Optimizing your Atlas Passive Tree for Magic Find (MF) in Path of Exile requires balancing increased item drops with efficient mapping and sustain. Here are some key strategies to consider:
General MF Boost:
Wandering Path: This popular keystone doubles the effect of small passives, allowing you to focus on MF-related nodes like "Cartographer’s Delight" and "Fortune Favors the Brave."
Abundant Monoliths: Guarantees an additional Essence Monolith per map for extra crafting potential and potential high-tier Essence drops.
Seventh Gate: Unlocks all map modifiers, including "Essences Doubled" and "Increased Quantity of Chests," for significant MF boosts but requires more atlas investment.
Enhanced Item Quantity:
Cartographer’s Delight: Enhances map completion rewards, providing increased item drops from completed maps and a bonus from completing chests.
Fortune Favors the Brave: Offers increased item quantity drops from rare monsters, valuable for boss encounters and high-tier maps.
Pallid Council: Boosts the quantity of items found from Essence encounters, ideal for synergizing with Abundant Monoliths or Essence-focused strategies.
Additional Considerations:
Map Mods: Rolling maps with mods like "Increased Quantity of Items Found" or "Increased Quantity of Magic Monsters" can further amplify your MF gains.
Clear Speed: Efficiently clearing maps is crucial for maximizing the number of monsters you encounter and potentially drop items. Consider passives that boost movement speed and area of effect.
Leagues and Mechanics: Certain leagues like Expedition or Delirium can synergize well with MF strategies by offering additional monsters or item drop bonuses. Explore potential combos for boosted gains.
Balance with Sustain: Don’t sacrifice map sustain entirely for pure MF. Invest in some passives that ensure you can continuously run maps to utilize your increased drop potential.
Specific Strategies:
Budget MF: Wandering Path with small MF nodes is a cost-effective option for early league or players on a budget.
High-Tier Essence Farming: Combine Abundant Monoliths with Whispering Reliquary and Seventh Gate for a dedicated Essence-focused MF strategy with crafting potential.
Boss Killing with MF: Invest in Fortune Favors the Brave and passives that enhance rare monster spawns to boost MF gains from high-tier boss encounters.
Remember, the best Atlas tree for MF depends on your individual build, resources, and desired balance between pure loot drops and sustainable mapping. Experiment, refine your approach, and find the most enjoyable way to fill your bags with treasures!