Unlocking the Fifth Map Device Slot in Path of Exile: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re itching for that extra slot on your Map Device in Path of Exile, huh? You’re in the right place. That fifth slot isn’t just a luxury; it’s a serious boost to your mapping efficiency. Let’s dive into how you can unlock it.

The short answer is: you unlock the fifth slot by completing the Domain of Timeless Conflict with four different emblems used in the Map Device. This is a specific encounter that requires a bit of setup and understanding, but the reward – an additional map slot – is well worth the effort. This allows you to run even more juiced-up maps for maximum loot!

Breaking Down the Domain of Timeless Conflict

Let’s unpack what’s actually involved. The Domain of Timeless Conflict is an encounter accessed via the Map Device, but instead of a regular map, you’ll be using Legion emblems. These emblems represent different factions from the Legion mechanic:

• Eternal Empire Emblem: Denotes the Karui Legion.
• Maraketh Legion Emblem: Represents the Maraketh Legion.
• Templar Legion Emblem: Is for the Templar Legion.
• Va Legion Emblem: The Vaal Legion.
• Karui Legion Emblem: The Karui Legion.

You acquire these emblems by running maps that contain Legion encounters (either naturally occurring or via Atlas passives/Scarabs). Within these encounters, you’ll see monoliths containing trapped Legion armies. Freeing these armies (by damaging them) can reward you with various items, including the emblems you need.

To unlock the fifth Map Device slot, you need to combine four different emblems in the Map Device. You can’t use four of the same emblem. Once you activate the Map Device with these four emblems, six portals will open to the Domain of Timeless Conflict.

Navigating the Conflict

The Domain of Timeless Conflict itself is a challenging encounter. You’ll face waves of enemies from the four Legions you included. The difficulty scales with the quality of the emblems used. If you use four basic emblems, the encounter will be manageable for a moderately geared character. However, using upgraded emblems (obtained by combining five of the same type) will significantly increase the difficulty and the rewards.

Success and the Reward

Upon successfully completing the encounter (i.e., surviving the waves of enemies and defeating the final boss), you’ll permanently unlock the fifth slot on your Map Device. This means you can now use five map fragments, scarabs, or other modifiers to further customize your maps. The value of this extra slot cannot be overstated when crafting maps, significantly increasing the returns.

Now, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions that might be on your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly does the fifth map slot do?

   • The fifth map slot allows you to add an additional fragment, scarab, or other modifier to your maps when using the Map Device. This generally leads to increased monster density, better item drops, or enhanced mechanics within the map.

2. Is unlocking the fifth map slot account-wide or per character?

   • Unlocking the fifth map slot is account-wide. Once you unlock it on one character, it will be available for all characters on that account in that league.

3. Can I still run the Domain of Timeless Conflict after unlocking the fifth slot?

   • Yes, you can run the Domain of Timeless Conflict as many times as you want. The reward for subsequent runs will be the standard loot from the encounter, not the slot unlock. It is a great way to level, or test builds.

4. How can I easily find Legion encounters in maps?

   • There are several ways to increase your chances of finding Legion encounters. You can allocate Atlas passive skills related to Legion, use Legion Scarabs in the Map Device, or run maps that naturally have a higher chance of spawning Legion (like the Valdos Rest region maps.)

5. Are upgraded emblems required to unlock the fifth slot?

   • No, you can unlock the fifth slot using four basic emblems. Upgraded emblems increase the difficulty and rewards of the Domain of Timeless Conflict, but they are not necessary for unlocking the slot itself.

6. What happens if I die in the Domain of Timeless Conflict?

   • If you die in the Domain of Timeless Conflict, you will lose experience as normal. However, the instance will remain open until all six portals are used or you manually close it. You can re-enter the instance using one of the remaining portals.

7. What level should I be before attempting the Domain of Timeless Conflict?

   • A level of 80+ is generally recommended, especially if you plan to use upgraded emblems. A well-geared character is essential for success.

8. Where can I buy Legion emblems?

   • Legion emblems can be traded between players. You can find them for sale on the trade website or through in-game trade channels.

9. Can the Domain of Timeless Conflict be run in a party?

   • Yes, the Domain of Timeless Conflict can be run in a party. The difficulty will scale with the number of players.

10. Does item quantity affect Emblem drops?

    • Generally, yes. Having higher item quantity on your maps and character will improve the chance to get more emblem drops from slain Legion monsters within the monoliths.

11. How many maps are there to level in PoE?

• There are 16 tiers of maps in Path of Exile, each tier corresponding to an area level.

1. What are some of the best maps to farm for currency in PoE?

• Some top maps for farming include: Jungle Valley, Crimson Temple, Defiled Cathedral, Cemetery, and Dunes.

1. Where do I start the process of finding The Elder?

• Start mapping, Shaper Influenced (S-I) maps will appear. Do the S-I maps. In one of the S-I maps Elder will appear on the boss. After E-I have spread to many maps, the elder and his guardian will appear on the atlas.

1. What are Favoured Map Slots?

• Favoured map slots can be unlocked by fulfilling various objectives like completing a Conqueror Map or defeating The Shaper. There are 12 Favoured Map Slots that can be unlocked. Each time you Favourite a Map, it gains a 10x multiplier to its drop chance when a Map of that tier drops.

1. How do I unlock map crafting options?

• The Seventh Gate causes all possible league map crafting options (Expedition, Delirium, Harvest, Blight, Legion, Ritual, Harbinger, Heist, Metamorph, Beyond, Breach, Torment, Ambush, Domination, Essence, Abyss, Anarchy) to be unlocked if all six Atlas Gateways are allocated.

Maximizing Your Mapping Experience

Unlocking the fifth Map Device slot is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to maximizing your mapping efficiency in Path of Exile. Consider exploring other strategies, such as:

• Atlas Passives: Investing in Atlas passive skills that enhance specific map mechanics can significantly boost your loot and experience gains.
• Map Crafting: Using currency like Orbs of Alchemy, Chaos Orbs, and Vaal Orbs to modify your maps can increase their difficulty and reward.
• Scarabs: Utilizing scarabs in the Map Device can guarantee specific encounters within your maps, such as Breach, Abyss, or Legion.
• Optimizing Your Build: Ensuring your character build is well-suited for mapping is crucial. Consider factors like clear speed, survivability, and single-target damage.

By combining these strategies with the extra map slot, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the endgame and accumulating wealth and power in Path of Exile. Keep learning, experimenting, and adapting, and you’ll continue to find new and exciting ways to optimize your mapping experience. Remember that many skills learned while gaming are transferable to your real-world life. For more information on this topic, check out Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.