Path of Exile 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to Path of Exile (PoE), the critically acclaimed action RPG developed by Grinding Gear Games. The game builds upon the core mechanics of its predecessor, introducing new features, systems, and an expanded storyline. One such feature that will play a key role in your journey through the game is Waystones, a critical item that allows you to access and navigate through different maps in Poe 2 trade.

Waystones are essential for mapping in the game. They serve as a gateway for players to explore endgame content, providing access to new and powerful maps with unique challenges and rewards. However, managing and sustaining Waystones can be tricky, especially for players who want to efficiently progress through the game's endgame without running out of them too quickly. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about sustaining Waystones while mapping, including what they are, how to obtain them, and how to make the most out of your Waystones to maximize your progression.

What Are Waystones in Path of Exile 2?

In Path of Exile 2, Waystones are consumable items that are used to open portals to various maps within the endgame. These portals are the key to accessing some of the game's most rewarding content, including boss fights, loot, and powerful modifiers. The concept of Waystones is similar to the Elder and Shaper fragments or the Atlas regions in the original Path of Exile. They provide players with an important resource for progression and, in many cases, are critical to farming high-tier loot and currencies.

Waystones are typically used in combination with the Atlas of Worlds system, which is central to the game's endgame. Maps within the Atlas come with various tiers and modifiers that scale in difficulty. As players progress and take on higher-tier maps, the challenge increases significantly. However, unlike the previous game, Waystones introduce a more strategic layer to the endgame mapping experience.

How Do Waystones Work?

To use a Waystone, players must first find a Waystone Portal. These are available at specific locations within the Atlas, typically corresponding to the tier of the map being accessed. Players must insert the Waystone into the portal, which then grants them access to the desired map.

    Waystone Requirements: Waystones are required for maps, dungeons, and other high-level content in Path of Exile 2. When inserting the Waystone into a portal, there may be additional costs or requirements, such as offering a specific currency, defeating certain bosses, or satisfying other conditions.

    Waystone Costs: Each Waystone is consumed when used to open a portal to a map. However, it is possible to find or craft items that can help sustain Waystone usage, allowing players to run maps more efficiently without depleting their supply too quickly.

Challenges of Sustaining Waystones While Mapping

In Path of Exile 2, Waystones are not infinite. Over time, you'll run out of them if you aren't careful about managing your resources. The challenge lies in sustaining your Waystone supply while continuing to map and progress through higher-tier areas. There are several challenges that come with sustaining Waystones:

    Limited Supply: Waystones are finite and need to be carefully managed. They may be dropped by certain enemies, bosses, or discovered within loot caches, but they are not as abundant as other in-game items like currencies or materials. The more maps you run, the quicker your supply of Waystones may dwindle.

    Increased Difficulty of Maps: As you progress through higher-level maps, the requirements for opening Waystone portals become more demanding. The difficulty of completing these maps increases, and the cost to open them may rise accordingly.

    Pressure to Farm Efficiently: Since Waystones are essential for progressing through the endgame, players will feel the need to run high-level content as efficiently as possible. Managing your Waystones efficiently becomes a crucial part of your gameplay strategy.

How to Sustain Waystones While Mapping in Path of Exile 2

Now that we understand the importance of Waystones and the challenges associated with sustaining them, let's discuss the best strategies for keeping your Waystone supply healthy while you continue mapping in Path of Exile 2. Below are some key methods to sustain Waystones efficiently during your progression.

1. Efficient Mapping Strategy

The first step in sustaining Waystones is ensuring that you are running maps efficiently. This means optimizing the resources you use, how much loot you get, and the rewards from each map to make sure you are gaining more Waystones than you are spending.

    Map Modifiers: Certain map modifiers can reduce the amount of currency or loot you obtain while also increasing the difficulty of the map. These modifiers can be a double-edged sword, so be sure to weighthe risk versus reward. If a map has high-level modifiers that increase the difficulty substantially, consider whether the potential loot will be worth the cost of using a Waystone. If not, avoid running those maps.

    Map Tier Progression: Don't jump straight into the highest-tier maps unless you are adequately prepared. Instead, try to progress through the lower-tier maps in a steady, methodical manner, focusing on acquiring loot, upgrading gear, and leveling up before taking on more difficult content. This approach helps conserve Waystones by avoiding unnecessary failures or re-running low-tier content too often.

    Run Multiple Maps at Once: If you're using the Atlas system, you can set up multiple maps for rotation. This means having multiple map portals open simultaneously. This approach can reduce the frequency at which you need to use a Waystone, as you can move between portals while finishing objectives or looting.

2. Crafting and Item Modifiers

One of the most effective ways to sustain Waystones is to cheap POE 2 Orbs take advantage of crafting and item modifiers that can help increase the efficiency of your mapping and reduce the amount of Waystones you consume. Several crafting techniques and items are useful in this regard:

    Waystone Mods: Some mods can be added to maps or equipment that reduce the cost or improve the drop rate of Waystones. Keep an eye out for crafting options that provide benefits like increased drop rates for Waystones or an opportunity to use fewer of them to unlock specific maps. Additionally, certain vendors and NPCs may offer the ability to buy or trade Waystones for other valuable resources.