In Path of Exile 3.26, map progression remains one of the cornerstones of endgame content. Understanding how map tiers work and which layouts are most desirable can dramatically improve your farming efficiency and overall Atlas strategy. In this article, we'll break down all the map tiers for 3.26 and share some personal observations to help you plan your runs and get the most value out of your PoE Currency.

How Map Tiers Work in 3.26

Map tiers determine the difficulty, monster level, and potential rewards of each map. As you progress through the Atlas and complete objectives like Maven Witnesses, Conqueror fights, and map bosses, higher-tier maps begin to drop more frequently. Having the correct Watchstones or Voidstones socketed also increases the baseline tier of maps on your Atlas.

Each tier not only scales enemy strength but also influences loot quantity and quality. This makes choosing the right maps to farm — both for layout and boss mechanics — an important part of your endgame planning.

Tier 1 Maps

1. Bone Crypt
2. Terrace
3. Ramparts
4. Alleyways

These maps are your entry point into the Atlas. They're great for casual farming and testing builds early in the league. Bone Crypt and Terrace are particularly quick layouts for early rushes.

Tier 2 Maps

1. Dunes
2. Channel
3. Sepulchre
4. Chateau
5. Mausoleum
6. Geode
7. Colosseum
8. Villa

Dunes and Channel continue to be some of the most favored maps for fast clears and low-risk farming. If you’re just starting to accumulate PoE Currency, running these maps with decent modifiers is efficient and profitable.

Tier 3 to Tier 5 Maps

Tier 3: Overgrown Shrine, Strand, Core, Acid Caverns, Defiled Cathedral, Arachnid Tomb, Forbidden Woods, Laboratory 
Tier 4: Cemetery, Moon Temple, Vaal Pyramid, Dark Forest, Foundry, Spider Forest, Siege, Plateau 
Tier 5: Atoll, Courtyard, Frozen Cabins, Bog, Ivory Temple, Ghetto, Racecourse, Bazaar

Strand and Cemetery maps are commonly shaped or favored due to their linear layouts. Strand in particular is excellent for quick rotations and is a favorite for players farming for bulk PoE Currency.

Tier 6 to Tier 8 Maps

Tier 6: Shore, Promenade, Leyline, Ancient City, Lava Lake, Conservatory, Basilica 
Tier 7: Cursed Crypt, Precinct, City Square, Mineral Pools, Glacier, Primordial Blocks, Waterways 
Tier 8: Tropical Island, Colonnade, Arsenal, Vault, Wharf, Scriptorium, Shipyard

Glacier and Vault offer compact layouts with reliable pack density. They're excellent for high-speed mapping and can be heavily juiced to increase currency drops.

Tier 9 to Tier 11 Maps

Tier 9: Dig, Bramble Valley, Coral Ruins, Park, Phantasmagoria, Desert Spring 
Tier 10: Underground Sea, Arid Lake, Grotto, Iceberg, Mesa, Estuary 
Tier 11: Silo, Orchard, Jungle Valley, Belfry, Grave Trough, Arcade

Dig remains a popular farming choice due to its density and boss mechanics. Estuary and Mesa are also great maps for players focusing on boss-rushing strategies.

Tier 12 to Tier 14 Maps

Tier 12: Museum, Necropolis, Dungeon, Toxic Sewer, Castle Ruins, Sunken City 
Tier 13: Crystal Ore, Pier, Beach, Malformation, Armoury 
Tier 14: Temple, Maze, Cold River, Flooded Mine, Peninsula

Toxic Sewer is a standout choice here thanks to its quick, linear layout — perfect for fast-paced farming and maximizing returns on PoE Currency investments.

Tier 15 to Tier 16 Maps

Tier 15: Underground River, Ashen Wood, Palace, Wasteland, Waste Pool 
Tier 16: Tower, Canyon, Crimson Township, Lighthouse

Tower is a high-value map when juiced with sextants, scarabs, and influence. Crimson Township has also been gaining popularity for its aesthetic and boss drops.

Tier 17 Maps – Endgame Pinnacle

1. Sanctuary
2. Citadel
3. Fortress
4. Abomination
5. Ziggurat

These new Tier 17 maps represent the pinnacle of map content. They're not just harder — they often contain unique boss mechanics, valuable drops, and present opportunities for some of the most profitable farming in the league. They're best tackled with a well-geared character and careful planning.

Final Tips for 3.26 Mapping

1. Shape Your Atlas: Favor maps with strong layouts and pack density. Linear maps are often better for farming.
2. Watchstone & Voidstone Management: Upgrade strategically to unlock higher tiers without flooding your Atlas.
3. Juice Your Maps: Use scarabs, sextants, and strong PoE Currency investments to maximize return per run.
4. Focus on Efficiency: Stick to maps your build can clear quickly and reliably to maintain momentum.
5. Sell What You Don’t Use: Unwanted maps or excess loot can always be exchanged for more useful forms of PoE Currency.

Whether you’re pushing toward the Maven or just looking to farm efficiently, knowing your map tiers in 3.26 gives you a huge advantage. Pick the maps that fit your build and your goals, and the PoE Currency will follow.