Mastering Path of Exile 2's Expedition Endgame: A Comprehensive Guide
Path of Exile 2 introduces Expeditions, a revamped endgame system from the original game's Expedition League. This guide details how to locate, execute, and maximize rewards from Expeditions, including the crucial Detonation mechanic, the Expedition Passive Skill Tree, and the unique rewards available.
Understanding Expeditions and the Detonation Mechanic
Expedition map nodes are identified on the Atlas by a light blue, spiral-shaped icon. An Expedition Precursor Tablet placed in a completed Lost Tower slot guarantees an Expedition encounter on a chosen node.
Entering an Expedition reveals an area with Markers and an NPC. The core mechanic involves strategically deploying Explosives near Markers to spawn enemies and chests:
- Runic Monsters: Spawn from Explosives near Red Markers. Larger markers yield larger monster packs. These packs are further enhanced by Unearthed Remnants.
- Unearthed Remnants: Relics with beneficial or detrimental modifiers. For example, increased monster elemental damage might be offset by increased item rarity from chests.
- Excavated Chests: Spawn from Explosives near Black Markers with the spiral symbol. These contain Artifacts, Logbooks, currency, Waystones, and high-tier gear.
Explosives have an area of effect (AoE). For optimal farming, avoid overlapping AoE circles. Place Explosives, activate the Detonator, and engage the spawned enemies. If overwhelmed, retreat and return later; the event persists.
The Expedition Pinnacle Map
Runic Monsters and Excavated Chests have a chance to drop Expedition Logbooks. These are used with Dannig in your hideout to access the Expedition Pinnacle Map – a significantly larger Expedition with increased Explosives.
The Pinnacle Map introduces Olroth, a challenging boss. His spawn rate increases with map level. Defeating Olroth is crucial for obtaining Expedition Passive Skill Tree points (2x points per victory).
Expedition Passive Skill Tree
Located within the Atlas Passive Skill Tree, the Expedition tree enhances the event. Points are allocated to boost rewards, increase monster spawns, and amplify Remnant effects.
The tree features eight Notable nodes and eight difficulty-increasing nodes for Logbooks. Each Notable node requires defeating Olroth at an increased difficulty.
| Notable Expedition Passive | Effect | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme Archaeology | Reduces Explosives to 1, but boosts radius by 150%, range by 100%, and reduces enemy Life by 20% | N/A |
| Disturbed Rest | 50% more Runic Monster Flags | N/A |
| Detailed Records | 50% more Logbooks, Logbooks always spawn with 3x Modifiers | Disturbed Rest |
| Timed Detonations | 50% more Artifacts, Detonation chains travel 50% faster | N/A |
| Legendary Battles | 50% more Rare monsters, 50% more Exotic Coinage | Timed Detonations |
| Frail Treasures | 3x more Excavated Chest Markers, but they disappear after 5 seconds | N/A |
| Weight of History | 35% boost to Remnant effects | N/A |
| Unearthed Anomalies | Remnants gain an additional Suffix and Prefix modifier | Weight of History |
Prioritize "Disturbed Rest," "Detailed Records," and "Timed Detonations" for significant reward boosts. Then consider "Weight of History," "Unearthed Anomalies," and "Legendary Battles" for further, albeit more challenging, gains. Avoid "Extreme Archaeology" due to the drastic reduction in Explosives.
Expedition Event Rewards
The primary rewards are Artifacts, used to trade with specific vendors for gear:
| Reward | Use | Gear |
|---|---|---|
| Broken Circle Artifact | Gwennen | Weapons |
| Black Scythe Artifact | Tujen | Belts and Jewelry |
| Order Artifact | Rog | Armor |
| Sun Artifact | Dannig | Used to acquire other Artifacts |
| Exotic Coinage | Refreshes vendor inventory | N/A |
Expedition Logbooks, obtained from Runic Monsters and Excavated Chests, unlock the Pinnacle Map and a chance to fight Olroth for exceptional rewards and additional Passive Skill Tree points.
