Tier 15 Waystones are the highest level Waystones players can get as drops in Path of Exile 2, but keen players may have gathered that there are ways to reach higher tier maps, specifically Tier 16, 17, and 18, using alternate methods.
Tier 16 Waystones are actual items that can be obtained in the game, but Tier 17 and 18 are a different story. The effect Waystones of this tier would have had if they did exist can be achieved, but the process is a bit convoluted. Here’s the breakdown.
How to Get Tier 16 Waystones in PoE 2
The only way to get Tier 16 Waystones in Path of Exile 2 is to use a 
Vaal Orb
on a non-corrupted Tier 15 Waystone. There are four possible outcomes of using a Vaal Orb on a T15 map:
- The Tier 15 Waystone is converted into a Tier 16 Waystone.
- The Tier 15 Waystone is converted into a Tier 14 Waystone.
- The Tier 15 Waystone modifiers are randomized.
- Nothing happens.
From testing, it appears that the chance of a Tier 15 Waystone turning into a Tier 16 is less than 5%, and is easily the best outcome. The Waystone turning into a Tier 14 is also relatively rare, which is the worst outcome. The other two possibilities are far more common.
You cannot use the Reforging Bench to get a Tier 16 Waystone by combining three Tier 15 Waystones. This method only works for Tier 1-14 Waystones.
How to Get Tier 17 & 18 Waystones in PoE 2
There is no such thing as an actual Tier 17 or Tier 18 Waystone in Path of Exile 2. However, players have the ability to achieve the effect of a Tier 17 or 18 Waystone using the map modifiers on the Atlas nodes.
The only thing Waystone Tiers dictate is the monster level of the map node.
|
Waystone Tier |
How to Get |
Monster Level |
|---|---|---|
|
Tier 15 |
A base, non-corrupted Tier 15 Waystone. Can be obtained as a drop or by reforging three Tier 14 Waystones. |
Level 79 |
|
Tier 16 |
A corrupted Tier 15 Waystone can be converted into a Tier 16 Waystone using a Vaal Orb. |
Level 80 |
|
Tier 17 |
Use a Tier 16 Waystone on a map node with the Corrupted or Irradiated Modifier which gives the monsters in the area +1 to Monster Level. |
Level 81 |
|
Tier 18 |
Use a Tier 16 Waystone on a map node with the Corrupted and Irradiated Modifier which gives the monsters in the area +2 to Monster Level. |
Level 82 |
Corrupted modifiers are pre-generated by the Atlas and cannot be influenced. Irradiated modifiers can be added to a map by using an Irradiated Precursor Tablet at a nearby Tower.
Monster level 82 is the highest possible level players can get on a map node on the Atlas, and these maps are extremely useful for multiple reasons. The main contenders are the following:
- Obtaining Level 20 Skill Gems and Level 20 Spirit Gems. Level 19 gems drop at Tier 17, and level 20 gems drop at Tier 18.
- Obtaining all Boss Atlas skill points in the tree.
- Obtaining higher item level pieces that have unique modifiers that lower item level gear simply cannot roll.
