The Burning Monolith, a unique location on the Path of Exile 2 Atlas, resembles the Realmgate and is typically found near your starting point. Accessing it, however, is a significant challenge.

The Burning Monolith requires three Crisis Fragments—rare items obtained only by conquering Citadels, exceptionally difficult-to-locate map nodes on the Atlas.

How to Use the Burning Monolith in Path of Exile 2

The Burning Monolith is the arena for the endgame pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash. Your first attempt to activate the Monolith's door initiates "The Pinnacle of Flame" quest, comprising three sub-quests: Ezomyte Infiltration (Iron Citadel), Faridun Foray (Copper Citadel), and Vaal Incursion (Stone Citadel). Completing these Citadels rewards you with the three necessary Crisis Fragments. Combine these fragments on the Monolith's altar to unlock the Arbiter of Ash encounter.

Ensure your build is optimized before facing the Arbiter of Ash. This pinnacle boss is the game's most formidable, boasting devastating attacks and millions of HP.

How to Find Citadels in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 features three Citadels: Iron, Copper, and Stone, each guarded by a unique map boss that drops a corresponding Crisis Fragment. The primary difficulty lies in locating these Citadels.

Citadels are one-time attempts. Because each player's Atlas is randomly generated, Citadel locations are unpredictable. Community theories exist, but treat them with caution:

1. Choose a direction on the Atlas and explore persistently until you find a Citadel. Unlocking Towers provides a broader map view.
2. Follow the corruption. Look for corrupted nodes at the Atlas's edges, clear them successfully, unlock nearby Towers, and repeat. This can be combined with the first tip.
3. Citadels often cluster. Finding one increases your chances of discovering the others nearby.

Citadel hunting is time-consuming and best suited for the late endgame, when your build is powerful and boss encounters are routine. Alternatively, Crisis Fragments can be purchased on trading websites or via the Currency Exchange, though their rarity makes them expensive.