Credit where it's due: The atlas passive tree might be the best thing added in a long time.

I don't even know how old it is, I take very big on-and-off periods with PoE. But this really lets you engage in the stuff you LIKE, and not feel "obligated" to do the stuff you don't like. VERY good way to customize your gameplay. I give it a 10/10, and I am very critical of PoE (if you haven't noticed yet)!

Hard for me to say this (to you), but you are right. The Atlas passive tree is probably the best addition to the game in years. The amount of player agency and "create your own adventure" style gameplay it adds, is unprecedented. As for PoE 2's atlas passive tree? HAH! Doesn't really deserve a mention.

Not just the atlas tree, the whole progression of the game is just insane when you know what to do and how to improve your build further and further.

There is literally no limit, except you play chaos spells. But that's on you then :D

The atlas tree started out in 3.13, early 2021, as unique regional passive trees in each of the 8 respective atlas regions:

Glennach Cairns
Haewark Hamlet
Lex Ejoris
Lex Proxima
Lira Arthain
New Vastir
Tirn's End
Valdo's Rest

Each tree had a unique options for bonuses to various map mechanics, and those bonuses applied only to the maps contained in their respective regions.

Those individual trees stayed on the atlas for a pretty long time, were reconfigured for 4 regions, then they were finally removed from the atlas, updated, and consolidated into the central atlas passive tree, removing the regional restrictions for selected bonuses.

Awesome from the start, regularly updated and arguably improved, and one of the features that makes PoE one of the greatest games ever.

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