What it is
PoeLab is a website that publishes daily maps of Path of Exile's Labyrinth. Every 24 hours, GGG generates a new Labyrinth layout with different routes, traps, and chests. PoeLab publishes the day's map with the optimal route marked, letting you run the Labyrinth efficiently without having to explore it blind.
It covers all four difficulties: Normal Lab, Cruel Lab, Merciless Lab, and Uber Lab. Each one with its own daily updated map.
The site is maintained thanks to the work of community runners who enter the Labyrinth early each day, map the most efficient routes, and upload the layouts to PoeLab.
What problem it solves
The Labyrinth is the only way to obtain Ascendancy points in Path of Exile, which are fundamental to any build. Each character has to run it four times (one per difficulty) to unlock their 8 complete ascendancy points.
The problem: the Labyrinth layout changes daily. If you go in without knowing the route, you'll lose minutes exploring fake doors, finding dead ends, and discovering traps the hard way. Without a map, a run that should take 5 minutes takes 15-20.
Multiplied across all the characters you'll level during a league, the lost hours add up significantly.
PoeLab gives you the day's map with the optimal route traced, traps marked, special chests identified, and the random buffs (Izaro fight modifiers) noted. You follow the route and complete the Labyrinth in optimal time.
What people use it for
Running daily Uber Lab for crafting: Uber Lab has chests with potential for valuable drops like Watchstones, Offerings to the Goddess, and crucially, helm Enchantments that can be worth massive amounts of currency. Many players run Uber Lab daily as part of their farming routine.
Ascending new characters efficiently: when you create a new character, you have to run 4 Labyrinths for full ascendancy. PoeLab lets you do this in minimum time.
Checking the Lab before entering: even experienced players consult PoeLab before entering to see if the day's Labyrinth is "easy" (short routes, few traps) or "rough" (long routes, problematic traps), and decide whether it's worth running now or waiting for the next day.
Identifying Izaro buffs and nerfs: the Lab boss, Izaro, gets random buffs each day that affect fight difficulty. PoeLab lists them so you know what to expect and prepare your strategy.
Finding special chests and puzzles: certain chests require solving puzzles or taking specific routes. PoeLab marks them so you don't miss them.
How it's used in practice
The flow is direct. You go to poelab.com. The main page shows the four daily Labyrinths (Normal, Cruel, Merciless, Uber). You pick the difficulty you're going to run. It shows you the visual map with:
Optimal route marked with lines and numbers indicating the order.
Areas (zones) with their specific names of the day.
Special chests and secret areas marked with icons.
Izaro buffs/nerfs listed next to the map.
Dangerous traps highlighted.
While playing, you have the map open in your second monitor or in a side window. You follow the numbered route and complete the Lab efficiently.
For Uber Lab specifically, PoeLab also shows information about the "Argus" (optional mini-bosses) and the "Goddess Trials" if they're in the day's layout.
Honest limitations
Only available in English. Labyrinth zone names are the official ones from the game, so if you play in Spanish, you'll have to cross-reference between PoeLab names and your client's.
Maps are published during the day, generally a few hours after the new Lab appears (server time). If you enter the Lab very early when there's no map published yet, you'll have to wait or explore manually.
Maps assume a "standard optimal route" that isn't necessarily best for your specific build. Builds with low speed or difficulty evading traps may need more conservative routes.
Only covers the four standard difficulties. If you play special events or private leagues with modified Labyrinth, PoeLab doesn't apply.
Some elements of the Lab (like the exact rewards of a certain chest) can't be predicted before opening them. PoeLab indicates there's a chest, but not exactly what will drop.
How to get started
Doesn't require installation or an account. You go to poelab.com from any browser, and the day's maps are on the main page.
For your first time, practical recommendation: run Normal Lab first following the map to get used to the visual system. Once you understand how PoeLab marks routes, areas, and chests, harder Labs you run with the same methodology.
If you have two monitors, keeping PoeLab open on the secondary while playing is most comfortable. If you only have one, alt+tab or using a floating window works too.
For Uber Lab specifically, given it's where the most potential currency is, it's worth taking extra time studying the map before entering. Identifying where the Argus and special chests are before starting maximizes the run's value.