ThePutrid Cloisteris one of the most unique maps in Path of Exile, offering a library-themed arena full of dense packs of enemies and high-value divination card rewards. For Solo Self-Found (SSF) players, this map represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Without access to trading, farming the Putrid Cloister efficiently in SSF requires smart planning, strong character builds, and proper knowledge of drop mechanics. This guide will explore how to get the map, how to run it effectively, and how to maximize your profits in an SSF environment.
Understanding the Putrid Cloister
What Is the Putrid Cloister Map?
The Putrid Cloister is a unique version of the Museum Map. It is a Tier 16 map featuring a special boss arena filled with massive waves of enemies and some of the best divination card farming in the game. What makes it stand out is its wave-based design monsters spawn in batches, giving the feel of a gauntlet rather than a traditional map.
Why It Matters in SSF
In trade league, players can simply buy the map and run it repeatedly. But in SSF, acquiring the Putrid Cloister and running it successfully demands more preparation. It’s important because of its potential to drop valuable divination cards like The Saint’s Treasure, The Encroaching Darkness, and others that can significantly boost your progression.
How to Obtain the Putrid Cloister in SSF
Map Drop Sources
The Putrid Cloister doesn’t drop like regular maps. It comes from specific sources, which SSF players need to target deliberately:
- Divination Cards: The Flora’s Gift card can drop from certain gardens and green-themed maps and awards a random unique map. It’s one of the few ways to target Cloister in SSF.
- Map Boss Drops: Some map bosses have a very low chance to drop unique maps. Run as many red-tier maps as possible to improve your odds.
- Kirac Missions: Kirac can offer unique maps as part of his mission pool. Refresh his inventory regularly using scouting reports.
- Vaal Side Areas: Unique maps have a rare chance to drop from corrupted strongboxes and corrupted bosses.
Using the Atlas Passive Tree
If you want to increase your chances of finding the Putrid Cloister in SSF, the Atlas tree can be your best friend. Invest in:
- Commissioned Officer (Kirac Nodes): Increases chances for Kirac to offer unique maps.
- Mad Devotion and Comprehensive Scouting: Boosts Kirac’s mission frequency and quality.
- Remnants of the Past: Elder and Shaper maps can drop unique maps when influenced.
Preparing for the Cloister Encounter
What to Expect Inside
The Putrid Cloister is structured like a wave-based arena. You begin in a circular library room, and after a brief delay, monsters start pouring in from portals. Each wave gets more intense, and somewhere between waves, a mini-boss will spawn. There’s no traditional end boss, but the final wave can be deadly if you’re underprepared.
Build Requirements for SSF
Since you won’t be able to rely on specific uniques or gear from trade, you should focus on the following build features:
- Excellent AoE: Skills like Toxic Rain, Fireball Ignite, Spark, and Blade Vortex are ideal for wave clearing.
- Good Sustain: Regeneration, leech, or strong flask usage is crucial due to the constant incoming damage.
- High Clear Speed: The faster you kill the waves, the safer the run becomes.
- Solid Defenses: Invest in spell suppression, armor, and life on hit/kill mechanics.
Running the Map Efficiently
Map Modifiers and Rolling Tips
In SSF, every map is precious. You don’t want to brick a Putrid Cloister with mods that are too dangerous. Use the following strategy:
- Roll with Alchemy Orbs and then use Scour Orbs if mods are too harsh.
- Avoid mods like ‘Reduced Recovery,’ ‘No Regen,’ or ‘Monsters have increased Critical Strike Chance.’
- Look for mods that increase pack size for better card drops: ‘Extra Monsters,’ ‘Increased Monster Density,’ etc.
Loot Management in SSF
You’ll want to prioritize what you pick up to make the most of your limited stash space and inventory:
- Divination Cards: Always pick these up, especially those tied to currency or unique items.
- Maps: Unique maps can lead to other challenges, and regular maps fuel your progression.
- Jewels and Bases: Valuable for crafting and can fill gear gaps in SSF.
- Currency: Obviously essential. Make sure to stash chaos, alterations, alchs, and vaals efficiently.
Maximizing Cloister Farming in SSF
Can You Chain It?
Unlike in trade leagues, in SSF you can’t just buy dozens of copies. So the goal is to try to generate more Putrid Cloisters from the one you have. Here are your options:
- Vaal Orbs: Corrupting the map may turn it into another unique map (or itself again).
- Map Duplication Atlas Mods: Nodes like Singular Focus or Shadow Shaping help reroll drops toward specific maps.
- Scarabs (if available): In rare cases, you can find Scarabs that boost divination card drops, helping you farm cards like ‘The Encroaching Darkness.’
Crafting Benefits
Since Putrid Cloister can drop a variety of bases and unique items, farming here can indirectly support your crafting goals. Be on the lookout for:
- High item level bases with good implicits.
- Rare items with valuable fractured mods.
- Unique items you may be able to use or upgrade through vendor recipes.
Target Divination Cards and Their Value
Best Div Cards in the Putrid Cloister
One of the biggest draws of the Putrid Cloister is its divination card pool. In SSF, many of these cards are even more valuable because of limited access to currency and items.
- The Saint’s Treasure: Two Exalted Orbs, incredibly valuable in SSF.
- The Encroaching Darkness: Grants a corrupted unique map. Great way to explore more content.
- The Scholar: Offers stacks of Wisdom Scrolls, helpful early on.
- The Polymath: Intelligence-themed, but occasionally valuable for leveling.
Even low-value cards may have recipe utility. Always collect them unless you’re completely out of space.
Putrid Cloister SSF Strategy
Is It Worth the Effort?
Absolutely. Even if you manage to obtain just one or two copies of the Putrid Cloister during your SSF league, the map offers a concentrated chance at rare cards, gear, and crafting bases. It serves as a milestone of progression and a major reward zone. With smart play and proper build choice, you can walk away with a big boost to your currency and advancement.
Keep Exploring
Part of the SSF experience is making the most out of what you find. If you get your hands on a Putrid Cloister, treat it as a high-tier reward. Plan your approach, roll it safely, and enjoy the challenge. Whether you’re farming divination cards or testing your build under pressure, the Cloister stands as a rewarding and memorable experience in your Path of Exile SSF journey.