PoE 2 Corruption Guide: Cleansing Maps and the Corrupted Nexus
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cleansing maps, including how to find corrupted areas, how the Nexus works, and what to expect from the enemies lurking within.
What Is Map Corruption in Path of Exile 2?
When you reach the endgame Atlas in Path of Exile 2, you may notice something strange. Certain maps appear twisted, filled with an ominous influence known as Coalesced Corruption. These maps are far more dangerous than their untainted counterparts, brimming with empowered monsters and new hazards.
At the center of this spreading blight lies the Corrupted Nexus, a focal point where the corruption is strongest. Cleansing it isn’t just about survival—it’s about progression. By purging the Nexus, you open up new challenges, uncover loot opportunities, and restore corrupted maps back to a usable state.
Finding and Unlocking the Corrupted Nexus
Before you can challenge the Nexus itself, you’ll need to locate it within the Atlas. Here’s how the process works:
Identify corrupted maps. Look for Atlas maps marked as Coalesced Corruption. These will be visibly different, pulsing with a sickly glow.
Clear corrupted maps. Defeating enemies and bosses within these maps helps weaken the hold of corruption in that region.
Trace the source. After clearing several Coalesced Corruption maps in the same area, you’ll be able to pinpoint the location of the Corrupted Nexus.
This system ensures that you can’t rush into the Nexus unprepared. Instead, you’re gradually forced to prove yourself by battling through increasingly hostile environments.
Entering the Corrupted Nexus
To access the Nexus, you’ll need a waystone—a powerful key that stabilizes the corruption long enough for you to enter. Not just any waystone will do, however. It must have at least four modifiers to be strong enough to pierce the corruption.
Once activated, the waystone transports you into the heart of the Nexus, where the corruption is at its peak. This isn’t a normal map—expect tougher enemies, dense packs, and waves of escalating difficulty.
The Bosses of the Nexus
At the end of each Corrupted Nexus run lies one of three unique bosses. These fights serve as both a test of your build and a gateway to greater rewards:
Skittermind – A swarm-like entity that floods the arena with minions while darting in and out of reach. Managing adds while keeping damage on the boss is the key to survival.
Eater of Flesh – A grotesque foe that specializes in draining life. Expect heavy physical damage, bleeds, and mechanics that punish you for standing still.
Pale Angel – A deceptive and fast-moving boss that bombards players with ranged attacks and light-based abilities. The fight rewards mobility and precise timing.
Each boss offers unique loot tables, and defeating them not only cleanses the Nexus but also influences the surrounding Atlas.
What Happens After Cleansing?
Once you’ve cleared the Corrupted Nexus, several things happen:
Nearby Coalesced Corruption maps are cleansed. They return to normal, making them easier to farm or complete for progression.
New monsters and challenges appear. Cleansing doesn’t just restore maps; it changes them. Expect fresh monster spawns, new affix combinations, and extra map modifiers.
Additional rewards unlock. Depending on the boss defeated and the corruption level of the Nexus, you’ll earn crafting materials, high-value loot, or unique drops tied to the corruption system.
In short, every Nexus run has both immediate benefits and long-term progression value.
Tips for Surviving the Corrupted Nexus
The Corrupted Nexus isn’t just another Atlas boss arena—it’s designed to push your build to the limit. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
Balance offense and defense. Corruption-heavy enemies hit hard, but boss fights drag on if your damage isn’t up to par. Aim for a build that can sustain through waves while dealing steady DPS.
Prepare for modifiers. Waystones with four or more modifiers can drastically change the fight. Some combinations may favor certain builds, while others could spell disaster. Choose wisely.
Adapt to each boss. Skittermind requires add-clearing, Eater of Flesh demands sustain, and Pale Angel tests movement. Adjust flasks and gear accordingly before entering the Nexus.
Farm corrupted maps efficiently. Don’t waste resources—group up Coalesced Corruption maps in a region, then push to unlock the Nexus in one focused run.
Don’t underestimate the rewards. Even if cleansing seems optional, the loot and Atlas progression it offers are well worth the effort.
Why Cleansing Corruption Matters
Cleansing corruption is more than just a side activity. It ties directly into PoE 2’s philosophy of risk and reward. Corrupted maps are harder, but they drop better loot. The Nexus bosses are deadly, but they offer some of the most lucrative endgame encounters available outside of pinnacle fights.
For solo players, it’s a way to push your character’s limits. For trade-focused players, it’s an opportunity to farm high-value drops and artifacts. And for completionists, it’s another layer of challenge to master on the Atlas.
Final Thoughts
Path of Exile 2: Dawn of the Hunt expands the endgame with mechanics that feel both punishing and rewarding—and the Corruption system is a perfect example. By hunting down Coalesced Corruption maps, unlocking the Corrupted Nexus, and defeating its bosses, you’ll not only cleanse your Atlas but also earn the resources you need to push deeper into the endgame.
The road isn’t easy. The enemies are brutal, and the bosses demand careful planning. Having the company of sufficient POE 2 Currency can help you lighten the burden. But for Exiles who embrace the challenge, cleansing corruption offers some of the most satisfying victories in Path of Exile 2.