The Faded Crisis Fragment is an essential endgame currency item in Path of Exile 2, required to unlock access to one of the game's ultimate challenges—the Arbiter of Ash encounter within The Burning Monolith. It is one of three Pinnacle Keys, alongside the Ancient and Weathered Crisis Fragments, that players must collect to open the Burning Monolith’s gates and face this pinnacle boss.
Obtaining the Faded Crisis Fragment involves defeating the faction leader boss in the Copper Citadel, a rare and challenging endgame location that appears randomly on the Atlas map. Access to Citadels requires Tier 15 or higher Waystones, and players must first clear two lieutenants in adjacent zones before confronting the faction leader. These encounters demand careful preparation and mastery, as the bosses are among the toughest in the game.
The fragment itself is highly valuable—not only for progression but also in the player-driven economy. Its rarity and necessity for accessing pinnacle content have driven its market price to significant heights, with recent reports listing values around 270 to over 390 Exalted Orbs depending on market conditions. Because of this, many players choose to sell Faded Crisis Fragments to fund other builds or gear upgrades if they are not ready to challenge the Arbiter of Ash immediately.
Using the Faded Crisis Fragment, along with the other two fragments, unlocks the Burning Monolith, granting access to the Arbiter of Ash fight. This encounter is widely regarded as one of the most difficult and rewarding in Path of Exile 2, offering unique rewards and progression opportunities unavailable elsewhere.
The Faded Crisis Fragment is a crucial item for players aiming to engage with Path of Exile 2’s pinnacle endgame content. It is obtained by clearing the Copper Citadel boss, required alongside two other fragments to unlock the Burning Monolith, and carries significant value both for progression and trading. Securing this fragment marks a key milestone on the path to mastering the game’s toughest challenges.