Atlas
The Atlas is the primary endgame system of Path of Exile 2. The atlas is infinite and expands in all directions. At the center of the atlas stands the Ziggurat, an ancient Vaal research centre. The Ziggurat will serve as the exile's base of operation, from where they will open portals to travel to nearby locations. One in four maps contain a map boss.
Waystone are required to empower the map device to make portals. The tier of the waystone determines the level of monster encountered. Maps adjacent to previously completed maps or the Ziggurat will be avaliable to use waystones on, opening six portals to the location. All rare and unique enemies in the area need to be defeated to complete the map. If the player runs out of portals, the map will be marked as failed and no longer be able to be run.
The atlas is divided into biomes. Most map tilesets are restricted to certain biomes. Cities of various civilizations are scattered throughout the atlas; maps in those cities may drop items exclusive to said civilizations. Other structures, such as The Realmgate and The Reliquary Vault may also be encountered. Some sections of the atlas are influenced by corruption, adding additional modifiers that enhance difficulty and rewards. Slaying monsters in maps affected by corruption may summon Beyond demons.
Unique maps, like Untainted Paradise, and the Nameless Seer may also be encountered. Various hideouts will also appear as maps - completing these maps will unlock them as your personal hideout.
Lost Towers (or Precursor Towers) are scattered across the atlas. Completing a tower will reveal a radius of maps around it. Precursor Tablets are items that can be placed within towers to add specific mechanics to maps in the tower's radius.