Maximize Map Drops in PoE 3.26 with Kalguuran Scarab of Guarded Riches

If you’ve hit that point in the league where sustaining Tier 16 maps feels like a grind, you’re gonna want to pay attention to this. There’s a farming method going around in Path of Exile 3.26 that’s all about using Kalguuran Scarab of Guarded Riches to pump Ore nodes full of juicy loot — and I’ve tested it myself, it really works.

With the right scarab combo and zone choice, you can turn every Crimson Ore map into a loot fiesta. And if you’re short on scarabs or just want to speed things up, grabbing some cheap PoE currency from PVPBank is a solid way to get rolling faster.

Let’s dive into the setup, how to run it properly, and what to expect.

What Makes This Strat So Good?

At the heart of this strategy is the Kalguuran Scarab of Guarded Riches. When you run it on a map with Ore nodes, it forces those Ore monsters to drop actual loot. Not junk — real, valuable drops like maps, currency, scarabs, and even Allflame Embers.

It’s even better when paired with high monster density zones like Crimson Ore, which already have great pack size and trigger mechanics that let you spawn even more enemies. More monsters = more loot = more maps.

My Recommended Scarab Setup

This is the combo I’m currently running:

• 2x Kalguuran Scarab (base version)

• 1x Kalguuran Scarab of Guarded Riches

• 1x Cartographer’s Scarab of Escalation

• 1x Cartographer’s Scarab of Risk (can swap out)

With this loadout, you’re getting more Ore mobs, more map drops, and better loot scaling from the scarabs. I rolled my Tier 16.5 maps with “70% increased map drops” and applied quality before running them.

If you want to optimize further, sub out the Risk scarab for either:

• Cartographer’s Scarab of Corruption – good for corrupting extra maps

• Kalguuran Scarab of Refinement – useful for targeted loot outcomes

Why Crimson Ore Works Best

I’ve tested a few zones, and Crimson Ore wins, hands down. Here's why:

• Pods spawn more mobs after you kill the first batch

• Layout is wide open, easy to navigate

• Pod mechanics can be manipulated for extra waves

Here's the trick: when you enter the map, round up the first batch of mobs and pull them toward the most isolated pod. Kill that pod with the mobs near it. That usually causes the rest of the pods to “sprout” and start releasing more enemies.

If you wipe out the pods too fast (especially if your AoE is insane), they might die before spawning extra monsters — which cuts down on loot. If that happens a lot, consider unspeccing Crimson Ore chance and going for Petrified Amber, which is more straightforward and consistent.

This is one of those “feel it out” situations. Adjust based on your build and how fast you're clearing.

Boosting It with Memory of Impulsiveness

If you can get your hands on the Memory of Impulsiveness, use it on your Ore map rotation. This memory has a modifier that causes equipment to drop as gold piles, kind of like running a Gilded Allflame Ember — except it’s baked into the node.

There are a couple of memory skills worth saving for Crimson Ore maps:

1. Gold Conversion – Best one for explosions and raw value

2. Revive on Death – Extra mobs = more chances to drop stuff

3. 200% Item Quantity OR 90% Reduced Quantity – It’s a roll of the dice, but it often pays off with maps

Other memory modifiers are fine, but these are the ones that directly increase the value of this strategy.

Your Atlas Tree Should Support This

Here’s what you should focus on in the Atlas passive tree:

• Ore Node Pack Size and Duplication

• Map Drops and Duplication

• Scarab Slot Bonus and Effect

• Quantity Scaling in the map section

If you're running the tree right and stacking quantity modifiers (map quality, scarabs, sextants), your loot will reflect it. Don't skimp here — the difference between a “decent” run and an “insane” one often comes from Atlas investment.

Builds That Work Well for This

You want a build that can clear packs quickly without over-clearing early. Sounds easy, but it’s trickier than you think.

Good choices:

• Deadeye Tornado Shot – Excellent control + clear speed

• Explosive Trap Saboteur – Can “prep” pods and mobs without accidentally deleting the map

• Summoner Builds – Minions can be micro-managed for pod control

• Totem Builds – Totems make grouping and controlled bursts easier

Avoid overkill AoE builds unless you’re super practiced at pulling back damage when needed.

What You’ll Get Out of It

Once you’ve dialed in your gear and tree, you can expect:

• Consistent Tier 16 Map Drops

• Allflame Embers

• Cartographer’s Chisels

• Raw Currency

• Extra Scarabs

It’s a great farming loop if you’re prepping for Maven invites, pushing boss content, or just want to stack maps to sell. The more runs you do, the better the returns tend to be. And again, if you're missing a few key items to kick it off, don't hesitate to grab cheap PoE currency from PVPBank to smooth the process.

The Kalguuran Scarab of Guarded Riches method is one of the most efficient farming strategies right now in PoE 3.26. It’s not super casual — you do need to control your clears and be mindful of zone mechanics — but the payout is worth the effort.

If you like the satisfaction of seeing your map tab fill up after just a few runs, this strat is for you. Get your scarabs ready, plan your pulls, and enjoy the explosions.