In Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), the endgame is a vast, complex realm filled with challenging enemies, rewarding loot, and intricate systems. One crucial aspect that players will rely on as they navigate the Atlas of Worlds and delve deeper into the game’s content is the Hideout. This personal space acts as a central hub, a safe haven, and a place for crafting, inventory management, and, importantly, customization. It’s not just a simple retreat; your Hideout is integral to your overall progress and experience. However, to fully benefit from this system, players must first unlock, change, and customize their Hideout to suit their needs and aesthetic preferences. This guide covers all the essential information about the POE 2 Hideout, from how to unlock it, to how to change its location, and how to customize it to create a space that feels uniquely your own.

What Is Hideout?

At its core, the Hideout is a temporary base in Path of Exile 2, offering players a place of respite and resource management amidst the chaos of the game's endgame content. It’s similar to a traditional town, offering essential services, crafting stations, and merchants, all while allowing players to decorate and modify the space according to their preferences. But its role goes beyond mere convenience; the Hideout is where you can organize your loot, prepare for upcoming battles, and improve your gear using resources like Exalted POE 2 Orbs.

Additionally, the Hideout is an essential part of the Atlas of Worlds, POE 2’s expansive endgame mapping system. Here, players can optimize their map progression, crafting stations, and Atlas nodes, making the Hideout an indispensable resource for ongoing exploration and adventure.

How to Unlock Hideout in POE 2

Before you can enjoy the full benefits of a Hideout, you first need to unlock it. Fortunately, the process is simple and part of the natural progression through the game’s story. After completing the main quest “Legacy of the Vaal,” you will be introduced to the Atlas of Worlds. This marks your entry into the game’s endgame content, where the vast majority of your Hideout-related activities will occur.

Upon finishing this quest line, you’ll be sent to the Vaal Ziggurat, where you will meet with Doryani. He will introduce you to the Atlas of Worlds, a massive map system that allows you to travel between different nodes. These nodes are key areas within the Atlas, each containing powerful enemies, loot, and significant challenges.

Finding Your First Hideout

The process of unlocking a Hideout begins right after you’re introduced to the Atlas. On your Atlas map, some nodes will be marked with blue irises. These are potential Hideout locations, and they represent your first opportunity to claim a Hideout. The game will guide you toward one of these nodes, where you will need to clear out any monsters or enemies that inhabit the area.

Once the area is cleared, you can claim the node as your own, marking it as your first Hideout. From here, you will be able to start customizing your space and preparing it for the challenges ahead. As you progress through the Atlas and conquer more nodes, you will unlock additional Hideouts, giving you more space and options to manage your loot, resources, and crafting needs.

Exploring More Hideout Locations

After claiming your first Hideout, you will be able to access additional nodes across the Atlas. Each time you clear a new node, you unlock a potential new Hideout. Don’t worry too much about which node you choose first; all Hideout locations are valid and functional, and the game offers plenty of opportunities to switch and customize them as you progress.

Changing Your Hideout

Changing the location or appearance of your Hideout is relatively simple in Path of Exile 2. If you want to change the location of your Hideout, you will need to explore the Atlas further and unlock new nodes using Waystones. Each new node represents a potential Hideout that you can occupy. Once you’ve cleared the enemies in the area, you’ll be able to make that new location your active Hideout.

You can have multiple Hideouts at any given time, and they will appear on your Atlas map. You can quickly switch between them, depending on which one suits your current needs. For example, if you need a specific crafting station or NPC merchant that’s available only in one Hideout, you can easily teleport to that location.

Customizing Your Hideout

Customization is one of the most engaging aspects of the Hideout system in Path of Exile 2. Not only can you change the location of your Hideout, but you can also modify its look and functionality to reflect your personal style and optimize your gameplay experience.

Changing the Visual Style

To change the aesthetic of your Hideout, you’ll need to explore different areas of the Atlas and unlock different types of Hideout maps. Each map has its own unique visual theme, and you’ll encounter four main types of Hideouts:

Canal Hideout – Featuring waterways and urban structures.

Felled Hideout – Set in a forest or wooded area.

Limestone Hideout – Built into a rocky or cavernous terrain.

Shrine Hideout – Located in a sacred or temple-like environment.

Once you’ve unlocked these maps, you can choose to switch between them at any time. The process is simple: visit the NPC named Alva in your Hideout and select the “Select Hideout” option to change your Hideout’s map style. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different aesthetics, giving your Hideout a fresh look whenever you feel like changing things up.

Customization Menu

Customization of your Hideout goes beyond location and visual style. The game offers a robust editing menu, accessible via a simple interface. By clicking the arrows at the bottom of the screen, you can open the Edit menu, which allows you to add, remove, and rearrange various items in your Hideout. These items can include crafting stations, NPCs, and various decorative elements.

You can freely drag and drop these items, rotate them, and position them exactly where you want. Over time, as you unlock more items and resources, you can continuously improve and personalize your space. This customization is essential for optimizing your Hideout for specific tasks, such as crafting, trading, or storing items.

Saving and Sharing Designs

For players who want to streamline their Hideout creation process, POE 2 offers a useful feature that allows you to save your Hideout designs. You can save your current Hideout layout, then import it into new Hideouts as you unlock more locations. This feature saves time and ensures that your Hideout is always set up to your exact specifications, even when you switch between different locations.

Maximizing Your Hideout's Potential

Your Hideout is more than just a place to rest; it’s a key part of your overall progression in Path of Exile 2. Here are a few tips to maximize its potential:

Optimize Crafting Stations – As you progress through the Atlas, you’ll unlock new crafting stations that allow you to enhance your gear. Make sure your Hideout is well-organized, with easy access to these stations so you can quickly upgrade your items.

Manage Inventory Efficiently – The Hideout serves as a central hub for managing your loot. Keep your items organized by categorizing them into different storage areas or containers.

Engage with NPCs – Certain NPCs in your Hideout offer valuable services, such as crafting, trading, or upgrading gear. Build your Hideout around these essential NPCs to streamline your gameplay.

Decorate for Fun – While not essential for gameplay, decorating your Hideout adds a layer of professionalization that makes it feel like your own space. Collect decorations and Path of Exile 2 Currency throughout your journey and use them to add character to your Hideout.

Conclusion

The Path of Exile 2 Hideout is a powerful feature that enriches the game’s endgame experience. It offers players a space to manage their resources, optimize their crafting, and personalize their journey. By unlocking, changing, and customizing your Hideout, you can ensure that you’re always prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in the Atlas of Worlds. Whether you’re focusing on loot, crafting, or simply enjoying the aesthetic of your space, the Hideout is an essential part of your POE 2 adventure. So, explore the Atlas, unlock more Hideouts, and let your creativity flow as you design the perfect space for your endgame endeavors.