1. The Atlas
The Atlas is the primary way of POE2 Currency progressing through endgame content in PoE 2. It’s a system that allows you to explore different regions, unlock new map areas, and face increasingly difficult bosses and encounters.

Atlas Passive Tree: Similar to the skill tree, the Atlas has its own passive tree that allows players to unlock new nodes, improving their ability to farm specific maps or craft certain modifiers. The Atlas Passive Tree can be reset at any time for a cost.

Influenced Maps: As you progress, you'll unlock regions influenced by powerful bosses like Shaper, Elder, or other entities. These influences change the way maps function, adding extra challenge and reward.

Completion: Completing the Atlas (by mapping out each region and defeating all bosses) unlocks further content and increases your map tier, making higher-level maps accessible.

2. Maps
Maps are essentially "zones" in PoE 2, and they come in various tiers, each more challenging than the last. Here’s how they work:

Map Drops: Maps drop from various sources (including endgame bosses) and allow you to access different zones in the Atlas.

Map Tiers: Maps are classified into tiers, starting from Tier 1 and going all the way to Tier 16. Higher-tier maps are more difficult but also reward better loot.

Modifiers: Maps can have different modifiers that either enhance their difficulty or add beneficial mechanics, such as increased item rarity or additional challenges.

Map Mods: Using currency like Orb of Alchemy or Orb of Scouring, you can reroll or modify map mods to change how a map plays out, adding more risk and reward to your endeavors.

Map Fragments and Shards: Some endgame content requires special fragments or shards that are obtained by completing specific objectives in maps. These can unlock special areas or challenge content.

3. Waystones
Waystones are the main way of traveling through the Atlas in PoE 2. They allow you to access different regions of the Atlas to map, gather loot, and progress further.

Unlocking Waystones: At the start, you'll need to progress through the main game to unlock Waystones, which act as portals to different map regions.

Regional Progression: Each Waystone is tied to a specific region of the Atlas. As you unlock Waystones, you can access higher-level regions, with tougher content and more opportunities for loot.

Waystone Upgrades: Some Waystones can be upgraded to improve their effectiveness or unlock additional content, like specific boss fights or POE 2 Currency for sale special encounters.