One of the first major challenges players will face in Path of Exile 2’s endgame is locating and completing Corrupted Nexus maps to earn Atlas passive skill points. These special maps are rare, dangerous, and essential for progression, making them a key focus for players looking to strengthen their builds and unlock powerful bonuses.
This guide will explain what a Corrupted Nexus is, how to find one, and strategies for defeating the deadly Beyond bosses that guard them.
What Is a Corrupted Nexus in Path of Exile 2?
A Corrupted Nexus is a high-tier endgame map infused with coalesced corruption, containing corrupted monsters and a powerful Beyond boss. Unlike regular corrupted maps, a Corrupted Nexus has a distinct neon red icon on the Atlas, making it slightly easier to spot—if you know where to look.
Key Features of a Corrupted Nexus:
- Only appears in zones heavily affected by corruption.
- Requires a Waystone with at least 4 modifiers to enter.
- Disappears if failed, meaning you must complete it in one attempt.
- Grants Atlas passive points—but you’ll need to clear 15 different Corrupted Nexus maps to unlock all 30 points.
- Contains one of three possible Beyond bosses, each with unique mechanics.
Corrupted Nexus Beyond Bosses
Three terrifying Beyond bosses can spawn in a Corrupted Nexus, each requiring different strategies to defeat:
1. The Skittermind
- A swift, teleporting horror that summons minions.
- Uses rapid claw attacks and chaos-based projectiles.
- Weakness: High burst damage and area control.
2. The Eater of Flesh
- A massive, regenerating monstrosity that devours corpses to heal.
- Uses AoE slams and life-draining debuffs.
- Weakness: Continuous DPS to prevent healing.
3. The Pale Angel
- A floating, spectral entity that fires homing projectiles.
- Creates void zones that deal escalating damage over time.
- Weakness: Mobility and avoiding prolonged standstill fights.
How to Find a Corrupted Nexus
Locating a Corrupted Nexus is difficult due to their rarity. Players may search for multiple screens before encountering one. Here’s how to improve your chances:
1. Look for Visual Clues on the Atlas
- Black Stone Spire with Corruption: A dark tower emitting corruption (appears as a black miasma when zoomed out).
- Red-Corrupted Towers: Some structures have a red corruption aura—zoom in fully to check Fog of War areas.
- Neon Red Map Icon: Brighter than regular corrupted maps, but only visible when nearby.
2. Farm High-Corruption Zones
- Corrupted Nexuses spawn in areas with coalesced corruption.
- Running high-tier maps with corruption modifiers increases spawn chances.
3. Use Scarabs or Atlas Passives (If Available)
- Some mechanics (like Sextants or Scarabs) may increase corruption density.
- Future expansions might introduce Atlas passives that improve spawn rates.
Tips for Clearing a Corrupted Nexus Successfully
Since failing means losing the Nexus, preparation is key:
1. Gear Up for Corruption & Beyond Mechanics
- Chaos Resistance (at least 50%+) to mitigate corruption damage.
- Stun Immunity or Recovery to avoid being locked down.
- Beyond Modifiers Awareness – some map mods make bosses far deadlier.
2. Bring a Strong Single-Target Build
- Beyond bosses have high HP and damage, so prioritize burst DPS.
- Minion builds should focus on survivability, as bosses often have AoE clears.
3. Play Defensively Against Boss Mechanics
- The Skittermind: Keep moving to avoid projectiles.
- The Eater of Flesh: Destroy corpses to prevent healing.
- The Pale Angel: Stay mobile to evade void zones.
Conclusion: Is Farming Corrupted Nexuses Worth It?
Absolutely. While finding and clearing them is tough, the Atlas passive points they provide are essential for endgame progression. Players should:
- Check every corrupted zone carefully.
- Optimize their build for boss fights.
- Be patient—these maps are rare but rewarding.
With this guide, you’re now ready to hunt down Corrupted Nexuses and claim their power for your Atlas!
