Path of Exile: How to Get the Forbidden Tome

The Forbidden Tome is a critical key item in Path of Exile that unlocks access to The Forbidden Sanctum, one of the most engaging rogue-lite experiences introduced in the game's later expansions. With its unique blend of risk, planning, and Path of exile currency reward, Sanctum runs provide players with a high-stakes gameplay loop outside the traditional mapping and boss farming. But to dive into this content, you'll need to understand how to acquire Forbidden Tomes efficiently.

In this guide, we'll explore how to get the Forbidden Tome, its drop mechanics, how to maximize your farming efficiency, and what to do once you have one.

What is the Forbidden Tome?

The Forbidden Tome is a special item that serves as a gateway to the Forbidden Sanctum, a rogue-lite dungeon found within Path of Exile. When consumed in the Map Device, it initiates a run into a procedurally generated Sanctum floor filled with rooms, modifiers, hazards, and treasure. Forbidden Tomes have their own affixes, including floor level, area level, afflictions, and boons, which greatly influence the difficulty and reward of the Sanctum.

To unlock and use the Forbidden Tome, you must have completed the Sanctum questline (or reached a sufficient level in map progression), as it is not accessible from the start of the campaign.

How to Get the Forbidden Tome

1. Drop Source: Mapping and Endgame Content

Forbidden Tomes primarily drop from endgame maps and content at level 60+, with a much higher chance at level 75+. These items are not campaign drops. Here's a breakdown of common sources:

Tier 10+ Maps: Once you're running yellow and red-tier maps, Tomes become increasingly common.

Eldritch Influence Maps (Searing Exarch / Eater of Worlds): These influenced maps have slightly better odds at dropping Sanctum-related content due to higher monster density and item rewards.

Delirium and Beyond Mechanics: If you're running map mods that add multiple rare monsters (especially through Beyond portals or Delirium mirrors), your chance at Forbidden Tome drops increases.

Kirac Missions: Occasionally, Kirac offers maps with guaranteed Sanctum rooms or events that can lead to Tome drops.

Divination Cards: As of writing, there are no divination cards that specifically grant Forbidden Tomes, but cards like The Scout (for Exalted Orbs) can help you fund juiced mapping, which indirectly yields more Tomes.

2. Favor Mechanics That Spawn Rares

Forbidden Tomes are not common drops, so the best strategy is to maximize rare monster kills. Use Atlas passives to:

Increase rare monster packs.

Add Beyond portals.

Boost monster quantity and rarity.

Favor mechanics like Legion, Abyss, and Harvest (especially in red maps).

3. Atlas Passive Tree Optimization

The Atlas Passive Tree is your best tool for targeting Sanctum-related drops. Consider the following:

Destructive Play: Adds Maven-influenced bosses with extra rare mobs.

Stream of Consciousness: Increases league mechanics like Sanctum appearing in maps.

Tainted Pact / Crystal Lattice: Not directly related to Tomes but useful if you're chasing boss-influenced rare maps.

4. Trade Market and Forbidden Tome Pricing

You can buy Forbidden Tomes on trade websites or in-game via trade chat. Prices vary based on:

Floor Level: Higher floor levels (3 and 4) are more valuable.

Afflictions: Tomes with no movement penalties or health loss debuffs are desirable.

Boons: Tomes granting extra resolve or room rewards fetch higher prices.

Expect to pay anywhere from 2 Chaos Orbs to 1 Divine Orb depending on stats.

How to Use the Forbidden Tome

Place It in the Map Device: Like a map, insert the Tome into the Map Device and activate it. You'll be transported into the first room of the Sanctum.

Sanctum Floor Progression: Navigate through combat, traps, boons, and afflictions across up to 8 rooms per floor.

Sanctified Relics: Completing full Sanctum runs may reward you with Sanctified Relics — powerful, account-bound relics that passively boost your character.

Resolve & Inspiration: Maintain your resolve bar, and build inspiration for better survivability. These act like health bars in the rogue-lite dungeon.

Tome Affixes Matter: Read every affliction and boon before starting. A bad affliction (like “Lose 25 Resolve on room entry”) can kill a run before it begins.

Tips for Farming and Maximizing Forbidden Tome Usage

Speed Clear Maps: The more maps you run, the more chances for Tomes.

Use Sextants: Boost pack size and rare spawns with strong sextant rolls.

Run with Filter Updates: Make sure your loot filter isn't hiding Forbidden Tomes.

Party Play: Run maps with friends for more drops, then share Tomes.

Currency Investing: Use excess Chaos or Divines to buy premium Tomes with good boons.

Conclusion: Why the Forbidden Tome is Worth It

The Forbidden Tome is more than just a ticket to the Forbidden Sanctum — it's a gateway to one of the richest and most rewarding gameplay systems in Path of Exile. While not guaranteed on every map run, players who optimize for rare monster kills and run mid-to-high tier maps consistently will find themselves stockpiling Tomes quickly.

Whether you're hunting for Sanctified Relics, massive currency chests, buy POE orbs or just a refreshing change of pace from traditional mapping, the Forbidden Tome is an essential item every endgame Exile should pursue.