Path of Exile 3.26 introduces the Secrets of the Atlas expansion, bringing significant changes to the Atlas system and endgame mapping. This guide will walk you through how to set up your Atlas passive skill tree across the early, mid, and late stages of the league. It also covers map farming strategies for both trade league and Solo Self-Found (SSF) players. The goal is to help you progress efficiently, farm currency, and take full advantage of the new mechanics.

Major Changes in PoE 3.26

One of the biggest additions in 3.26 is the new “Threads of Consciousness” system. It replaces the older memory mechanics with “Memory Thread Maps.” These maps form sequences of connected maps that players complete one after the other. Each map in the thread can be juiced with Scarabs and other modifiers.

During these maps, players get access to new abilities similar to the Sentinel system from earlier leagues. These abilities include features like reviving monsters for extra loot or disabling certain item drops to increase chances of others, like Path of Exile currency or divination cards.

As you progress through each thread, you earn Altars that apply buffs to the rest of the sequence. This means each map becomes progressively more rewarding and difficult. When you reach the final map, you face a tougher boss encounter with added mechanics. Defeating this boss rewards a map fragment that allows you to access one of three new pinnacle bosses introduced in 3.26.

These maps can also gain tier 17-like modifiers after defeating the pinnacle bosses, making them unofficial “Tier 16.5” maps. These are more rewarding than normal T16 maps and could replace standard T17 maps for high-end farming.

There's also a new crafting currency called Memory Strands. Items that drop in Thread Maps can have these strands, which raise the tier of their affixes. You can use standard crafting orbs on these items, and they'll roll higher values more often. Some orbs can add strands to items or upgrade the existing modifiers even further.

Early League Atlas Strategy

Early progression is about completing maps quickly, maintaining map drops, and starting to farm some basic currency. You want to set your Atlas passive tree to help you sustain your map pool and support steady progress into red maps.

One of the first things you should do is unlock Kirac missions. These help you find missing maps and complete objectives faster. His missions reset his inventory, so always check for useful maps.

Map drop mechanics in PoE work like this: Normal monsters drop maps of the same tier or lower. Magic and Rare monsters can drop maps +1 tier. Bosses can drop maps +2 tiers. League mechanics ignore these restrictions, so they can drop maps from any tier you've completed.

To help with early map sustain, take the “Shaping the Skies” and “Shaping the Mountains” passives, and rush toward “Unwavering Vision.” Add “Shaping the World” and “Commissioned Officer” as you go. This setup will help your maps drop more consistently.

If you're playing SSF or just want easier early gear, pick up nodes that increase Essence and Expedition encounters. These mechanics are great for getting basic gear and early crafting materials.

Once you start hitting yellow maps, choose one of the two Eldritch influences: Searing Exarch or Eater of Worlds. Focus on one until you earn a Voidstone, then go for the second one. Once you have two Voidstones, you can remove some of the Shaping nodes, as they're less necessary with higher-tier maps unlocked.

Starter Tree for Map Completion

Here's a simple path for a well-rounded early Atlas tree:

· Start with Betrayal nodes for fast XP and gear early on.

· Move to the Kirac wheel to gain access to more maps.

· Take all shaping nodes to secure map upgrades.

· Grab Scouting Report nodes to increase map variety.

· Pick up Essence nodes for crafting and selling.

· Add Shrine nodes to improve clear speed and defense.

· Later, add Influence nodes from Searing Exarch for altars and extra rewards.

· Finish with Quantity and Rarity nodes to improve drops.

· Optional: Use any leftover points on Scarab nodes or Quantity wheels once you're stable.

This build gives you a smooth early-to-mid progression, helps you avoid being map-locked, and sets up your Atlas for more specialized farming later.

Expedition Mapping for Mid-League Currency

Expedition remains one of the most profitable mechanics for direct map-based currency farming. It's a great choice once your character is durable enough to survive tougher packs and remnants.

Recommended builds include Righteous Fire, Poisonous Concoction, and Cold DoT. You should be at least level 84 or higher, ideally level 90, with some decent gear.

Set up your Atlas passive tree to focus on all Expedition nodes. This includes “Extreme Archaeology,” “Ancient Decay,” “Buried Knowledge,” and “Distinguished Demolitionists.”

You should also continue to use map sustain nodes like “Shaping the Skies” and “Shaping the Mountains.” If you're far along in your progression, take quantity and rarity modifiers and Influence nodes.

Your Map Device should be fully unlocked for maximum scarab use. The ideal scarab combination for this strategy is:

· Expedition Scarab of Archaeology (guarantees an Expedition)

· Two Expedition Scarabs of Rune Finding (boosts artifact drops)

· Optional: Verium Powder and Monstrous Lineage scarabs (more remnants or mods)

Even without all four slots, using at least two or three of these scarabs makes the strategy profitable. Focus on yellow or low red maps with good layouts and pack density. Use Sextants and Eldritch Altars to further increase map value.

Look for Expedition Remnants with explosion radius, quantity, or monster life bonuses. These improve returns while still being manageable for strong builds.

SSF Strategies for Early and Endgame

In Solo-Self Found mode, you don't have the luxury of buying your way out of bad Atlas planning. You need a strong, sustainable strategy from the start.

The first priority is to allocate all map drop progression nodes. Your goal is to hit the 85% cap for maps dropping one tier higher as soon as possible.

Also pick up every Kirac node to ensure you have access to more map options and mission variety.

Shrine nodes are also helpful early on, especially if your build benefits from clear speed and temporary boosts.

Packed with Energy nodes, which provide buffs from Sulphite nodes, give a big help in early map clearing.

You should also consider taking quantity and rarity nodes once you're confident in your clear speed and map sustain.

For influence, take Searing Exarch nodes for early POE currency drops and consistent Altar encounters.

The Overloaded Circuits and Shaping the Mountains combo is strong in SSF. It adds random Atlas passives to maps, giving free bonuses without needing trade.

If your build benefits from Blight content, consider taking “Expect the Unexpected” for a chance to receive Blighted Scouting Reports from Kirac missions. These maps are also useful for gathering oils and anointing important passives like Battle Trance.

Once you have two Voidstones and your red map pool is stable, you can start respecing some of your Kirac and early sustain nodes to focus more on your preferred league mechanics, such as Harvest or Ritual.

SSF Betrayal Strategy for Gear-Dependent Builds

If your build requires good early gear or crafted items, farming Betrayal can be the most efficient approach in SSF.

Start by taking all Betrayal nodes to get a 100% chance of Syndicate encounters in your maps. Use these encounters to unlock key crafting mods and improve your gear.

While doing this, stay on white and yellow maps longer than usual. Red map Betrayal encounters are difficult, and you risk dying or wasting time if you aren't ready.

Pick a few map sustain nodes to keep progressing, but the main focus is farming gear. You can take a few Kirac nodes to help with map variety as needed.

Use Betrayal crafts to create weapons or gear that support your build. For example, you can craft +1 AOE or Fire Multi for Righteous Fire, or strong physical damage for Bone Shatter.

Once your gear is solid and you've completed around 50 Atlas objectives, you unlock a second Atlas tree. At this point, switch to a map progression-focused tree and push into red maps.

Final Thoughts

Path of Exile 3.26's Secrets of the Atlas expansion has reshaped how players interact with the endgame. Memory Thread Maps are the new standard for high-reward content, and the Atlas passive tree is more important than ever.

In early league, your focus should be on solid map sustain and natural progression. Mid-league is about building wealth and running profitable content like Expedition or Essence. In the late league, strong builds can fully juice Tier 16.5 Thread Maps for massive rewards.

SSF players should prioritize consistency, crafting, and strong passive tree planning. Trade league players have more flexibility to pivot quickly, but the same strategic goals apply.

Adapt your tree based on your build, league phase, and gameplay goals. With the right plan, you'll navigate 3.26 efficiently and profitably—no matter how you play.