The Simulacrum is one of the most difficult and rewarding endgame activities in Path of Exile 2, offering players a chance to test their mettle against waves of Delirium monsters, culminating in two tough bosses. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you reach The Simulacrum and survive its brutal waves.

How to Reach The Simulacrum

To access The Simulacrum, you'll need to collect 300 Simulacrum Splinters. These can be obtained from:

Delirium encounters: Look for Delirium icons scattered across the Atlas of Worlds.

Maps Instilled with Delirium: Use Distilled Emotions to imbue maps with Delirium and complete them.

Currency Exchange: You can also purchase Splinters or even a complete Simulacrum from other players via the Path of Exile 2 Currency Exchange.

Once you've gathered the necessary splinters, place them into The Realmgate to open a portal to The Simulacrum, which begins in a twisted version of the Clearfell Lumbermill area.

How to Beat The Simulacrum

The Simulacrum consists of 15 increasingly difficult waves of Delirium monsters. Each wave brings new challenges and more enemies, including:

Monster Types: Most enemies will be normal, but some will be rare and enhanced with powerful modifiers.

Bosses: You'll encounter two bosses during the Simulacrum-Kosis, the Revelation, and Omniphobia, Fear Manifest. These bosses appear randomly throughout the waves, but at some point, you'll face both simultaneously.

Boss Fight Strategy:

Kosis, the Revelation: Prioritize Kosis, as his icy attacks will block off large parts of the battlefield, making it hard to maneuver. Defeat him quickly to minimize the threat.

Omniphobia, Fear Manifest: This boss can be devastating, but the key is to manage the large mobs while keeping him in check. Don't let him overwhelm you with the sheer number of enemies.

Key Survival Strategies for The Simulacrum:

High Defenses: Defenses are critical. Evasion Rating is especially valuable since it allows you to avoid incoming attacks, while Armor and Energy Shield might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of enemies. Invest in resistance, life regeneration, and damage reduction.

Area Damage: Since The Simulacrum throws large swarms of enemies at you, area damage is essential to clear multiple enemies quickly. Skills that hit large areas or multiple enemies are a must-have.

Movement Speed: Movement is vital in The Simulacrum. You need to dodge incoming attacks, escape the tightening area, and keep yourself mobile. Using movement speed buffs and teleportation skills can be game-changers.

Skill Timing: Since some waves may include rare monsters with devastating modifiers, it's crucial to know when to focus fire on the big threats and when to prioritize clearing adds.

Utilize Omens of Resurgence: If you're finding yourself low on health or Energy Shield, Omens of Resurgence will restore your Life and Energy Shield when they fall too low. These can be a lifesaver in tight spots, but don't forget to activate them in your inventory!

Don't Focus Too Much on Bosses: While the unique Delirium bosses are tough, they aren't the biggest concern in The Simulacrum. Focus on clearing the mobs and managing the field. The longer you leave them, the more overwhelming it becomes.

The Simulacrum Rewards

Each wave of The Simulacrum will reward you with randomized loot, often including Distilled Emotions (useful for Delirium maps).

Completion Bonus: When you complete the 15th wave, you'll receive a Book of Knowledge, which grants two passive skill points for the Ritual skill tree. You'll also be awarded one of the following:

A random Delirium-related item or crafting materials

Simulacrum-exclusive Path of Exile 2 currency or loot with special modifiers

Unique Path of Exile 2 items, depending on your performance and difficulty

Preparation Tips for The Simulacrum:

Farm Delirium splinters ahead of time. The more you farm the encounters, the easier it will be to unlock the Simulacrum.

Upgrade gear: Make sure your gear is optimized for high damage and strong defenses. Look for Path of Exile 2 items that provide high resistance, maximum life, and armor or energy shields.

Use utility flasks: Flasks of Staunching, Quicksilver Flasks, and Divine Flasks can help you stay mobile and heal when under pressure.

Map Modifiers: Before jumping in, ensure your map modifiers are well-balanced. Some modifiers may be easier than others, so choose those that complement your build.

With the right build, solid preparation, and an understanding of the enemy waves, you should be well-equipped to tackle The Simulacrum and claim your rewards and Path of Exile 2 items. Good luck, and may your journey through the madness be victorious!