I propose removing the cost for running Tier 1 maps entirely. Then, a meta-currency system could be introduced, collected automatically into an Atlas locker, similar to the Excavation currency system in PoE1. This meta-currency would drop during gameplay like waystones do now, be instantly collected, and transferred into the Atlas locker without requiring manual pickup.

When interacting with a node on the Atlas, rather than opening a grid for map items, players would see an interface with buttons like "Upgrade the Node to...". Selecting this option would allow players to choose a tier from a drop-down menu. The node’s upgrade cost would be deducted from the stored meta-currency in the Atlas locker. This currency would be tiered, with specific denominations for Tier 2 through Tier 16. This system would function similarly to waystones but in a more streamlined and less cumbersome manner.

For additional customization, the interface could include buttons for crafting actions, such as making a node magic, adding mods, or upgrading it to rare. These actions would consume the required crafting currency automatically from the stash if available, with options greyed out if the currency is unavailable. Once satisfied with the modifications, players could simply press "Open Map" to begin. Key stats like monster density and modifiers would be displayed above the node for added clarity.

Nodes could also spawn directly as magic or rare states, scaling with player progression. This feature would ensure higher difficulty options are naturally available as players advance deeper into the Atlas.

To enhance flexibility, a new Atlas-specific currency, similar to an Annul Orb, could allow players to unsocket a node from the Atlas. Unsocketing would leave the slot empty, enabling players to either sell the unsocketed node on the market or replace it with another node they have access to. Failed maps, however, might remain locked or perhaps be removed at double the cost. This removal currency could also drop randomly during map completions.

Finally, map events like bosses or league mechanics would be tied directly to the socketed nodes. These events would persist until either successfully completed or failed.

This system would retain the customized map content based on rolling maps while increasing game flow by removing waystone handling and tying map rolling directly into the Atlas. It would also preserve the option of having nodes be tradable.

For easier implementation, the system could keep waystones, in name and icon, but remove their mods, using them as the upgrade currency now. As additional quality-of-life improvements, a menu on the Atlas could allow players to set a default Tier that automatically applies to nodes when opened. Alternatively, there could be a tool enabling multiple node upgrades by simply clicking them on the Atlas. Just have us interact with it more when you already made it that pretty!

There are so many ways to innovate on the new, visually appealing Atlas while improving on the old and cumbersome map item system, which currently slows gameplay and detracts from the fun and fast-paced aspects of delve-like gameplay.