The pinnacle of Waystones in Path of Exile 2 is the Tier 15 level. However, savvy players have discovered methods to access even higher tier maps, reaching Tiers 16, 17, and 18 through alternative approaches.
Tier 16 Waystones are real items you can find in the game, but the situation is different for Tier 17 and 18. While these higher tiers don’t exist as tangible items, you can still replicate the effects they would have had. However, the method to do so is somewhat complex.
How to Get Tier 16 Waystones in PoE 2
To obtain Tier 16 Waystones in Path of Exile 2, you must apply a Vaal Orb to a non-corrupted Tier 15 Waystone. This process can lead to one of four different results when you use the Vaal Orb on a T15 map.
- The Tier 15 Waystone is converted into a Tier 16 Waystone.
- The Tier 15 Waystone is converted into a Tier 14 Waystone.
- The Tier 15 Waystone modifiers are randomized.
- Nothing happens.
Testing indicates that the likelihood of a Tier 15 Waystone upgrading to a Tier 16 is under 5%, making it the most favorable result. Conversely, the chance of it downgrading to a Tier 14 is also quite low, representing the least desirable outcome. The remaining two outcomes occur much more frequently.
Tip:-You cannot use the Reforging Bench to get a Tier 16 Waystone by combining three Tier 15 Waystones. This method only works for Tier 1-14 Waystones.
How to Get Tier 17 & 18 Waystones in PoE 2
In Path of Exile 2, Tier 17 and Tier 18 Waystones don’t exist as official items. Instead, players can replicate the benefits of these tiers by utilizing specific map modifiers found on the Atlas nodes
The only thing Waystone Tiers dictate is the monster level of the map node.
| Waystone Tier | How to Get | Monster Level |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 15 | A base, non-corrupted Tier 15 Waystone. Can be obtained as a drop or by reforging three Tier 14 Waystones. | Level 79 |
| Tier 16 | A corrupted Tier 15 Waystone can be converted into a Tier 16 Waystone using a Vaal Orb. | Level 80 |
| Tier 17 | Use a Tier 16 Waystone on a map node with the Corrupted or Irradiated Modifier which gives the monsters in the area +1 to Monster Level. | Level 81 |
| Tier 18 | Use a Tier 16 Waystone on a map node with the Corrupted and Irradiated Modifier which gives the monsters in the area +2 to Monster Level. | Level 82 |
Tip:-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.
Monster level 82 is the highest possible level players can get on a map node on the Atlas, and these maps are extremely useful for multiple reasons. The main contenders are the following:
- 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.