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Path of Exile 2: Guide to Sustaining Waystones During Mapping

Author:Kristen Update:May 12,2025

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

Prioritize Boss Maps on the Atlas

The most effective way to sustain Waystones in Path of Exile 2 is by focusing on Boss map nodes in the endgame. Bosses have a high likelihood of dropping Waystones upon defeat. If you're short on high-tier maps, use lower-tier maps to reach a Boss node and deploy your higher-tier Waystones to engage the Boss. This approach often results in obtaining Waystones of the same or higher level, sometimes even multiple drops.

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 can be more beneficial. Consider Waystones as investments that can yield returns if you manage to survive the maps. Here's a guide on how to spend 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 with Regal Orbs, Exalted Orbs, Vaal Orbs, and Delirium Instills.

Focus on these two key stats for lucrative mapping:

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

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

If items aren't selling on the trade site, list them for Regal Orbs instead of Exalted Orbs. They'll sell faster, and you'll acquire more 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. These points are vital for sustaining Waystones in the endgame. Prioritize these three nodes if you're struggling with Waystones:

  • Constant Crossroads: Increases the quantity of Waystones found in your maps by 20%.
  • Fortunate Path: Boosts the rarity of Waystones found in your maps by 100%.
  • The High Road: Gives a 20% chance for Waystones found to be one tier higher.

These nodes should be accessible by the time you complete Tier 4 maps. Don't hesitate to respec if necessary; gold is plentiful, but Waystones are not.

Finalize Your Build Before Doing Tier 5+ Maps

A common reason players run out of Waystones is that their build isn't optimized for the endgame. Frequent deaths to bosses, rares, or even regular mobs can drain your Waystone reserves. If you're struggling, consider consulting a build guide for your class and respec accordingly. A well-rounded build is crucial for sustaining Waystones, as no amount of drop chance or monster spawns will help if you can't survive the maps.

Remember, what worked during the campaign might not suffice in the endgame mapping phase.

Use Precursor Tablets

Precursor Tablets can significantly enhance the rarity and number of monsters in a map, along with various other modifiers. A lesser-known tip is that you can stack the effects of multiple Tablets by using them on nearby towers, resulting in maps with amplified benefits. These Tablets are meant to be used, not hoarded, and can be beneficial even in T5+ maps.

Buy Waystones on the Trade Site

Despite your best efforts, you might occasionally find yourself short on Waystones. In such cases, purchasing them from the trade site can help you get back on track. The typical cost for Waystones of all tiers is around 1 Exalted Orb. Lower-tier Waystones might be cheaper, but sellers often list them at 1 Exalted Orb as well. When buying in bulk, utilize the in-game trade channel by typing /trade 1 in the chat box to join the most active trade channel.