Watchstone

This article describes historical game content.
The Atlas of Worlds was revised significantly in version 3.17.0. The Watchstone system has been removed and replaced with Voidstones. This article describes Watchstones as they existed prior to the Siege of the Atlas expansion.
Watchstones are items that enhance the Atlas of Worlds. They are used to upgrade a region's map tiers and reveal new map bases.
All Watchstones belong to the item class Atlas Region Upgrade Item (known as Atlas Upgrade Item after the removal of the watchstone system in version 3.17). The game developer once declared the questline Watchstones (the Watchstones that have green borders) are classified as quest items[1] and are therefore not tradeable. However, in the item filter questline Watchstones were actually classified as "Atlas Region Upgrade Item" but still not tradeable.
Sextants can be applied to any Watchstone to grant a bonus enchantment that gets used up as Maps in that region are activated by the Map Device.
Mechanics
The Atlas was divided into 4 regions (8 prior version 3.16). Each region of the Atlas has its own set of four Watchstones, each different colour corresponding to one Conqueror of the Atlas. By inserting the Watchstones into the altar of the citadel of a region, the Map Tier of that region will be increased for new Map drops (existing Maps remain at their Tier level) and new maps can drop. Unique Watchstones provide additional modifiers to the Atlas.
Sextants can be applied to Watchstones, which carry over when moving Watchstones to a different region or trading them.
The Awakening Level of the Atlas is determined by the amount of Watchstones applied to the Atlas. It is equal to the number of socketed Watchstones divided by 2, rounded down. Since there are 4 sets of Watchstones, the highest possible Awakening Level is 8 (plus an additional 1, independent of Watchstones, if the Atlas Awakened notable is allocated in The Uncharted Realms skill tree).
Craftable and unique Watchstones cannot be corrupted. Quest items in general, including the quest Watchstones, are not modifiable at all (except with Sextants in the Watchstones' case).
Note: The side panel on the left side of the Atlas screen provides a space to store Watchstones, the Watchstones stored there have no effect on the Atlas. In order for a Watchstone to affect the Atlas, it must be socketed in matching slot in a region's Watchstone altar.
Number of socketed Watchstones | Awakening Level |
---|---|
0-1 | 0 |
2-3 | 1 |
4-5 | 2 |
6-7 | 3 |
8-9 | 4 |
10-11 | 5 |
12-13 | 6 |
14-15 | 7 |
16 | 8 |
Craftable Watchstones
Besides quest Watchstones, which drop from the Conquerors of the Atlas, and Unique Watchstones, which drop from Sirus, Awakener of Worlds, the Echoes of the Atlas expansion saw the introduction of craftable Watchstones, which drop from completing Maven's Invitations.
Craftable Watchstones only come in two Rarities: Normal and Magic. They may be crafted with Currency just like any other Normal or Magic item (Orb of TransmutationOrb of TransmutationStack Size: 40Upgrades a normal item to a magic itemRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it.
,
Orb of AlterationOrb of AlterationStack Size: 20Reforges a magic item with new random modifiersRight click this item then left click a magic item to apply it.
,
Orb of AugmentationOrb of AugmentationStack Size: 30Augments a magic item with a new random modifierRight click this item then left click a magic item to apply it. Magic items can have up to two random modifiers.
,
Orb of ScouringOrb of ScouringStack Size: 30Removes all modifiers from an itemRight click this item then left click on a magic or rare item to apply it.
,
Orb of AnnulmentOrb of AnnulmentStack Size: 20Removes a random modifier from an itemRight click this item then left click on a magic or rare item to apply it.
). Like flasks, they cannot drop as or be made Rare, and they cannot be Corrupted. A Normal-rarity Watchstone functions the same as a quest Watchstone, except it fits all Watchstone altar colour sockets (see the section on restrictions below), and because they are not Quest Items, craftable Watchstones may be traded freely.
Magic-rarity watchstones have between one and two Modifiers: Up to one prefix and up to one suffix. These affixes bestow bonuses only to the region the Watchstone is socketed in. It should be noted that all craftable Watchstones share the same suffix pool, regardless of their base type or region. Their prefix pool is also independent of their region, and depends solely on the 'material' in their base type name:
- Titanium Watchstones roll prefixes that correspond to Masters and their Atlas Missions.
- Platinum Watchstones give bonuses to non-Master map content (e.g. Blight, Abyss, Harvest, Essence).
- Chromium Watchstones have prefixes that alter the Currency drops in that region, making them, for example, drop as full stacks rather than as single items.
A player would be wise to select and craft Watchstone types that maximize a region's particularities, as determined by the Atlas passive skills available and allocated in that region. For instance, if a player has chosen all three Harvest notables in the Haewark Hamlet region, they might profit the most from three or more Titanium Watchstones whose prefixes yield bonuses to Harvest. Furthermore, at least one "Monsters and Chests in Areas have x% chance to drop Items with +1 to Item Level" suffix modifier per region is generally recommended for a chance to get the desired item level 86 bases.
Restrictions
Unlike quest Watchstones, which must be socketed into their matching color's socket in the Watchstone altar, all craftable Watchstones are considered 'white' (similar to White sockets on equipment) and will therefore fit in any of the four slots. This allows the player to mix and match craftable Watchstones in any configuration to their heart's desire.
While they are colour-agnostic, a craftable Watchstone is instead bound to its region: A quest Watchstone can be socketed into any Watchstone altar regardless of where it was obtained, but a craftable Watchstone can only fit in one of the four slots that match its base type region.
Unlike Unique Watchstones, craftable Watchstones do not have uses that decrease upon use. Because they still provide the benefits of quest Watchstones (Awakening Level and upgrading the tiers and pool of Maps in their region), they can be seen as a direct upgrade to them. Once a craftable Watchstone for a region has been obtained, the quest Watchstone it replaces in a region's Watchstone altar may be stored in the left-side panel of the Atlas screen.
List of Watchstones
Item |
---|
Crimson Watchstone![]() locked in stone for eternity.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() |
Cobalt Watchstone![]() locked in stone for eternity.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() |
Golden Watchstone![]() locked in stone for eternity.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() |
Viridian Watchstone![]() locked in stone for eternity.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() |
Ivory Watchstone![]() locked in stone for eternity.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() |
Chromium Glennach Cairns Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Chromium Haewark Hamlet Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Chromium Lex Ejoris Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Chromium Lex Proxima Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Chromium Lira Arthain Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Chromium New Vastir Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Chromium Tirn's End Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Chromium Valdo's Rest Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Platinum Lex Proxima Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Platinum New Vastir Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Platinum Tirn's End Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Titanium Glennach Cairns Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Titanium Haewark Hamlet Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Titanium Lex Ejoris Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Titanium Lex Proxima Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Titanium Lira Arthain Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Titanium New Vastir Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Titanium Tirn's End Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Titanium Valdo's Rest Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Platinum Lex Ejoris Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Platinum Glennach Cairns Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Platinum Haewark Hamlet Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Platinum Lira Arthain Watchstone![]() ![]() |
Platinum Valdo's Rest Watchstone![]() ![]() |
List of unique watchstones
Item | Base item | Stats |
---|---|---|
Booming Populace![]() Ivory Watchstone(10-20)% increased Pack size 15 uses remainingDoes the belly swell, or the belt shrink? To those caught between, there is no difference, and something must soon give.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Ivory Watchstone | (10-20)% increased Pack size 15 uses remaining |
Irresistable Temptation![]() Ivory WatchstoneMap has 1 additional random Prefix 18 uses remainingNothing is more alluring than mystery.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Ivory Watchstone | Map has 1 additional random Prefix 18 uses remaining |
Misinformation![]() Ivory Watchstone+1 to Monster Level of AreaThe King's Eye returned from the west. Fertile pastures lay just beyond sight. Just a little farther, he said. It was always just a little farther.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Ivory Watchstone | +1 to Monster Level of Area |
Stalwart Defenders![]() Ivory Watchstone+1 to Monster Level of Area (20-40)% more Monster LifeThey came, full of vim and vigour, to take what was not theirs. They crashed and clamoured like waves against rocks, and were swept back out to sea.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Ivory Watchstone | +1 to Monster Level of Area (20-40)% more Monster Life |
Territories Unknown![]() Ivory WatchstoneMap has 1 additional random Suffix 18 uses remainingThere exists in every man and woman a desire to push boundaries, to break new ground, to make great discoveries, no matter the personal cost.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Ivory Watchstone | Map has 1 additional random Suffix 18 uses remaining |
Terror![]() Ivory Watchstone+1 to Monster Level of Area (15-30)% more Monster DamageThose who could flee did so. The rest fought bravely, and died horrifically.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Ivory Watchstone | +1 to Monster Level of Area (15-30)% more Monster Damage |
War Among the Stars![]() Ivory WatchstoneArea contains (4-7) additional packs of Elder Fiends Area contains (4-7) additional packs of Shaper CreationsConflict begets only suffering. For some, that is by design.Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Ivory Watchstone | Area contains (4-7) additional packs of Elder Fiends Area contains (4-7) additional packs of Shaper Creations |
Atop the Atlas![]() Platinum Valdo's Rest Watchstone<4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining"Atop the highest peaks, the sunlight pierced but did not warm. The air choked and did not nourish. And those that made the trek realised the folly of their desire for greatness."Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Platinum Valdo's Rest Watchstone | <4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining |
Restless Cycles![]() Platinum Valdo's Rest Watchstone<4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining"There were seasons in this strange new place, but not of sun and snow. Seasons of stone that rose and fell like waves. Seasons of structure and growth and madness and chaos. Seasons of birth and decay that seemed untethered to cause."Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Platinum Valdo's Rest Watchstone | <4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining |
The Builder![]() Platinum Glennach Cairns Watchstone<4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining"The Shade walked the land with no end in sight, no purpose in mind, but the one it invented to pass the time."Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Platinum Glennach Cairns Watchstone | <4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining |
The Claim![]() Platinum Haewark Hamlet Watchstone<4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining"Believing them to have discovered new lands, they planted their flag in the dirt and called it their own. A gesture not taken with a great deal of pleasure by those who already dwelt there."Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Platinum Haewark Hamlet Watchstone | <4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining |
The Closest Peak![]() Platinum Glennach Cairns Watchstone<4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining"The first explorers took to the hills to discover the lay of the land, and watched with wonder as the land undulated, crashed and twisted."Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Platinum Glennach Cairns Watchstone | <4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining |
The False Hope![]() Platinum Lira Arthain Watchstone<4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining"For a time, it was thought this place could seed an empire greater than any in history. The lands could be tamed, and commanded, they thought. But control, like all things in that place, was an illusion."Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Platinum Lira Arthain Watchstone | <4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining |
The Vast Horizon![]() Platinum Lira Arthain Watchstone<4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining"Where once a mountain stood there was now but fields and dust. One by one, the stones were moved and placed with intention, the consequences borne by the destination and the origin."Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Platinum Lira Arthain Watchstone | <4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining |
The Walls![]() Platinum Haewark Hamlet Watchstone<4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining"The village was locked within its walls, protected from those who could do them harm, protected from those who could save them."Socket this into a Citadel on your Atlas to increase the Tier of Maps and reveal hidden Maps in that Citadel's Region. You can only socket one Crimson, Viridian, Cobalt or Golden Watchstone into each Citadel. ![]() | Platinum Haewark Hamlet Watchstone | <4 random watchstone mods> 15 uses remaining |
Version history
Version | Changes |
---|---|
3.17.0 |
|
3.16.0b |
|
3.16.0 |
|
3.14.1 |
|
3.14.0 |
|
3.13.1 |
|
3.13.0 |
|
3.10.1f |
|
3.10.0 |
|
3.9.2 |
|
3.9.1 |
|
3.9.0 |
|
References
- ↑ Natalia_GGG (December 11, 2019). "Conquerors of the Atlas Patch Notes, Item Filter and Passive Tree Information". Path of Exile forums. Retrieved November 16, 2020.