TL;DR
- Zana’s quests now reward maps matching the investigated map’s tier with strategic placement advantages
- Shaper’s Stronghold introduces permanent high-tier influence requiring manual removal with premium rewards
- Strongholds progress from yellow to red maps with controlled spawning mechanics
- Enhanced quest clarity and improved user guidance throughout the Atlas system
- Strategic Elder positioning enables targeted farming of specific Stronghold tiers
The Path of Exile: Delve expansion introduces significant quality-of-life improvements to Zana‘s mission structure while adding a formidable new Atlas feature called Shaper’s Strongholds. These fortified zones establish an intensified Shaper presence that demands strategic intervention. This comprehensive analysis examines both the enhanced quest mechanics and the advanced Stronghold system to optimize your endgame progression.
Zana
Zana’s introductory missions investigating Shaper and Elder presence on the Atlas now provide map rewards corresponding to the tier you’re exploring. When Alleyways displays Shaper influence, for instance, your objective directs you to examine that specific location. Successful completion earns you selection of any Tier 2 map from Zana’s inventory.
The allocation algorithm for these influence missions prioritizes maps you’ve previously completed over unexplored territories. This design intentionally reduces frustration by focusing on familiar zones while still encouraging atlas completion for optimal rewards.
Strategic tip: Complete your entire atlas before extensively farming Zana missions to maximize influence placement on high-value maps. Many players mistakenly attempt these quests too early, missing the optimized placement benefits.
Changes to the Atlas
Shaper’s Stronghold represents an elevated form of Shaper dominance that resists natural Elder encroachment. Unlike standard influence, these fortified positions persist until you deliberately clear them, creating semi-permanent high-value farming locations.
Conquering these influenced territories yields substantial additional loot including Cartographer’s Chisels, Surveyor’s Sextants, Unique Items (even those typically limited to leagues), and specialized Shaper Rare equipment.
Initially, four Strongholds occupy yellow map tiers. After clearing each, they reappear on red maps. Subsequent completions enable random spawning whenever Shaper influence generates, with a percentage chance that any new Shaper presence manifests as a Stronghold instead of regular influence.
Advanced strategy: While Stronghold tier randomization occurs, you can influence spawn locations by strategically positioning your Elder influence at specific atlas levels and positions.
These fortified zones display distinct visual markers on your Atlas interface as illustrated below.
Additionally, Zana’s entire quest sequence received comprehensive updates with more explicit direction about intended objectives. The refined guidance system significantly reduces confusion for players navigating the complex endgame systems.
Pro tip: Allocate approximately 15-20 minutes per Stronghold clear session for optimal time investment versus reward returns. Common errors include underestimating monster density and attempting clears with inadequate area coverage builds.
For comprehensive strategies on maximizing your Path of Exile experience, explore our Complete Guide to endgame content optimization.
Action Checklist
- Complete your entire Atlas before extensively farming Zana missions for optimal influence placement
- Clear initial four yellow map Strongholds to unlock red tier versions
- Strategically position Elder influence to control Stronghold tier spawning
- Farm Strongholds with area coverage builds for maximum efficiency
- Utilize Stronghold rewards to fund further character progression and map sustain
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