Waystones play a crucial role in Path of Exile 2 by determining map difficulty, enemy level, and loot quality. While Tier 15 Waystones are the highest natural drops, higher-tier maps (T16, T17, T18, and even T19) can be accessed using crafting techniques and Atlas modifiers.
This guide will walk you through how to obtain Tier 16+ Waystones, maximize your Atlas progression, and unlock high-level loot and skill gems.
Table of Contents
How to Get Tier 16 Waystones in PoE 2
The Only Way: Corrupting a Tier 15 Waystone
The only way to obtain a Tier 16 Waystone is by using a Vaal Orb on a Tier 15 Waystone. This process comes with four possible outcomes:
- (Best Outcome) The T15 Waystone is upgraded to a T16 Waystone.
- The T15 Waystone downgrades to a T14 Waystone (worst outcome).
- The Waystone’s modifiers are randomized, but the tier remains the same.
- Nothing happens.
π Estimated Success Rate: Less than 5% chance to get a Tier 16 Waystone.
π« You CANNOT obtain Tier 16 Waystones through the Reforging Bench (only works up to Tier 14).
π‘ Why Tier 16 Matters:
- Unlocks higher-tier enemies (Level 80) for better loot drops.
- Required for accessing even higher tiers (T17-T19) via modifiers.
- Necessary for farming top-tier skill gems and crafting materials.
How to Get Tier 17 & Tier 18 Waystones
There are no actual Tier 17 or Tier 18 Waystones, but their effects can be simulated using Atlas modifiers.
The Atlas Modifier Trick
When you use a Tier 16 Waystone on an Atlas node with the Corrupted or Irradiated modifiers, you increase the monster level beyond 80.
Waystone Tier | How to Get | Monster Level |
---|---|---|
Tier 15 | Drops naturally or combine T14s | Level 79 |
Tier 16 | Corrupt a T15 Waystone (Vaal Orb) | Level 80 |
Tier 17 | Use a T16 Waystone on a node with Corrupted or Irradiated (+1 Monster Level) | Level 81 |
Tier 18 | Use a T16 Waystone on a node with Corrupted + Irradiated (+2 Monster Levels) | Level 82 |
π How to Apply the Irradiated Modifier:
- Use an Irradiated Precursor Tablet at a nearby Tower before activating the map.
Why Farm Tier 17 & Tier 18 Maps?
β Drops Level 20 Skill & Spirit Gems (most valuable for trading).
β Better Atlas progression (important for endgame farming).
β Drops higher item-level gear for best-in-slot crafts.
How to Get Tier 19 Waystones (Level 83 Maps)
While there are no actual T19 Waystones, you can unlock their effects by using a specific Atlas passive skill called Corrupted Infusion.
How to Unlock a Tier 19 Effect
1οΈβ£ Use a Tier 16 Waystone on a Corrupted & Irradiated map node (boosts Monster Level to 82).
2οΈβ£ Take the Corrupted Infusion passive skill in the Atlas Tree.
3οΈβ£ This corrupts the T16 Waystone a second time, which has a chance to:
- π― Upgrade to Tier 17 (Level 81 monsters).
- π― Trigger the +2 Corrupted & Irradiated Modifier (Level 83 monsters = T19 effect).
π¨ WARNING: Just like before, this second corruption can also downgrade your Waystone instead of upgrading it.
π Why Target Tier 19 Maps?
- Best crafting base items (Item Level 86+).
- Max-level gem farming (Level 21+ gems).
- Most profitable loot tables in the game.
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Final Thoughts
π To summarize:
β Tier 16 Waystones = Only obtained by corrupting a T15 with a Vaal Orb.
β Tier 17 & Tier 18 effects = Use Corrupted/Irradiated Atlas Modifiers.
β Tier 19 effect = Requires Corrupted Infusion passive + double-corrupting T16 Waystones.
Mastering Waystone crafting is the key to accessing the highest levels of content in Path of Exile 2. Whether you’re hunting rare gems, farming the best crafting bases, or pushing for Atlas completion, knowing how to get T16+ maps is essential for any serious endgame player.
Good luck, Exile! βοΈ
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