In Path of Exile 2, the POE 2 Currency endgame is a sprawling, intricate beast that offers countless ways for exiled warriors to test their mettle. Among the hardest and most rewarding encounters is The Simulacrum — an endgame gauntlet where the veil between worlds grows thin, and madness threatens to consume even the strongest builds. This challenging encounter returns from its original Path of Exile incarnation, now reshaped and refined for the sequel. Here’s an in-depth guide to understanding The Simulacrum, its mechanics, rewards, and tips for mastering it.

What is The Simulacrum?
The Simulacrum is an endgame map-style encounter that consists of 30 escalating waves of enemies. Each wave becomes progressively harder, introducing tougher foes and deadlier mods. The setting itself is an otherworldly realm shaped by madness and twisted memories, making it one of the best ways to test your character’s build and skills.

Each wave presents a new set of monstrous enemies and can feature unique area mods, making every Simulacrum run distinct. The higher you ascend, the better the rewards — and the greater the risk of being overwhelmed.

How to Access The Simulacrum
To enter The Simulacrum, you must obtain a Simulacrum Item. These can drop from endgame bosses, special events, or be purchased from other players. The item acts like a map and can be placed in a map device to open a portal.

Each portal leads to one of the most brutal gauntlets in the game. Once inside, you must defeat as many waves as possible. The closer you get to Wave 30, the richer your rewards, including unique currency and rare drops.

The Simulacrum Mechanics
Waves and Difficulty
Each wave lasts roughly a minute and contains enemies that gradually ramp up in quantity and strength. After defeating a wave, a Reward Track appears, allowing you to pick one of two reward options. The higher the wave, the more valuable the available rewards.

Modifiers and Madness
Each wave applies area mods that can drastically affect the encounter. Mods can range from increased damage taken, enhanced enemy speed, area effects, and more. Understanding and adapting to these mods is crucial for survival.

Bosses
Wave 30 marks the climax of The Simulacrum, featuring one or more bosses (such as Kosis or Omniphobia). These bosses are extremely challenging and require both precision and robust character defenses.

Rewards and Profitability
The Simulacrum shines in its potential for highly valuable loot:

Splinters and Simulacrum Fragments can drop, allowing access to future runs.

Unique Items and rare currency (Exalted Orbs, Divine Orbs, and other high-value items).

The higher the wave, the higher the quality and quantity of your rewards.

Tips for Conquering The Simulacrum
 Prioritize Survivability: High life or energy shield totals, strong defenses (armor, evasion, spell suppression), and reliable recovery methods are vital.

 Optimize Damage Output: The longer enemies stay alive, the more dangerous the mods and mechanics become.

 Adapt to Mods: Learn which mods can ruin your build and consider rerolling when necessary.

 Practice Wave Management: The first ten waves serve as a warm-up. Use this time to hone positioning and resource usage.

 Have a Plan for Wave 30: The final wave can make or break the run. Be sure you’ve saved flasks and abilities for the endgame boss.

Final Thoughts
The Simulacrum is one of Path of Exile 2’s biggest endgame challenges — a brutal, rewarding gauntlet that separates the best builds and most skilled exiles from the rest. Understanding its mechanics, planning your approach, and fine-tuning your build can lead to some of the best rewards available in the game. Will you survive the madness? Enter The Simulacrum and find out!

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