Unveiling the Secrets: How to Unlock New Hideouts in Path of Exile
So, you’re itching to stake your claim on a fresh piece of real estate in Wraeclast, a sanctuary where you can craft, trade, and meticulously arrange your collection of severed heads (purely decorative, of course)? Unlocking a new hideout in Path of Exile (PoE) is a crucial part of the endgame experience, allowing for personal customization and efficient gameplay. Here’s the comprehensive guide you’ve been searching for:
The core mechanic revolves around two key elements: finding the hideout and clearing it of monsters.
Finding the Hideout: Most hideouts are discovered within specific map tilesets. This means you’ll need to delve into various maps, hoping to stumble upon the entrance to the hideout you desire. These entrances are often randomly generated, making the search a bit of a lottery. Certain hideouts are significantly rarer than others, as detailed in the FAQs below.
Clearing the Hideout: Once you locate a hideout entrance, brace yourself! The hideout will be populated with monsters that must be completely eradicated. This is a non-negotiable step. Every last critter, from the lowliest Scavenger to the mightiest Unique monster, must be sent back to the void.
After you’ve successfully purged the hideout of all its inhabitants, simply speak with Helena, if you’re in the Acts. If the hideout is in a map, then Helena will appear automatically to grant you the hideout after the last mob has been slain. This act will bind the hideout to your account, allowing you to access and customize it at your leisure. Don’t worry about dying during the clear, because once you clear the hideout, its yours.
Diving Deeper: Essential Steps and Tips
Act Two: Your First Hideout
New players will get their introduction to hideouts in Act Two. By rescuing Helena from the Chamber of Sins, she will join your cause and unlock the ability to claim your first hideout. Talking to Helena will provide an opportunity to select a starter hideout.
Beyond the Acts: Map-Based Hideouts
After you’ve progressed beyond the campaign and into the Atlas of Maps, hideout discovery becomes an integral part of your mapping experience. As mentioned above, keep an eye out for hidden entrances within specific map tilesets. The rarity of a hideout directly influences how many times you might need to run a particular map before finding it.
Leveraging Helena’s Guidance
Helena serves as your hideout manager. She enables you to:
- Change your current hideout: Once you have unlocked multiple hideouts, Helena will allow you to switch between them.
- Find new hideouts: She can offer vague clues about where to find certain hideouts, although the exact location remains a mystery.
- Decorate your hideout: By far the most compelling aspect of hideouts! Helena gives you access to your decorations panel and provides some base-level decorations to start with.
The Importance of Atlas Completion
While not directly tied to unlocking new hideouts, completing your Atlas can indirectly aid your search. A more completed Atlas allows you to sustain higher tier maps, potentially increasing your chances of finding the more rare and sought-after hideouts.
Trading and Community
If you’re struggling to find a particular hideout, consider interacting with the Path of Exile community. Trading hideouts with other players used to be possible, but no longer exists. However, friends can assist you in the search. Having friends enter the hideout with you will also allow them to unlock the hideout, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hideouts
1. How do I unlock the Primeval Hideout?
The Primeval Hideout is located within the Primordial Blocks Map. It’s classified as extremely rare, meaning you might need to run that map many times before finding the entrance. Be persistent!
2. What makes the Shaper Hideout special, and how do I find it?
The Shaper Hideout is visually stunning, featuring a celestial, ethereal design. To unlock it, you need to defeat The Shaper boss. The hideout will automatically unlock upon completion.
3. Where can I find the Luxurious Hideout?
The Luxurious Hideout is found in the The Bath House Map. This hideout is classified as common, so it should appear more frequently than rarer hideouts.
4. How rare is the Haunted Hideout, and which map should I farm?
The Haunted Hideout is one of the most elusive, classified as extremely rare. It resides within the Haunted Mansion Map. Prepare for a potentially lengthy farming session!
5. How do I get decorations for my hideout?
Decorations can be acquired through various methods:
- Favor: Earn favor with Masters and other NPCs to purchase decorations from them.
- Challenges: Completing certain challenges grants exclusive decorations.
- Trading: Some decorations can be traded with other players.
- Microtransactions: The in-game store offers a wide selection of decorations for purchase.
6. What is the Ghost-lit Graveyard hideout like?
The Ghost-lit Graveyard is a unique hideout known for its eerie atmosphere and customizable torches. You can control the color of the flames, adding a personalized touch.
7. Can I have multiple hideouts active at the same time?
No. You can unlock multiple hideouts, but only one can be active at any given time. You can switch between your unlocked hideouts using Helena.
8. How do I add Masters to my hideout?
Once you’ve encountered and leveled up Masters (like Einhar, Alva, Niko, and Jun), they will offer to reside in your hideout. Simply accept their offer, and they will set up shop, providing their respective crafting services and missions.
9. What is the Timekeeper’s Hideout, and what’s unique about it?
The Timekeeper’s Hideout allows you to control the time of day using a special chronosphere device. You can cycle between dawn, noon, dusk, and night, altering the ambiance of your hideout.
10. How do I unlock the Map Device in my hideout?
The Map Device is unlocked during the campaign. After completing the mission A Call to Arms, you’ll receive a personal Map Device decoration, allowing you to access maps directly from your hideout.
11. What are the benefits of having a well-decorated hideout?
Beyond aesthetics, a well-decorated hideout can improve gameplay efficiency:
- Convenient crafting: Place your crafting benches and Masters close together for easy access.
- Efficient trading: A well-organized hideout makes it easier for other players to navigate when trading.
- Personal enjoyment: A beautiful and personalized hideout provides a sense of accomplishment and pride.
12. Can I reset or delete a hideout?
You can’t directly reset or delete a hideout you’ve unlocked. However, you can completely redecorate it to change its appearance. You can also switch to a different hideout if you prefer.
13. What are hideout tilesets?
A hideout tileset is the pre-designed environment in which your hideout is located. Some hideouts have unique tilesets, such as the celestial setting of the Shaper Hideout or the spooky atmosphere of the Haunted Hideout. This helps determine the type of look and feel your hideout will have.
14. How important is hideout size, and how does it impact my decorating options?
Hideout size significantly impacts your decorating options. Larger hideouts offer more space for placing decorations, crafting benches, and Master NPCs. It is something to consider when selecting your hideout.
15. Are there resources available to assist in planning your hideout design?
Absolutely! The Path of Exile community is brimming with creative individuals who share their hideout designs and offer tips on decoration. Online forums, Reddit (r/pathofexile), and YouTube are excellent resources for inspiration and guidance. The Games Learning Society can also be a resource for understanding the game mechanics and strategies that contribute to efficient gameplay and hideout customization. GamesLearningSociety.org offers insight into learning through gaming!
Unlocking and customizing hideouts in Path of Exile is a rewarding and engaging experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to Wraeclast, understanding the mechanics and tips outlined above will empower you to create your perfect sanctuary. Happy decorating, Exiles!