How to Keep Your Waystones Flowing While Mapping in PoE 2
Jun-28-2025 PST
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about how to sustain Waystones while mapping in Path of Exile 2, including:
What Waystones are and how they work
The best methods to consistently earn and sustain them
Efficient mapping strategies to maximize Waystone drops
Tips to avoid running out
How to use your Atlas skill tree to support Waystone farming
What Are Waystones in Path of Exile 2?
Waystones are the new consumable currency required to open maps in Path of Exile 2. Replacing the traditional map device crafting options in PoE 1 (like using Sextants, Scarabs, and Zana mods), Waystones are consumed every time you run a map and are a key limiter in how many maps you can open.
They can be thought of as the "fuel" of your Atlas. No Waystones? No maps. As such, sustaining your Waystone supply becomes a critical part of progressing in the endgame and keeping your farming loop uninterrupted.
How to Obtain Waystones
There are several ways to get Waystones while mapping in PoE 2, some more consistent than others. Here's an overview:
1. Map Bosses and Objectives
Every map has a boss and potentially additional objectives. These often reward Waystones on completion, especially if you're doing:
Unique maps
High-tier rare maps with modifiers
Influenced maps or specialized regions
Ensure you always kill the boss at the end of your map runs to maximize chances of getting Waystones.
2. League Mechanics
Many league mechanics return in Path of Exile 2, and several of them offer strong opportunities for Waystone drops:
Delirium: Massive mob density, high drop rates for currency and mapping materials
Breach: Fast-paced and loot-heavy, excellent for Waystones
Legion: Especially good for splinter farming and Waystone drops with the right Atlas investment
Abyss and Blight: While slower, both can reward Waystones when scaled properly
Your Atlas skill tree can increase the chance of Waystones dropping from league content inside maps.
3. Kirac Missions
Kirac missions are a direct and guaranteed way to get more maps, and sometimes those maps come with additional Waystone rewards. Always complete your daily Kirac missions, and invest in Atlas passives that increase the number of available missions.
Bonus: You can reroll Kirac's inventory using Scouting Reports to find better missions that might yield higher Waystone rewards.
4. Map Drops Themselves
Some maps may contain Waystone drops from enemies, especially:
Rare monsters
Bosses enhanced by Delirium, Nemesis, or Map Modifiers
Strongboxes
Run maps with high pack size and quantity to maximize your returns. Use modifiers like "+Magic Monsters," "+Rare Monsters," or "Players deal more damage" (if survivable) to push your drop rates.
Atlas Tree Investment: Key Nodes for Waystone Farming
PoE 2's Atlas passive tree allows you to shape your endgame experience. To sustain Waystones efficiently, you'll want to focus on nodes that increase drops from bosses and league content, and improve map drop quality. Here are must-take clusters:
Map Sustain Nodes
Cartographer's Art: Increases map drop chance and quality
Shadowed Edges: Boosts chance of encountering extra mechanics (more mobs = more Waystones)
Surveyor's Study: Chance for additional Waystone drops from bosses
League Focused Clusters
Abyssal Treasures: For farming Abyss and its high drop potential
Endless Legions: Improves number of enemies in Legion encounters
Beyond Veil: Adds Beyond monsters to maps, which explode into loot
Make sure you specialize in 1-2 league mechanics based on your build's strengths to maximize returns and reduce dead time in maps.
Efficient Mapping: Sustaining Without Burning Out
To keep your Waystone income flowing and your maps running efficiently, follow these key habits:
1. Run White and Yellow Maps Smartly
Lower-tier maps can still drop Waystones, but the quantity and quality improve with map tier. While progressing through white and yellow maps:
Use Orbs of Alchemy to convert maps to rare
Apply quality using Cartographer's Chisels when you reach red maps
Roll for pack size and monster density
Don't run maps white if you're aiming for Waystone sustainability. The increased item quantity of rare maps leads to more drop opportunities.
2. Run Maps in Chains
Mapping in a chain with connected regions and adjacent maps helps maintain a smoother progression. Complete maps that connect to each other on the Atlas to encourage map and Waystone drop loops.
A good example flow might be:
Atoll, Strand, Tropical Island, Waterways, Peninsula
Each can be rolled for quantity and supports smooth boss-farming and league mechanic integration.
3. Don't Ignore Unidentified Maps
Running unidentified rare maps grants a hidden bonus to item quantity and often leads to additional Waystone drops. It's riskier, but with strong builds, this can pay off in higher returns.
4. Use Scarabs and Sextants (When Affordable)
If your budget allows, use Scarabs or Sextants (if they return in PoE 2) to boost monster count and influence league mechanics. Even a Rusted Breach Scarab can multiply your Waystone opportunities. You will buy POE 2 Currency easier.
Avoiding a Waystone Shortage: Common Mistakes
Even experienced players can hit a wall if they don't manage their mapping economy. Here are a few things to avoid:
Skipping Map Bosses
Bosses are among the most reliable sources of Waystones. If you're rushing content and skipping them, you're hurting your sustain.
Running Maps White
Without modifiers, you lose out on increased item quantity, including Waystones. Roll every map, even with basic transmute/alch/chaos.
Not Using Kirac Daily
Kirac's missions are free resources. Forgetting to use them means missing out on potential Waystones and maps.
Over-specializing Early
Trying to farm niche mechanics without sufficient gear can lead to failed maps and wasted Waystones. Balance farming with your build's capabilities.
Advanced Tips for Waystone Farming
Once you're familiar with the basics, use these advanced techniques to optimize further:
Party Play: Map with others for shared loot pools. Multiple players = more mobs = more Waystones.
Filter Optimization: Customize your loot filter to highlight Waystones and related currency. Don't miss them on the ground!
Run Phrecia Echo Nodes: If available, these nodes (introduced in PoE 2's expansion) reward enhanced loot and may include guaranteed Waystone drops.
Conclusion: Build a Sustainable Mapping Loop
Sustaining Waystones in Path of Exile 2 is all about efficiency, consistency, and knowledge. With smart Atlas investment, optimal map rolling, and a strategic approach to league mechanics, you can maintain a steady flow of maps without hitting a grind wall.
By following the practices outlined in this guide, you'll keep your mapping momentum strong, progress faster through the Atlas, and be fully equipped to tackle the deeper layers of PoE 2's endgame.
So get out there, Exile-open those maps, slay those bosses, and keep the Waystones flowing!