The Burning Monolith is the gateway to one of Path of Exile 2’s toughest endgame boss fights, requiring three key fragments—including the Ancient Crisis Fragment—to unlock the final challenge. Here’s a clear step-by-step process for progressing through the Burning Monolith using your Ancient Crisis Fragments.
1. Collect All Three Crisis Fragments
Ancient Crisis Fragment: Drops from the boss in the Iron Citadel, which is found in forest and grass biomes.
Faded Crisis Fragment: Obtained from another faction leader in a different Citadel biome.
Weathered Crisis Fragment: Similarly earned from a unique Citadel corresponding to another biome.
You need one of each fragment before you can access the Arbiter of Ash encounter.
2. Locate the Burning Monolith
On your Atlas map, find the Burning Monolith. This arena acts as the final gateway and is typically marked by distinctive visual cues.
3. Enter the Burning Monolith and Approach the Altar
Head inside the Burning Monolith and find the inner altar with three sockets.
Each socket represents one of the three fragments.
4. Insert the Crisis Fragments
Place the Ancient Crisis Fragment, Faded Crisis Fragment, and Weathered Crisis Fragment into their corresponding sockets on the altar.
The altar will activate only when all three are inserted and correctly placed.
5. Prepare for the Arbiter of Ash Boss Fight
Before activating the encounter, double-check your gear, flasks, and skill setup.
Prioritize high life, capped resistances, and good mobility skills.
Review boss mechanics and practice positioning, as the Arbiter of Ash is a demanding fight with lethal patterns.
Consider teaming up if you need extra survivability.
6. Begin the Arbiter of Ash Encounter
Activate the altar once all fragments are in place to open the gateway.
Enter the arena and face the Arbiter of Ash.
Defeat the boss to claim high-tier loot and unlock further progression.
7. Repeat as Desired
After each successful attempt, you can farm more Ancient, Faded, and Weathered Crisis Fragments from Citadels to repeat the process for greater rewards.
Key Tips
Farm Citadels efficiently using straight-line mapping and high Waystone drop chance to collect fragments faster.
Prepare for the challenging fight by optimizing your Atlas skills and equipment ahead of the encounter.
Only use your fragments when fully ready, as the Arbiter of Ash will test both your build and game knowledge.
By following these steps, you’ll make the most of your Ancient Crisis Fragments , efficiently unlock the Burning Monolith, and challenge one of the hardest bosses PoE2 has to offer.