In this article, we will introduce the Viridian Wildwood of PoE 3.23, the new sub-zone that can be accessed from each map, and reveal its secrets and rewards.
What is the Viridian Wildwood?
The Viridian Wildwood is a sub-zone that can be entered from each map during the Affliction League. The entrance to the Wildwood is marked by a ring of white Sacred Wisps, which beckon you to follow them. The Wildwood is a lush and overgrown forest where you can find various encounters, items, and NPCs. However, the Wildwood is also covered by a dark and vile Affliction, which prevents you from damaging or being damaged by enemies in the darkness. You will need to use the Sacred Wisps to burn away the Affliction and create a path through the forest.
The Wildwood is not a separate instance from the main map but rather a part of it. This means that the Wildwood is affected by the map modifiers, such as pack size, item quantity, and monster level. However, the Wildwood has its own layout and theme, which can differ from the main map. The Wildwood also has a limited duration, which depends on the distance you travel with the Sacred Wisps. Once you leave the Wildwood, you cannot re-enter it, and all the collected Wisps will be released to the main map, empowering random monsters with various bonuses.
What can you find in the Viridian Wildwood?
The Viridian Wildwood is full of surprises and rewards, which can make your exploration worthwhile. Here are some of the things you can find in the Wildwood:
• Wisps: Wisps are the main resource of the Affliction league, which can be collected while exploring the Wildwood. Wisps come in three types: Primal, Wild, and Vivid, which have different effects and uses. Wisps can be used to empower monsters and unlock Wildwood Ascendancies, which can boost your damage, survivability, or utility. Wisps can also be traded with the Azmeri Wanderers, the NPCs that can be found in the Wildwood, for various items and services.
• Encounters: Encounters are special events that can occur in the Wildwood, which can reward you with loot, experience, or Wisps. Encounters can vary in difficulty and type, such as Breaches, Abysses, Harbingers, Rituals, and more. Encounters can also spawn unique bosses, such as the Wildwood Guardians, which can drop league-specific items and fragments.
• Phenomena: Phenomena are random effects that can happen in the Wildwood, which can affect you or the environment. Phenomena, such as Nameless Shrines, Processions, or Wildfires, can be beneficial or harmful. Nameless Shrines are mysterious altars that can grant you random buffs, such as increased damage, movement speed, or flask charges. Processions are groups of friendly animals that can follow you and help you fight enemies. Wildfires are patches of burning ground that can deal damage to you and enemies.
• Azmeri Wanderers: Azmeri Wanderers are the NPCs that can be found in the Wildwood, which can offer you various items and services. Azmeri Wanderers are the descendants of the ancient Azmeri civilization, which once lived in harmony with the Wildwood. However, they were corrupted by the Affliction and now wander the forest in search of Wisps. Azmeri Wanderers can sell you rare and valuable items, such as Tinctures, Charms, Transfigured Gems, and league-specific items. They can also provide you with crafting options, such as reforging or recoloring your items.
How to access and explore the Viridian Wildwood?
To access the Viridian Wildwood, you need to find the ring of white sacred Wisps on each map and follow them to the entrance. The entrance will be marked by a green portal, which will take you to the Wildwood. Once you enter the Wildwood, you will see a bar at the top of the screen, which shows the duration of the Wildwood. The duration will decrease as you travel with the Sacred Wisps and will end when the bar is empty. You can also exit the Wildwood at any time by using a portal or a waypoint, but you cannot re-enter it.
To explore the Viridian Wildwood, you need to use the Sacred Wisps to burn away the Affliction and create a path through the forest. The Sacred Wisps will follow you and light up the area around you, allowing you to see and interact with enemies and objects. You can also use the Sacred Wisps to activate Encounters, Phenomena, and Azmeri Wanderers, which can be found in the sub-areas of Wildwood. You can also use the Sacred Wisps to empower monsters and unlock Wildwood Ascendancies, which can be done by pressing the V key. However, you should be careful not to overdo it, as the empowered monsters can become dangerous and challenging.
What are the rewards and challenges of the Viridian Wildwood?
The Viridian Wildwood can offer various rewards and challenges, making your Affliction League experience more fun and exciting. Here are some of the rewards and challenges of the Wildwood:
• Rewards: The Wildwood can reward you with a lot of loot, experience, and Wisps, which can help you progress and improve your character. You can also find unique and league-specific items, such as Tinctures, Charms, Transfigured Gems, and more. You can also unlock new Wildwood Ascendancies, which can enhance your build and playstyle. You can also trade with the Azmeri Wanderers, which can offer you rare and valuable items and services. You can also complete the Affliction League challenges, which can grant you cosmetic and in-game rewards, such as a portal effect, a weapon effect, and a pet.
• Challenges: The Wildwood can also challenge you with a lot of enemies, events, and effects, which can test your skills and strategies. You can face a lot of monsters with various abilities and modifiers, which can be empowered by the Wisps. You can also encounter a lot of Encounters, Phenomena, and bosses, which can be difficult and unpredictable. You can also deal with the Affliction, which can limit your vision and movement. You can also face the risk of losing your Wisps and rewards if you die or leave the Wildwood.