Path of Exile 2's Endgame Rituals: A Comprehensive Guide

Path of Exile 2 introduces several endgame events, including Breaches, Expeditions, Delirium, and Rituals. This guide focuses on Rituals, a revamped mechanic from previous PoE leagues. We'll cover initiation, mechanics, the Ritual Passive Skill Tree, the Pinnacle boss (King in the Mists), and the unique Tribute and Favour reward system.

Identifying and Initiating Rituals

On the Atlas, Ritual Altar map nodes are marked with a red pentagram icon featuring a demonic face. A Ritual Precursor Tablet, slotted into a completed Lost Tower, guarantees a Ritual encounter on a chosen node.

Once in a Ritual map, multiple Altars will spawn. Each map features a shared random modifier impacting enemy types and mechanics (e.g., massive rat waves or life-draining blood pools).

Interact with an Altar after noting its modifiers. A large enemy wave will spawn within a defined circle. Remaining within this zone is crucial; venturing into the shadows ends the event without rewards. Successfully completing all Altars in a map marks it as complete.

The King in the Mists Pinnacle Boss

The 'An Audience With The King' currency item unlocks a fight with the King in the Mists, the Ritual Pinnacle Boss. This item is obtained via Favours. Slot it into your Realmgate on the Atlas to access the fight.

The King in the Mists' mechanics mirror his campaign counterpart. Practice is available in Act 1 Cruel difficulty, Freythorn zone. Defeating him yields 2 Ritual Passive Skill points, a chance at unique PoE 2 items, powerful currencies, and Omen items.

The Ritual Passive Skill Tree

The Ritual Passive Skill Tree, accessible via the Atlas Passive Skill Tree (bottom right), enhances Rituals. Nodes reduce Tribute requirements, improve rewards, and boost unique currency drop chances. The tree features eight Notable nodes and eight nodes increasing King in the Mists difficulty. Each Notable node requires defeating the Pinnacle boss at an increased difficulty.

Notable Ritual Passive Nodes:

Prioritize 'From The Mists', 'Spreading Darkness', and 'Ominous Portents' for increased rewards with minimal drawbacks. Then, focus on 'Tempting Offers' and 'He Approaches' for high-value Omens and King encounters.

Ritual Rewards: Tribute and Favours

Completed Rituals grant Tribute, a temporary currency exchanged for Favours (randomized items). More Altars completed increase Tribute and unlock more Favours, ranging from Magic items and low-tier currencies to Rare gear and high-tier currencies (including 'An Audience With The King').

Omen Currencies

Omens are powerful items that modify other currency effects. They are highly sought after and can significantly improve crafting chances. Consider trading them for valuable currencies if unsure of their use.

Beyond the Tribute/Favour system, Ritual enemies drop high-tier currencies (Exalted Orbs, Vaal Orbs, etc.). The King in the Mists has a chance to drop event-exclusive Unique items.