Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt continues the series’ tradition of deep, evolving endgame systems. While players progress through Acts 1–12 of the campaign, the true challenge—and loot—is found after the story ends. That’s where Endgame Maps come into play. These maps form the backbone of the post-story gameplay loop, featuring procedurally generated layouts, randomized modifiers, and deadly bosses. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about endgame maps in PoE 2, including how to access them, their mechanics, progression systems, and strategies to maximize  POE2 Currency rewards.

What Are Endgame Maps?

Endgame Maps are specialized, craftable instances that you enter through the Map Device. These maps transport your character into pocket dimensions filled with monsters, traps, and valuable loot. Each map is themed around a specific environment or biome, and may feature unique bosses and modifiers that shape your playstyle.

In Dawn of the Hunt, the endgame map system builds on the foundations of Path of Exile’s original Atlas system, but with key upgrades:

Biome-Specific Bosses that influence world events

Eco-chain Mapping, where map progression influences future spawns

Linked Regions, where actions in one zone echo into others

Enhanced map scaling to challenge even fully-geared characters

Accessing Endgame Maps

Once you finish the campaign (Acts 1–12), you unlock access to the Hunting Grounds Atlas, the spiritual successor to the original Atlas of Worlds. From here, maps drop naturally or can be obtained through vendors and crafting.

How to Get Maps

Map Drops: High-level monsters and bosses in Acts 11–12 can drop Tier 1 maps.

Vendors: Selling 3 maps of the same tier upgrades to one map of a higher tier.

Crafting: Use Orbs of Transmutation and Alchemy to modify white maps.

Scarabs and Hunt Tokens: New to PoE 2, these can modify or guarantee specific map types when consumed in the Map Device.

Map Tiers and Progression

Maps in Dawn of the Hunt are categorized into Tiers 1–20, where each increasing tier reflects a higher monster level, loot potential, and danger.

Map Progression Tree

The progression tree resembles a massive hunt board. Defeating bosses or completing map objectives “unlocks” paths to neighboring maps. This creates branching options and rewards players who explore various routes, rather than repeating a single map.

Hunting Influence

Each endgame map has a Hunting Influence level, which grows as you farm it repeatedly. A high influence level can:

Increase loot drops (especially beast and bone-themed items)

Spawn elite minibosses

Trigger World Hunts, elite bounty events that spawn across several maps

New Mechanics in PoE 2 Maps

Path of Exile 2 introduces several fresh mechanics to keep the endgame engaging and replayable.

1. Apex Predators

Some maps contain Apex Predators, powerful minibosses that have adapted to the environment. These are optional but offer major loot rewards, including rare crafting components and Hunt-exclusive gear.

2. Hunt Objectives

Each map contains one or more Hunt Objectives, which may include:

Tracking down a specific prey creature (think mini-bounty quests)

Defending hunt camps from corrupted beasts

Disabling totems or ancient obelisks that summon relentless enemy waves

Completing these objectives contributes to your Hunt Reputation, which unlocks long-term passive bonuses and lets you summon NPC allies like the Beastcaller or Blood Tamer in future maps.

3. Environmental Hazards

Each biome introduces its own unique dangers:

Fungal Hollows: Poisonous spores constantly apply debuffs

Crimson Dunes: Sandstorms limit visibility and apply exposure

Ashen Peaks: Volcanic eruptions stagger players mid-combat

Frozen Steppes: Ice runes detonate if you stand still too long

These are more than flavor—they change how you approach combat and positioning in each zone.

Map Mods and Crafting

Just like in PoE 1, maps can be modified for greater rewards.

Modifying a Map

Orb of Transmutation: Converts a normal map into a magic one

Orb of Alchemy: Upgrades a map to rare

Vaal Orb: Corrupts a map, adding strong modifiers or changing layout

Hunt Scarabs: Guarantee additional Hunt monsters, loot chests, or events

Notable Modifiers

Some map mods synergize dangerously with enemies. Examples include:

“Monsters gain Frenzy Charges every 5 seconds” – makes Apex Predators terrifying

“Players have -40% to all resistances” – punishing in high-tier volcanic maps

“100% increased effect of bleeding” – deadly in maps with bleeding traps

Understanding map mods and tailoring your build to handle them is critical for survival.

Bosses and Special Events

Each map culminates in a Boss Fight, which may drop:

Unique Hunt Gear: Only obtainable from specific map bosses

Tiered Currency Orbs: New crafting items exclusive to boss kills

Map Keystone Fragments: Used to enter pinnacle encounters

Some maps feature World Hunts, endgame raids unlocked by meeting specific conditions across multiple maps. These are akin to Elder or Shaper fights from PoE 1 and represent the true test of build quality and mechanical skill.

Efficient Map Farming Tips

1. Stack Scarabs and Buffs

Use Hunt Scarabs and Bestial Catalysts to multiply the reward pool of each map. These additions also increase the challenge, so make sure your resistances and flask uptime are optimal.

2. Choose Biomes for Your Build

If you play a bleed-based character, consider maps with high DoT uptime. For elemental casters, avoid maps with “players gain no energy shield recharge.”

3. Speed Clear Lower Tiers

Tier 1–10 maps are ideal for XP and bulk farming. Don’t waste your top-tier gear on them—save that for Tier 15+ where bosses drop keystones and elite currency.

4. Craft Sustain

Use vendor recipes to keep your map pool flowing. Don’t burn through high-tier maps without a strategy or you’ll hit a progression wall.

5. Test Builds in Dangerous Mods

If you’re experimenting with a new skill or gear setup, try it first in maps with minimal modifiers. Once stable, add Vaal corruptions or rare mod rolls.

My Personal Experience with Dawn of the Hunt Maps

During my first week in the Dawn of the Hunt endgame, I focused heavily on the Crimson Dunes biome. I loved the wide-open layouts that suited my Tornado Shot + Impale setup. Once I upgraded my bow with a 130% increased Physical Damage roll, I began investing in Overwhelm passives and Hunt Scarabs.

By stacking “More monsters spawned” and “Extra Hunt prey” mods, I was regularly fighting 3 Apex Predators per map—and the loot payoff was massive. I managed to craft my endgame quiver using Bone Splinter Currency, which only drops from Sand Wyrm bosses.

One highlight was activating a World Hunt event that spawned a boss across 5 connected maps. It took over 30 minutes and multiple attempts, but the kill rewarded me with a Corrupted Unique Bow with a powerful bleed-over-time mechanic I’d never seen before.

Conclusion

Endgame Maps in Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt are more than just repeatable content—they’re the beating heart of long-term progression, gear optimization, and high-skill combat. From biome-specific mechanics to strategic map mods and boss fights, every map offers a fresh opportunity to test your build and grow stronger.

Whether you're farming for the perfect item, chasing keystones for pinnacle bosses, or min-maxing your loot per hour, mastering the endgame map system is essential. With careful planning, smart use of currency, and a build tailored to your map strategy, the Hunting Grounds Atlas will become your playground—and your proving ground.