Path of Exile 2: Master the Art of Obtaining Tier 16+ Waystones
In Path of Exile 2, while Tier 15 Waystones are the highest level Waystones that players can obtain as drops, astute players have discovered that there are alternative methods to access higher tier maps, specifically Tier 16, 17, 18, and 19.
Tier 16 Waystones are actual items that can be acquired in the game, but the story is different for Tier 17, 18, and 19. Although the Waystones of these tiers do not exist as physical items, the effects they would have can be achieved, albeit through a somewhat complex process. Here's a detailed breakdown of how to go about it.
**Updated February 1, 2025, by Hamza Haq**: Higher - tier waystones open up the opportunity to engage with higher - level enemies, which in turn improves the quality of item drops players can obtain, making each map run more rewarding. This article has been updated with information on how to achieve the effect of a Tier 19 Waystone (featuring level 83 enemies) on the atlas. This can be accomplished by using corrupted Tier 16 Waystones and a specific passive skill in the atlas tree.
How to Get Tier 16 Waystones in PoE 2
In Path of Exile 2, the sole method to obtain Tier 16 Waystones is by using a Vaal Orb on a non - corrupted Tier 15 Waystone. When a Vaal Orb is applied to a T15 map, there are four possible outcomes:
1. The Tier 15 Waystone is transformed into a Tier 16 Waystone.
2. The Tier 15 Waystone is converted into a Tier 14 Waystone.
3. The modifiers of the Tier 15 Waystone are randomized.
4. Nothing occurs.
Based on testing, it seems that the probability of a Tier 15 Waystone turning into a Tier 16 Waystone is less than 5%, and this is undoubtedly the most favorable outcome. The transformation into a Tier 14 Waystone is also relatively rare and is considered the worst outcome. The other two possibilities are much more common.
It's important to note that you cannot use the Reforging Bench to obtain a Tier 16 Waystone by combining three Tier 15 Waystones. This method is only applicable for Tier 1 - 14 Waystones.
How to Get Tier 17 & 18 Waystones in PoE 2
In Path of Exile 2, there are no actual Tier 17 or Tier 18 Waystones. However, players can achieve the effects of Tier 17 or 18 Waystones by utilizing the map modifiers on the Atlas nodes.
The only thing that Waystone Tiers determine is the monster level of the map node.
Corrupted modifiers are pre - generated by the Atlas and cannot be influenced. Irradiated modifiers can be added to a map by using an Irradiated Precursor Tablet at a nearby Tower.
These maps are extremely useful for several reasons, with the main ones being:
- Obtaining Level 20 Skill Gems and Level 20 Spirit Gems. Level 19 gems drop at Tier 17, and level 20 gems drop at Tier 18.
- Obtaining all Boss Atlas skill points in the tree.
- Obtaining higher item level pieces that have unique modifiers that lower item level gear simply cannot roll.
How to Get Tier 19 Waystones
In Path of Exile 2, theoretically, there is a way to gamble with Tier 18 Waystones to have a chance of achieving the effect of a Tier 19 Waystone (featuring level 83 enemies). This can be achieved in the following way:
The description of the Corrupted Infusion passive skill states: ‘Corrupted Waystones are Corrupted an additional time when traversing a map.’ This implies that Tier 16 Waystones, which are already corrupted, undergo an additional corruption. This unlocks the possibility of upgrading the Waystone from Tier 16 to Tier 17. When this Tier 17 Waystone is activated in an atlas node that has both Corrupted and Irradiated modifiers, it adds +2 to the monster level, effectively achieving the effect of a Tier 19 Waystone.
However, corrupting a Tier 16 Waystone again with the Corrupted Infusion node can result in a decrease in the level of enemies in a map instead of an increase. Just like with Tier 15 Waystones, there are four possible outcomes:
1. The Tier 16 Waystone is converted into a Tier 17 Waystone.
2. The Tier 16 Waystone is converted into a Tier 15 Waystone.
3. The Tier 16 Waystone modifiers are randomized.
4. Nothing happens.
This means that instead of getting Tier 16 (with level 82 enemies), you might get Tier 19 (with level 83 enemies) if you're lucky, or Tier 17 (with level 81 enemies) if you're unlucky.
You can check the monster level in a map by pressing Tab and looking at the brown text at the top - right corner.