With Secrets of the Atlas finally rolled out, it's time to optimize your Atlas Tree Strategy & Mapping Plans for Path of Exile 3.26, featuring the new league mechanic. In this PoE 2 Atlas guide, we will keep updating the best early, mid, and late-league atlas passive skill tree settings and map juicing strategies for both trading and Solo-Self Found mode, that will help you efficiently navigate the progression, farming currency, new div cards, and rare loot in the Secrets of the Atlas league!
PoE 3.26 Strategy Guide (Early, Mid, End League Atlas Tree & Map Farming Plans)
In Path of Exile 3.26, the Atlas Passive Skill Tree continues to serve as the backbone of endgame map customization. As you progress through the Atlas and complete maps, you earn passive points which can be allocated on the Atlas tree. This tree allows you to specialize your mapping experience, boosting the rewards, frequency, and mechanics of specific content like bosses, league encounters, and map drops.
Main Changes To Atlas & Map in Path of Exile 1 3.26 Secrets of the Atlas League
As usual, let's go over the key changes coming in the Path of Exile 3.26 patch that will affect the atlas passive tree planning and mapping in Secrets of the Atlas:
In Path of Exile 3.26. “Secrets of the Atlas,” a brand new core Atlas mechanic called Threads of Consciousness - Memory Thread Maps has been introduced. This system is designed to replace the old “memories” feature, which has been removed from the game due to its similarities. Memory Thread Maps allow you to enter a sequence, or “thread,” of maps connected together, much like how memories previously worked. Each map within the thread is enhanced and can be further juiced using scarabs or other modifiers, offering increased rewards and unique gameplay opportunities as you progress through them.
While running Thread Maps, players gain access to unique, Sentinel-style abilities that affect gameplay within those maps. For instance, one ability can revive slain enemies so you can kill them again for double loot, while another disables armor drops, increasing the chance for Path of Exile 1 currency items, maps, or divination cards to drop. These abilities are activated in a way similar to Sentinels from previous leagues: you trigger them, and they affect nearby monsters. This additional layer of mechanics allows for greater customization, increased challenge, and the potential for much higher rewards.
After defeating the three new pinnacle bosses introduced in this expansion, Thread Maps can gain what are known as tier 17 modifiers, even though the maps themselves are technically still tier 16. These upgraded maps are often referred to as “tier 16.5 maps,” because they provide the difficulty and rewards of tier 17 content while being based on tier 16 maps. According to developer commentary, these are intended to become the new standard for high-level map farming, possibly even replacing traditional tier 17 farming strategies due to their powerful rewards and scalable mechanics.
As you clear each boss within a Thread Map sequence, you are awarded a new Altar. Each Altar provides buffs that apply to all subsequent maps within that thread, meaning the further you progress, the more powerful the buffs become. By the time you reach the end of a thread, you could have stacked up several potent effects, dramatically increasing the loot and challenge. The final map in the thread features a boss encounter with new or altered abilities, which adds to the excitement and variety of the endgame experience.
Upon defeating the final boss in a Thread Map sequence, you are rewarded with a map fragment. This fragment acts as a key to access one to three brand-new pinnacle bosses introduced in 3.26. These encounters offer additional high-level challenges and rewards, further expanding the depth and replayability of the Atlas system.
Threaded Maps, especially the new tier 16.5 versions, can drop items imbued with a special new crafting currency called Memory Strands. When you identify these items, their modifiers roll at higher tiers than usual, making powerful gear more accessible. Using standard currencies like Alterations, Chaos Orbs, or Exalted Orbs on these items will also roll higher affix tiers more consistently. There are also special orbs that allow you to add memory strands to normal items or to consume the strands on an item, upgrading all its existing modifiers to higher tiers. This new crafting system is expected to be one of the most valuable and impactful additions for itemization in the league.
While the text doesn’t describe specific changes to the Atlas Passive Tree, it’s clear that overall Atlas progression has shifted significantly to center around Threaded Maps and the new pinnacle bosses. The removal of Memories, the introduction of cumulative Altar buffs, and the potential for tier 16.5 maps to become the new endgame standard all represent a major overhaul of how players will interact with the Atlas. Furthermore, other map-related systems, such as improved Syndicate rewards and changes to Allflames (which now use a map device slot), further enhance the endgame mapping experience.
PoE 3.26 Best Atlas Tree Strategies & Mapping Plans for Trading Mode
Based on the above changes, other new league mechanics, and our process experiences in the game, now let's sort out the most effective atlas passive tree plans and mapping strategies for different farming purposes at early, mid, and end league stages.
Since we have not yet fully implemented the new changes and mechanisms brought by the PoE 3.26 patch, we are only updating the general atlas strategies based on the current state in the game. More strategies for this season's mechanisms will be updated continuously:
PoE 3.26 Best Strategy for Early Game Atlas Progression & Sustain Maps
Early Atlas progression is one of the most important aspects of having a successful league start. And the key to map sustain is in how you set up your early Atlas passive tree. It's also one of the most important aspects of making currency early in a league.
Kirac and his missions are great early on. His inventory resets every time you start one of his missions! Look for uncompleted maps or run the highest available to prioritize Atlas Passives. Look for Delve Cities as you progress each map tier, as Niko automatically goes down a tier as well. Cities are great for Map sustain! Grab the 5th and 6th slot for the Map Device by doing“Maven's Invitation: The Atlas" and a non-Valdo's Tier 17 Map in any order.
Map Drops:
Map drops are either previously completed from anywhere or adjacent to the one you are running. Bosses and league mechanics don't have this restriction. Normal monsters drop the same tier or lower, Magic/Rare monsters can drop +1 tier, and Bosses can drop +2 tier.
Setting up Early Atlas Tree:
Rush "Unwavering Vision", grabbing "Shaping the Skies" and/or "Shaping the Mountains" on the way.
Adding "Shaping the World" &“Commissioned Officer" as well should be enough to sustain.
Potentially pick up Essence and Expedition first for SSF players or for just easier gearing in general.
Starting in Yellow Maps, choose either the “Searing Exarch" or "Eater of Worlds" questline, and focus on one for the first Voidstone. Do the other question right after for the second stone. You can respec down to 2‘Shaping" nodes with 2 Voidstones. At about 100 Atlas points, you can respec down to 1 or even 0 "Shaping" nodes.
PoE 3.26 Best Atlas Passive Tree Strategy for Early Map Completion
In Path of Exile 3.26, early Atlas progression is key to unlocking powerful content and farming efficiently, and this starter Atlas tree strategy is designed to get you through early maps with maximum momentum and minimal reliance on complex league mechanics. Ideal for self-sustaining builds that don't need to chase early PoE 1 currency, this tree focuses on map sustain, Kirac missions, scouting reports, and light mechanics like Essences and Shrines. It ensures steady progression, strong map drops, and enough income to fund early upgrades, setting you up for success before diving into more specialized farming later.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up the Early Atlas Strategy
1. Early XP and Utility Nodes (Optional but Strong)
Take Betrayal Interrogation Nodes (top-left): Grants massive early XP when interrogating Betrayal members, this is useful until mid-80s; remove later to avoid difficulty spikes in red maps. Also gives access to Vaal side area nodes for early Vaal gems and potential gear.
2. Rush Kirac Mission Nodes
Move right to grab the Kirac wheel: Commissioned Officer, Strategic Patrol, and Sealed Domain. These boost Kirac missions, which help complete map bonuses and find unique maps. It is important to avoid being map-locked early.
3. Secure Map Sustain
Take the Shaping Nodes for map upgrades: Shaping the World, Shaping the Void, Shaping the Skies, and Shaping the Mountains. These increase map drop chance and help escalate map tiers naturally.
4. Boost Scouting Reports and Map Variety
Head down/right and grab: Operational Intelligence, Shadowy Agents, and Secret Operations. These nodes increase scouting report drops and reinforce your map pool diversity.
5. Add Essences for Easy Currency
Move toward the Prolific Essence wheel (bottom-right): Path through map drop nodes (ignore the shrine node in the way), take Amplified Energies and Crystal Resonance, and sell Essences to get consistent, low-effort currency.
6. Add Shrines for Map Clear Power
Once maps begin to get tough (early red maps), take shrine nodes: Syncretism, Supplication, and Sacred Grove. Boosts clear speed and safety with extra shrine effects. Note: Delay if your build uses Precise Technique to avoid accuracy issues.
7. Introduce Influence Altars for Currency Farming
In T13+ maps, spec into Searing Exarch influence: Take Lighter of the Dawn, Wrath of the Cosmos (if you can handle deaths), and influence pack size nodes. Focus on maps like Jungle Valley or Mausoleum for optimal minion altar farming.
8. Finalize with Quantity and Rarity Nodes
Grab the Quantity & Rarity wheel near the center-left: This adds bonus item drops and improves map returns. It's ideal once your build is stable and you’re pushing for final Atlas completion.
9. Optional Points After Completion
Use spare points on: King’s March nodes (if viable after testing), Scarab nodes for boosting map mechanics later, Respec Kirac and scouting nodes when no longer needed.
PoE 3.26 Best Expedition Atlas Passive Tree Strategy for Currency Farming
In Path of Exile 3.26, the Expedition still offers one of the most efficient ways to farm currency directly within maps, excluding logbooks, making it a prime choice for early league progression and sustained profit. It’s a high-risk, high-reward setup that thrives on strong, durable builds like Righteous Fire, Poisonous Concoction, or Cold DoT, as the encounters are extremely dangerous. With the right character (typically level 84+ with moderate gear investment), this method can yield a steady stream of currency, logbooks, and Expedition-related loot even from day one of the league.
Set Up the Expedition Atlas Strategy in 3.26:
1. Build Requirements
Recommended Builds: Righteous Fire, Poisonous Concoction, Cold DoT.
Character Level: At least level 84. ideally level 90+ for smoother clears.
Investment: Around 6 Divine Orbs, assuming self-crafted gear and some game knowledge.
2. Atlas Passive Tree Setup
Focus on Expedition Nodes, especially: Extreme Archaeology (massively boosts encounter value). Ancient Decay, Buried Knowledge, and Distinguished Demolitionists.
Take Map Sustain Nodes to ensure consistent map drops, such as: Shaping the Mountains, Shaping the Skies
Pick Influence Nodes (e.g., Eater of Worlds or Searing Exarch) for extra loot and map modifiers.
As you unlock more points, invest in: Increased Quantity of dropped items and Increased Explicit Modifier effect on maps.
3. Map Device and Scarab Setup
To fully utilize this strategy, unlock your full 4-slot Map Device. Then use the following Scarab combination: Expedition Scarab of Archaeology (guarantees an Expedition), Expedition Scarab of Rune Finding x2 (boosts artifact drops), Expedition Scarab of Monstrous Lineage (optional if Map Device is not fully unlocked), Expedition Scarab of Verium Powder (adds more remnants/modifiers to encounters).
If your Map Device isn’t fully unlocked, skip Monstrous Lineage; the strategy will still work.
4. Map Tips
Run yellow/red tier maps with high pack size, use Sextants and Eldritch Influence Altars for added value, and prioritize Expedition Remnants with increased quantity, rarity, or explosion radius.
This strategy is especially effective early in the league when Expedition items are in high demand but remains viable throughout the entire league with consistent execution.
PoE 3.26 Settlers + Delve + Synthesis Atlas Tree Strategy
This tree focuses on generating consistent resources by combining Delve mechanics with Settlers and Synthesis content. It's designed for players who want to maintain a steady stream of sulfite and ore, while also gaining access to Synthesis content like Cortex.
Selttlers + Delves Atlas Setup Steps:
1. Delve Core
Begin with Frantic Mining, progress up through Shaping the Mountains, Packed with Energy, and Guarded Hordes to boost sulfite gains. Ignore Price of Progress as the minor boost doesn't justify the point cost.
2. Settlers Mechanics
Use Cryptic Gateway to reach the Settlers cluster, allocate Prospector’s Luck, Yield Upon Yield, and Fortune’s Favor to improve ore deposit chances and scarab rewards.
3. Optional Ore Conversion
If you're not actively running Delve, take Refiner’s Bargain. This converts sulfite into random ore at 15% value, allowing for passive ore farming using sulfite scarabs.
4. Extra Delve Utility
From the Settlers route, grab Mining Byproducts for azurite gains, take Sulfite Infusion for passive sulfite generation when completing maps.
5. Synthesis Integration
Head left from the center to access Vivid Memories for Synthesis encounters, grab Chiseled Perfection and Amplified Artifacts to improve item outcomes and map modifiers, then add Memory Strand and Grasp the Past to increase the potential value of synthesis rewards.
6. Scarabs & Scarab Quality
Finish with Remarkable Relics and Chittering Champions to improve scarab drops across all mechanics.
PoE 3.26 Delve + Bossing (Map Boss Rush) Strategy
This strategy blends Delve content with focused boss encounters, ideal for players who enjoy Maven, Conquerors, and boss invitations while maintaining Delve progression.
Delve + Map Bossing Atlas Tree Setup Steps:
1. Delve Foundation
Start with Frantic Mining, then allocate Fungal Remission, Secular Focus, Servant of Order, and Ominous Silence to block unwanted mechanics and direct focus to Delve.
2. Sulfite and Azurite
Take Shaping the Mountains, Mining Byproducts, and Sulfite Infusion as in other builds, grab all quant and rarity nodes in the center for better loot returns.
3. Synthesis & Map Quality
Go left to include Vivid Memories, Chiseled Perfection, and Amplified Artifacts, these improve boss map quality and increase potential synthesis drops.
4. Bossing Focus
Allocate Memory Threads, Remembered Kindness, Traumatic Experiences, and Remnants of the Past for Maven-related content, include Invasive Adversaries for extra rare monster packs. Take Conquered Conquerors to increase Conqueror map encounters.
5. Scarabs & Map Modifiers
Add Remarkable Relics, Chittering Champions, and final map modifier nodes to further improve boss map returns.
PoE 3.26 Delve + Betrayal Atlas Tree Strategy
This tree is designed for those interested in Betrayal mechanics alongside Delve. It supports Syndicate farming, aiming for valuable item drops and crafting opportunities.
Delve + Betrayal Atlas Setup Steps:
1. Core Delve Path
Begin with Frantic Mining and optionally use Obsessed with Vengeance if you want to increase Betrayal frequency, continue through Shaping the Mountains, Guarded Hordes, Packed with Energy, and Mining Byproducts.
2. Betrayal Nodes
Allocate Bribery and Effective Leadership to increase Syndicate member appearances and intelligence gains, add Pillage and Plunder and Test of Loyalty for more impactful Betrayal interactions, then finish with Lethal Extraction to double intelligence from executions.
3. Map Progression Support
As with other trees, include Sulfite Infusion, Quant and Rarity Nodes, and Amplified Artifacts, and include Vivid Memories and Chiseled Perfection for synthesis opportunities. Use Invasive Adversaries and Conquered Conquerors (optional) for better rare monster and Conqueror density.
4. Scarab Efficiency
Grab Remarkable Relics and Chittering Champions for better scarab rewards across the board.
PoE 3.26 Blight Alch & Go Atlas Tree Strategy
Blight Alch & Go farming in Path of Exile 3.26 offers a steady and accessible way to generate currency with a character that only needs to be capable of completing blight encounters. The strategy revolves around running maps that feature narrow corridors and linear layouts, making it easier to defend with towers and avoid being overwhelmed. Profits mainly come from oils and maps dropped by blight alters, with some additional gains from essences and various currency items. The time investment per map is reasonable, and the loot is straightforward to sell if managed properly. This makes blight farming a solid choice for players looking for consistent income without requiring a highly specialized or powerful build.
How to Set Up the Blight Alch & Go Farming Strategy:
Choose appropriate maps: Focus on maps with linear, narrow corridors such as Toxic Sewer and Waste Pool, which simplify tower defense and enemy control.
Run without scarabs or extra map mods initially: Keep the maps simple for faster clears and easier management, especially early in the league.
Take the 100% chance to get blight node on the passive tree: This ensures blight encounters in your maps, increasing farming consistency.
Consider adding essences only if your character can kill them quickly: Essences provide some extra currency but can slow you down if you struggle with their modifiers.
Use Serin’s Exarch influence and take relevant passive nodes: This boosts currency drops from alters and increases overall map profitability.
Set your loot filter to show only violet oils and above: Avoid low-value oils that require excessive trading or upgrading to become profitable.
Anoint your rings with chilling towers (freeze enemies) and meteor towers (create burning ground on hit): These anointments improve tower effectiveness against enemies immune to certain damage types.
Run the map efficiently: Prioritize activating alters and killing packs quickly; if good alters don't appear early, complete the blight and move on without killing the boss unless you need invitations.
Expect about 3.5 to 4 minutes per map: This allows for steady farming and maximizes the number of maps run in a session.
Sell your loot wisely: Sell oils, currency, and valuable divination cards on the trade market or use bulk trading platforms like TFT for maps and blighted maps to avoid time-consuming whispering.
Avoid selling items below 1 chaos: Store items that do not meet this minimum threshold to save time and focus on profitable sales.
Be patient with selling: Liquidity varies, so selling in bulk or slightly under market price can help move items faster.
PoE 3.26 Legion Atlas Tree Strategy
The Legion-focused Atlas tree is built around maximizing Legion encounters and the value of scarabs. This strategy is effective early through late league, despite common assumptions that it falls off after the first few days. Legion remains profitable throughout the league due to consistent returns from splinters, emblems, and timeless jewels. With this league’s changes, Legion provides more encounters per craft, increasing the value of each map. Additionally, the tree now grants a higher chance to drop Legion scarabs through passive nodes, improving early sustain and reducing dependence on market prices.
Legion Atlas Tree Setup Steps
Path Right: Take all Legion-related nodes. This boosts both encounter frequency and scarab drops.
Scarab Influence: Allocate nodes in the middle to influence the type of scarabs dropped. Prioritize Cartography and Essence scarabs based on early league demand.
Additional Mechanics: Optionally invest in Ambush or Domination nodes if those mechanics are trending.
Map Choice: Use Dunes for low-tier farming; it’s easy to clear and connected to Defiled Cathedral, enabling efficient map rotation.
Strategy Tips
Use the Legion map craft once you can fully clear encounters, monitor scarab prices on day two or three of the league to adjust scarab-related nodes. Even if scarab prices crash later, early returns often justify the initial investment.
PoE 3.26 Essence/Beast Atlas Tree Strategy
Focusing on Essences and Beasts offers consistent and guaranteed currency, especially in the early stages of a league. This method is simple and doesn't rely on scaling mechanics or modifiers. Essences offer predictable returns, and Beasts from Einhar missions can be sold or used for crafting. Both mechanics benefit from guaranteed spawns and drops that are not affected by map modifiers or quantity scaling.
Essences and Beasts Atlas Tree Setup Steps
Essence Nodes: Allocate all Essence-related passives to guarantee spawns and increase tiered drops.
Einhar Nodes: Invest in all Einhar-related passives for more beast encounters.
Skip Scaling Nodes: Avoid quantity, map modifier effect, and scarab chance nodes. These do not improve returns in this strategy.
Optional Upgrades: In the endgame tree, consider taking Crystal Resonance if your build can handle the challenge. It adds extra Essence monsters per map.
Strategy Tips
Stick to yellow-tier maps like Strand, which is tier 1 and great for Essence farming, apply voidstones only once you’re ready to raise map tier to 8. There's no need to push into red maps, as returns don’t improve significantly with higher tiers.
PoE 3.26 Harvest Atlas Tree Strategy
The Harvest-focused tree gains value from map quantity, pack size, and specific passive nodes that scale juice generation. It becomes most rewarding when built towards endgame farming. Harvest provides valuable crafting materials and scarabs. With recent updates, the number of monsters and potential rewards per map has increased. Scarabs tied to Harvest have also become more accessible and profitable.
Harvest Atlas Tree Setup Steps
Basic Tree: Allocate all Harvest nodes, take quantity and increased effect of modifiers near the Harvest wheel.
Endgame Tree: Add all map modifier effect nodes at the top of the tree, take Eldritch altar nodes to chase quantity-based bonuses, then allocate scarab nodes and the right-side Harvest node for additional drops.
Crop Rotation Setup: If using crop rotation, reduce all purple and one yellow crop for optimal yellow juice output, if avoiding crop rotation, drop the node and reallocate to nodes increasing yellow juice.
Imbued Harvest Setup: Mirror the crop rotation setup, and remove unnecessary clusters and redirect points to imbued-specific passives.
Strategy Tips
Always run Jungle Valley for Harvest farming due to its layout and mob density, use the Monstrous Lineage scarab, now stackable, to further boost returns, and watch for high-tier memory maps dropped by new Pinnacles. These maps may enhance Harvest even further due to high pack size and quant, though this part remains unconfirmed.
PoE 3.26 Delirium Atlas Tree Strategy for Cluster Farming
The cluster farming strategy offers an accessible and profitable way to make currency early in the league, even with a low-powered build and cheap gear. This approach focuses on farming clusters dropped during Delirium encounters, particularly from low-tier maps, which are easier to run and yield clusters with higher value due to lower item level restrictions. By combining key Atlas passives to maximize the chance for mirrors and Delirium rewards, and using scarabs or rituals to boost pack size, the method allows steady income with minimal investment in gear or complex mechanics. The strategy emphasizes keeping Delirium fog active for longer durations, managing map difficulty, and selectively selling or combining clusters for optimal profit.
How to Set Up the Cluster Farming Strategy:
Choose a tanky, fast-clearing build: Preferably one with decent DPS and survivability, as the strategy involves sustained Delirium encounters.
Run low-tier maps: Select maps like Dune, Apple, or Century for their easy layouts and manageable difficulty, which suits less powerful builds.
Maximize Delirium fog duration: Use Atlas passive points to increase Delirium duration so the fog never disappears, allowing prolonged farming of clusters.
Boost mirror and Delirium rewards chance: Invest in Atlas passive nodes that increase the chance to get mirrors and enhance Delirium reward tiers.
Use pack size increasing mechanics: Apply scarabs or take the Ritual mechanic to increase monster pack size, enabling quicker thresholds for Delirium rewards.
Activate Imaginary Pursuit at boss kill: Wait until the end of the map to use this effect to increase the Delirium reward level without making the map too difficult early on.
Be cautious with mercenaries: As Delirium layers grow, mercenaries become more challenging; manage encounters carefully to avoid unnecessary deaths.
Avoid spending too much time on tough maps: If the density is high and you reach five or six Delirium layers, consider finishing the map early to keep efficiency.
Sell clusters strategically: Instead of selling low-value clusters immediately, save several to vendor together (e.g., 5-for-1 chaos recipe) to potentially get higher-value clusters.
Skip optional mechanics that increase map time: For example, skipping Alva to save time unless you want extra content.
PoE 3.26 Heist Atlas Tree Strategy
Heist farming is one of the most effective ways to generate early currency in Path of Exile 3.26. especially right after completing the campaign. It requires minimal investment, just a single rogue marker to start, and offers reliable rewards such as jewelry pieces useful for chaos recipe, currency stashes, and artifacts. This strategy is accessible to players with modest builds and can be scaled efficiently by purchasing specific contracts like agility and lockpicking from Wakano the Barbar. By focusing on quick and consistent runs, players can rapidly accumulate currency while preparing for more challenging content.
How to Set Up the Heist Farming Strategy:
Start after finishing the campaign: Once level 64+ and having completed the first map, begin purchasing contracts from Wakano the Barbar in Rock Harbor.
Buy contracts focused on agility and lockpicking: Prioritize these contracts for better rewards early on; avoid slower or less profitable contracts like engineering or demolition.
Complete all possible heist runs: Unlock and run all available mercenaries to maximize access to the contracts you want.
Keep unidentified jewelry and rare items: Use these for chaos recipe by selling full sets of rare unidentified items to vendors for consistent chaos orb returns.
Open currency stashes: These chests often contain currency drops, providing direct income during heists.
Equip heist characters with useful items: Use dropped cloaks and other gear that reduce alert level increases, improve damage, or add utility effects; even simple orb of transmutation upgrades can help.
Use orb of transmutation and augmentation on contracts: Enhance contracts with basic modifiers to improve their effectiveness without spending costly orbs early on.
Manage alert level carefully: Open small chests until alert level nears max, then finish the heist quickly to optimize run time and rewards.
Plan to farm heist primarily between levels 65 and 75–80: This period provides steady currency gains before moving on to more advanced endgame content.
Invest early currency into divines or other stable investments: To preserve and grow your wealth, consider buying divines early, as their value tends to rise in the initial days.
Use Atlas passives for late-game heist improvements: Take nodes such as Secret Stash and Dutiful Soldier to increase smuggler stash appearances and quality-of-life bonuses for ongoing heist farming.
Hold rogue markers for a few days before selling: Prices are usually low early on; waiting can yield better returns for these valuable items.
PoE 3.26 Best Atlas Tree Strategies & Mapping Plans for SSF Mode
In SSF, your Atlas progression cannot rely on trading. So getting your league start atlas tree correct in SSF is very important, because if you mess up your progression, you can't fix it by buying gear, maps, or unmaking orbs! So here we share the most effective strategies for the early game map pushing and endgame farming.
POE 3.26 SSF Atlas Tree Strategy for Early Progression & Map Pushing
This strategy focuses on fast and steady Atlas completion by increasing map drops, improving map quality, and boosting early character power through shrines and league mechanics. It's best suited for strong builds that can clear maps quickly without needing specific item mods early on. If you're using something like Volcanic Fissure of Snaking or another high-damage skill, this approach allows for a direct path to red maps without spending time farming gear first.
1. Focus on Map Drop Progression
Allocate every node that increases the chance for maps to drop one tier higher. Aim to reach the 85% maximum chance as early as possible.
2. Take Kirac Mission Nodes
Pick all Kiraak nodes in your tree to reach a 26% chance of receiving a Kiraak mission on map completion. These missions help with map sustain and progression options.
3. Add Shrine Nodes
Allocate shrine passives to guarantee at least one shrine per map. Increase shrine effect duration and gain two shrine effects per shrine clicked.
4. Allocate Packed with Energy
Take nodes that grant bonuses like movement speed, damage, and max resistance after interacting with Sulphite nodes (Niko). These boosts help smooth out early mapping and increase survivability.
5. Invest in Quantity and Rarity
After completing the core setup, go for quantity and rarity nodes in the center cluster to improve overall map and currency drops.
6. Take Searing Exarch Nodes
Allocate the Searing Exarch wheel to boost bubblegum currency drops (e.g., Chaos Orbs), helps maintain currency flow while mapping.
7. Use Overloaded Circuits + Shaping the Mountains
Path through the right side of the center wheel to reach Overloaded Circuits, combine with Shaping the Mountains for free map crafts that grant random Atlas passive effects, adding bonus value to maps.
8. Look for Early Blight Opportunities
Use Expect the Unexpected for a chance to gain Blighted Scouting Reports. Kirac missions often include Blight maps, which are useful for cheap anointments (e.g., Battle Trance for Bone Shatter builds).
9. Adjust After Two Voidstones
Once you have 2 Voidstones and stable red map sustain, consider removing some Kiraak nodes, then reinvest into league mechanics that suit your build (e.g., Expedition for Righteous Fire, Harvest for weapon crafting, Ritual for bases).
PoE 3.26 SSF Betrayal, Shrines, and Abyss Focused Atlas Tree Strategy
The first tree serves as a baseline starter tree designed to be fully achievable around 100 passive points. It emphasizes early investment in the new betrayal mechanic by taking the initial four betrayal nodes. These nodes provide powerful early league benefits such as chaos resistance and free charges from killing enemies, making betrayal items very valuable in solo self-found (SSF) play. From there, the tree paths toward strong box nodes and completes all Kiraak missions early on to accelerate Atlas progression. After that, it includes clusters of map quantity nodes and shrine nodes, as shrines add considerable player power, especially in SSF.
Once the core of betrayal, shrines, Kiraak missions, and map nodes are established, the tree branches toward either strong boxes or abyss. Choosing strong boxes makes all found strong boxes rare and corrupted, increasing the chance to get valuable items like six-links. The abyss path is preferred for players who want to farm abyss jewels, such as castly eye jewels, which are very useful for minion builds. This path also grants additional experience and increases the chance of Abyssal Depths encounters. Finally, the tree ends with the Eater of Worlds jewel cluster, which synergizes well with abyss and adds a chance to get powerful corrupted abyss jewels.
How to Set Up:
Start by taking the first four betrayal nodes for early league power.
Path upwards to strong box nodes and proceed through all Kiraak missions.
Take clusters of map quantity and shrine nodes to increase map drops and player power.
Choose whether to extend to strong boxes or abyss depending on your build needs.
If choosing abyss, path toward Abyssal Depths and take related nodes.
Finish with the Eater of Worlds cluster to maximize abyss jewel potential.
Optional wiggle room includes skipping some item quantity/rarity nodes to save points or opting for Searing Exarch instead of abyss.
PoE 3.26 Best SSF Betrayal Start Atlas Tree Strategy
This strategy is aimed at builds that need strong item mods early on to function well, such as Righteous Fire or Bone Shatter. These builds rely on crafted weapons or gear to reach comfortable damage levels. Farming Betrayal early allows you to access key crafting mods that create a big difference in power during the early stages of the game. While this setup slows down initial Atlas progress compared to the map pushing setup, it helps builds become stable and reliable before moving into red maps.
1. Allocate All Betrayal Nodes
Begin by taking every Betrayal-related node on the Atlas tree. The goal is to reach a full 100% chance to encounter Syndicate members in your maps. This ensures consistent access to Betrayal content, which is vital for builds that rely on early crafting mods.
2. Add Basic Map Drop Nodes
To keep your Atlas progressing while focusing on Betrayal, allocate a few basic map drop nodes. These will support map sustain and help you reach higher objectives without fully committing to a map-focused strategy.
3. Include Kiraak Mission Nodes
Pick up a few Kiraak nodes to expand your map options and gain additional Kiraak missions. These nodes are helpful for filling out your Atlas and occasionally provide access to extra Betrayal opportunities or helpful layouts.
4. Stay in White and Yellow Maps
Avoid moving into red maps too quickly. Early Betrayal encounters can be difficult, especially for low-damage builds. Farming white and yellow maps for a longer time allows you to safely engage Betrayal and build up your gear before pushing further.
5. Build Gear Through Betrayal
Use Betrayal to craft essential mods for your build. For example, Righteous Fire benefits from Fire Multi and +1 AOE Gems, while Bone Shatter needs strong physical weapon mods. These upgrades provide a major boost during the early game.
6. Reach 50 Atlas Objectives
Keep progressing until you complete 50 Atlas objectives. This unlocks your second Atlas tree slot, which gives you the option to switch strategies without losing your original tree.
7. Switch to Map Pushing Tree
Once you’ve gathered the Betrayal crafts and gear needed, move to the Map Pushing strategy using your second Atlas tree. Your character should now be strong enough to handle red maps and focus on long-term progression and sustain.
PoE 3.26 SSF Ritual Atlas Tree Strategy
The second tree unlocks at around 50 passive points but is generally not invested in until 100 points are reached in the first tree. This tree centers on the ritual mechanic, which is highly valuable in SSF due to the diverse rewards it offers, including essences, oils, currency, uniques, and specters. The build takes nearly all ritual nodes to maximize ritual altar occurrence and reward quality, including a 60% chance ritual wheel that substantially boosts ritual encounters.
Additional nodes improve rerolls by reducing their costs and increasing their effectiveness, making it easier to obtain valuable ritual rewards. The tree also includes comprehensive scouting reports from Kiraak missions to increase the chance of rare unique maps dropping. Map nodes and shrine nodes are still present to maintain overall map progression and player power. This tree avoids heavy investment into explicit map modifiers to keep difficulty manageable early league.
How to Set Up The Ritial Atlas Tree:
After reaching about 100 points in Tree 1. start investing in Tree 2.
Focus on taking all ritual nodes to maximize ritual altar spawns and rewards.
Take the ritual wheel node to add 60% increased ritual chance.
Include nodes that reduce ritual reroll costs and increase reroll frequency.
Take Kiraak mission nodes for comprehensive scouting reports to access rare maps.
Take map quantity and shrine nodes for overall progression and power.
Avoid explicit map mods early league for manageable difficulty.
Optionally, replace ritual nodes with delirium or blight if preferred.
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