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Path of Exile 2: How to Sustain Waystones While Mapping

by Skylar Mar 17,2025

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Navigating Path of Exile 2's endgame mapping can be challenging, especially the constant struggle to maintain a steady supply of Waystones. Running dry feels incredibly frustrating, particularly at higher tiers. Fortunately, several strategies can significantly improve your Waystone acquisition. Let's explore the key steps to ensure a consistent flow of Waystones.

Prioritize Boss Maps on the Atlas

The most effective method for sustaining Waystones is to utilize your highest-rarity Waystones on Atlas Boss map nodes. Bosses boast a significantly higher Waystone drop rate. If you're low on high-tier maps, use lower-tier maps to reach Boss nodes, reserving your higher-tier Waystones for the boss encounters. Defeating a boss often yields a Waystone of equal or higher tier—sometimes even two or three!

Spend Currency On Waystones

While hoarding Regal and Exalted Orbs for trading or crafting is tempting, investing them in Waystones is far more beneficial. Consider Waystones an investment: increased spending yields greater returns (provided you survive). This creates a positive feedback loop, but only if you consistently invest in Waystones. Here's a currency allocation guideline:

  • Tier 1-5 Waystones: Upgrade to Magic items (Orb of Augmentation, Orb of Transmutation).
  • Tier 6-10 Waystones: Upgrade to Rare items (Regal Orb).
  • Tier 11-16 Waystones: Maximize upgrades (Regal Orb, Exalted Orb, Vaal Orb, Delirium Instills).

Prioritize these two crucial 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 items increasing monster quantity, especially rare monsters.

List items for Regal Orbs instead of Exalted Orbs if they aren't selling quickly. Regal Orbs sell much faster, providing readily usable currency.

Take Waystone Drop Chance Atlas Skill Tree Nodes

As you progress through Waystone tiers and complete Doryani's quest, strategically allocate your Atlas skill tree points. These three nodes are crucial for Waystone sustainability:

  • Constant Crossroads: 20% increased quantity of Waystones found in your maps.
  • Fortunate Path: 100% increased rarity of Waystones found in your maps.
  • The High Road: Waystones found have a 20% chance to be a tier higher.

These nodes are typically accessible by completing Tier 4 maps. Respeccing is worthwhile if you've chosen other nodes; gold is readily obtainable, Waystones are not.

Finalize Your Build Before Doing Tier 5+ Maps

A common reason for Waystone shortages is an incomplete endgame build, leading to frequent deaths. If struggling, consult a build guide for your class and respec accordingly. Increased Waystone drop chances are ineffective if you continuously die. Endgame mapping requires builds optimized differently from leveling builds.

Use Precursor Tablets

Precursor Tablets enhance monster rarity, quantity, and add modifiers to towers. Stack these effects by using Tablets on nearby towers for amplified map benefits, even starting with T5+ maps. Don't hoard these; use them strategically.

Buy Waystones on the Trade Site

Despite careful planning, you might still run out of Waystones. The trade site offers a temporary solution. Waystones generally cost around 1 Exalted Orb. Lower-tier Waystones are often cheaper; bulk purchases are best done via the in-game trade channel. Type /trade 1 in chat to access the most active channel.