The introduction of the Abyssal League in Path of Exile 2 has unveiled a variety of new mechanics related to the Abyss, some of which may be perplexing for unfamiliar players.
Fortunately, players interested in understanding the mechanics related to the Abyssal content in PoE 2 can find comfort in its relatively simple gameplay loop. Here’s an overview.
Understanding Abyssal Pits in Path of Exile 2
Abyssal Pits are characterized as significant openings in the ground, surrounded by fissures that extend outward. They can be easily spotted due to the infected monsters nearby, which emit a sickly green glow. On the minimap, these pits are marked as green orbs, connected by dotted lines representing the fissures.
To close Abyssal Pits, players must eliminate the nearby monsters. Once a specific threshold is met, a sound similar to a level-up chime will play, and Abyss monsters of the tier that was defeated will emerge in a final wave.
For instance, if a rare monster is defeated, another rare monster inheriting the original’s modifiers will rise from the pit. Conversely, if only standard mobs are cleared, only regular Abyss monsters will spawn. This mechanic applies similarly to Essence monsters, Rogue Exiles, and even bosses defeated in close proximity to the pit, affecting the composition of the final wave.
|
Monster Type |
Abyssal Pit Variant |
|---|---|
|
Normal |
Abyssal pack |
|
Magic |
Abyssal Magic pack |
|
Rare |
Abyssal Rare monster |
|
Essence |
Abyssal Essence Monster (only method to acquire the Essence of the Abyss item) |
|
Boss |
Abyssal Larva Boss |
|
Rogue Exile |
Lichborn |
After defeating the final wave, the pit will close up, revealing an Abyssal Trove or Abyssal Arsenal. These chests contain powerful loot and serve as the primary means to farm Abyssal Bones, the currency essential for crafting Desecrated items in PoE 2.
If multiple Abyssal Pits are present on a map, players must close each of them individually for the reward chest to appear.
Exploring Abyssal Depths in Path of Exile 2
Occasionally, closing an Abyssal Pit will uncover the entrance to the «Abyssal Depths» instead of a typical reward chest. Abyssal Depths consist of small sub-areas filled with Abyss creatures and a rare monster protecting a cache of treasure chests. Defeating the final boss in these regions is key to acquiring Abyssal Omens and Lineage Supports in PoE 2.
Players can create a portal within an Abyssal Depths map for quick travel to another location, with this action not resetting the instance. However, death inside the Abyssal Depths will permanently close that instance, requiring the player to respawn at the nearest checkpoint on the main map.
Discovering Dark Domains in Path of Exile 2
Upon reaching the endgame in PoE 2, Abyssal Depths will transition into Dark Domains, which become accessible after closing Abyssal Pits. These lead players to expansive maps known as Abyssal Cities that harbor unique rare bosses referred to as Abyssal Commanders.
Apart from excellent loot, Abyssal Commanders also provide Kulemak’s Invitation, a unique item designed for the Witch class. Witches that have selected the Lich ascendancy can utilize Kulemak’s Invitation to leap into the Well of Souls, unlocking the Abyssal Lich ascendancy.
