The introduction of the Abyssal League in Path of Exile 2 has brought a variety of new Abyssal mechanics into the game, some of which can be bewildering for players unfamiliar with these features.
Fortunately, for those looking to understand how the Abyssal content operates in PoE 2, the mechanics are relatively straightforward once players familiarize themselves with the associated gameplay loop. Here’s an overview.
Understanding Abyssal Pits in Path of Exile 2
Abyssal Pits are characterized by their deep openings in the ground, surrounded by fissures. They are easily recognizable by the sickly green glow of the infected monsters nearby. On the minimap, these pits are indicated as green orbs connected by dotted lines that symbolize the fissures.
To close Abyssal Pits, players need to defeat the surrounding monsters. Upon reaching a certain threshold, an event reminiscent of a level-up sound will trigger, and Abyss monsters will emerge from the pit’s depths correlating to the types of creatures defeated.
For instance, if a rare monster is defeated, another rare creature sharing the same modifier will appear from the pit. However, if only standard mobs were eliminated, only common Abyss monsters will emerge. Additionally, defeating Essence monsters, Rogue Exiles, or Bosses near an Abyssal Pit influences the nature of the final wave of monsters.
|
Monster Type |
Abyssal Pit Variant |
|---|---|
|
Normal |
Abyssal pack |
|
Magic |
Abyssal Magic pack |
|
Rare |
Abyssal Rare monster |
|
Essence |
Abyssal Essence Monster (the only way to acquire the Essence of the Abyss item) |
|
Boss |
Abyssal Larva Boss |
|
Rogue Exile |
Lichborn |
After defeating the final wave of enemies, the Abyssal Pit will be sealed, and either an Abyssal Trove or Arsenal will materialize. These chests provide significant loot and are crucial for farming Abyssal Bones, which serve as the currency to craft Desecrated items in PoE 2.
When multiple Abyssal Pits appear on a map, each must be closed separately before the reward chest can be accessed.
Understanding Abyssal Depths in Path of Exile 2
When an Abyssal Pit is sealed, it may sometimes unveil the entrance to the «Abyssal Depths» instead of a regular loot chest. Abyssal Depths are smaller sub-areas populated with Abyss creatures and guarded by a rare monster protecting a treasure trove of chests. Taking down the final boss in these locations and looting the chests is key to retrieving Abyssal Omens and Lineage Supports within PoE 2.
Players have the capability to create a portal within an Abyssal Depths map for quick travel to other areas; however, it’s important to note that dying within the Abyssal Depths will permanently close that instance, and characters will respawn at the closest checkpoint on the main map.
Understanding Dark Domains in Path of Exile 2
As players progress to the endgame of PoE 2, Abyssal Depths will transition into Dark Domains, which will appear after the Abyssal Pits have been resolved. These will guide players to larger maps known as Abyssal Cities, which feature unique rare bosses named Abyssal Commanders.
Abyssal Commanders provide not just excellent loot, but they also drop Kulemak’s Invitation, a unique item that benefits the Witch class. Witches who have chosen the Lich ascendancy can utilize Kulemak’s Invitation to enter the Well of Souls and unlock the Abyssal Lich ascendancy.
