill Gems—the highest tier available.
How to Simulate Tier 19 Waystones
While Tier 19 Waystones do not exist, their effects can be mimicked by corrupting Tier 16 Waystones and combining them with specific Atlas modifiers.
Steps to Achieve Tier 19 Effects:
- Corrupt a Tier 16 Waystone using a Vaal Orb.
- Upgrade the corrupted Waystone into a simulated Tier 17 Waystone.
- Use Corrupted + Irradiated Atlas modifiers to add +2 monster levels.
With this method, maps can contain Level 83 enemies, significantly increasing loot quality, including rare crafting materials, powerful boss drops, and high-tier skill gems.
Optimizing Currency and Items for Tier 16+ Waystones
Acquiring and upgrading Waystones requires substantial investment in poe2 currency sale and crafting materials. Essential items include:
- Vaal Orbs (for corrupting and upgrading Waystones)
- Atlas Passive Respec Points (to optimize map modifiers)
- High-tier gear (to handle tougher monsters and maximize loot potential)
For players running builds like the Infernalist Witch—which benefits from fire-enhancing gear—proper currency management is crucial. Ensuring you have the right PoE 2 currency to upgrade Waystones while also securing high-quality equipment will maximize both survivability and rewards.
Conclusion
- Tier 16 Waystones are obtained by using Vaal Orbs on Tier 15 Waystones, though the upgrade chance is low.
- Tier 17 and 18 Waystones don’t exist but can be simulated by increasing monster level via the Atlas passive tree and map modifiers.
- Tier 19 effects can be achieved by corrupting Tier 16 Waystones and using Corrupted + Irradiated Atlas modifiers to push monster levels even higher.
For players looking to optimize their currency and acquire high-quality gear, U4GM is a reliable platform for buying cheap poe2 currency, items, and more. Whether you’re farming Tier 16+ maps or refining your build, U4GM can help you stay ahead in Path of Exile 2!