PoE 2 Endgame “Atlas” suggestion/rework

There has been a lot of discussion related to the PoE 2 endgame system. Personally, I feel that the PoE 1 system is far far superior, but I get that they want to try something different. However, it occurred to me that one could rework the PoE 2 atlas system in a way that keeps the exploration aspect, while also retaining a lot of what is so great with the PoE 1 system (player agency and flexibility).

How it works

- Waystones are replaced by “charts”.

- Charts can be used in the map device to open a charted region (basically a mini atlas). The region consists of around 10 nodes with various tile-sets. The nodes can have various bonuses and specials just like in the current PoE 2 atlas, but there are no connections between the nodes. Every node has the level of the chart used.

- Charts can be rolled with modifiers just like waystones. Every node in the region gets the modifiers from the chart.

- Charts can be opened with tablets. The tablets affect all nodes on the chart (basically use them like scarabs).

- Players can choose to run any node on the chart in any order but can only run a total of 5 nodes (players have to choose what to run). Each node can only be opened once.

- Completing a node gives the player a choice between three additional modifiers for the remaining nodes. These nodes always give a bonus and an additional challenge. Players do not have to choose a modifier. There is a bias towards modifers that relate to the tablets used in opening the chart.

- Each opened chart shows a list of its nodes, all active modifiers and how many nodes can still be opened. Charts can be traded with other players.

Basically, you still have the PoE 2 style-map, but it keeps changing. You are never forced to run “bad” maps and can focus on the content you want. You get the feeling of exploration as you progress through your charts and also you get a rush excitement each time you open a new chart. You don’t have to do any busy work and you spend less time on rolling your charts (as you only need to roll one every 5 maps). Charts can be traded so you can focus-farm specific special content.

Any thoughts or possible improvements?