Path of Exile 2 Act 1 Walkthrough

Dec-12-2024

 

Since the launch of Path of Exile 2, many players have dived into the game. While veterans of Path of Exile 1 may find some familiarity in the acts, newcomers might find them challenging. If you're looking for a detailed progression guide for Path of Exile 2's Act 1, read on to learn more.

 

This guide will walk you through key zones, bosses, quests, and NPCs you'll encounter in this action-packed chapter. Whether you're new to the game or returning from Path of Exile, this guide will help you navigate the challenges ahead.

 

 

1. The Riverbank

- Waypoint: None  

- Boss: Bloated Miller  

- Quest: Reaching Clearfell (Uncut Skill Gem Level 1)

 

Act 1 starts with your escape from execution on a beach. You'll face your first battle against zombies, pick up your starting weapon, and then proceed through the Riverbank. At the center, find a Large Chest containing your first Skill Gem. Defeat the Bloated Miller boss, loot your rewards, and head to the Clearfell Encampment.

 

2. Clearfell Encampment (Town)

- Waypoint: Yes  

- NPCs: Renly, Una, Finn  

 

This is your first town hub in Act 1. Here, you can stock up on items, heal, and interact with NPCs.  

Renly sells weapons, armor, and shields.  

Una offers magical items, disenchanting services, and can transmute magic items into shards.  

Finn lets you gamble for random items.  

Rest here, then venture out to Clearfell.

 

3. Clearfell

- Waypoint: Yes  

- Boss: Beira of the Rotten Pack  

- Quest: None  

 

Clearfell is a cold, eerie zone. At the center, defeat Beira of the Rotten Pack to acquire the Head of the Winter Wolf, which grants +10% Cold Resistance. Continue exploring the area for additional loot and head to the Mud Burrow or Grelwood.

 

4. The Mud Burrow

- Waypoint: No  

- Boss: The Devourer (Optional)  

- Quest: Treacherous Ground (Uncut Support Gem Level 1)

 

This narrow zone contains a challenging boss, The Devourer, who uses powerful chaos abilities. Defeat him for an Uncut Support Gem and progress toward the Grelwood.

 

5. The Grelwood

- Waypoint: Yes  

- Bosses: Gerung, the Brambleghast (Optional), Areagne, Forgotten Witch (Optional)  

- Quest: Secrets in the Dark

 

Explore this open forested area. You'll encounter Areagne, Forgotten Witch, who teleports and curses, making her a tough foe. Defeat her for an Uncut Support Gem and continue your search for the Tree of Souls. Afterward, proceed to The Red Vale.

 

6. The Red Vale

- Waypoint: Yes  

- Boss: The Rust King  

- Quest: Secrets in the Dark  

 

The Red Vale is home to 3 Obelisks of Rust. Interact with them to fight waves of enemies, and eventually face The Rust King upon interacting with the third Obelisk. Afterward, head back to town to speak with Renly, complete the quest, and obtain the Runed Spikes.

 

7. Return to The Grelwood

- Waypoint: Yes  

- Bosses: Gerung, the Brambleghast (Optional)  

- Quest: Secrets in the Dark  

 

With the Runed Spikes in hand, return to the Grelwood and locate the Tree of Souls. This marks the completion of the Secrets in the Dark quest. Afterward, progress to the Grim Tangle.

 

8. The Grim Tangle

- Waypoint: Yes  

- Boss: Ervig, Rotted Druid (Optional)  

- Quest: The Mysterious Shade

 

The Grim Tangle is a winding zone that leads to the Cemetery of the Eternals. Continue exploring until you encounter Lachlann the Lost in the cemetery.

 

9. Cemetery of the Eternals

- Waypoint: Yes  

- NPC: Lachlann the Lost  

- Bosses: Asinia, Praetor Consort, Draven, Eternal Praetor  

- Quest: Sorrow Among Stones  

 

Search for the Tomb of the Consort and the Mausoleum of the Praetor, defeat their respective bosses, and return to Lachlann in the cemetery. Afterward, you'll face Lachlann of Endless Lament and obtain Count Lachlann's Ring.

 

10. The Hunting Grounds

- Waypoint: Yes  

- Boss: The Crowbell (Optional)  

- Quest: None

 

This dangerous zone features powerful monsters. The Crowbell boss provides valuable skill points if defeated. You can also head to Freythorn or Ogham Farmlands.

 

11. Freythorn

- Waypoint: Yes  

- Boss: The King in the Mists  

- Quest: Ominous Altars (Optional)

 

Freythorn is a ritual-heavy zone. Defeat The King in the Mists, a complex boss with debuff phases, to gain a Gembloom Skull for a +30 Spirit buff. This will unlock the Uncut Spirit Gem Level 4, which creates your first Persistent Buff Skill Gem.

 

12. Ogham Farmlands

- Waypoint: Yes  

- Quest: The Lost Lute (Optional)

 

Search for Una's Lute, then return to town to acquire 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points.

 

13. Ogham Village

- Waypoint: Yes  

- Boss: The Executioner  

- Quest: The Trail of Corruption (Uncut Skill Gem Level 5)

 

Ogham Village is a fiery zone with the required Executioner boss. Defeat him to progress and obtain the Uncut Skill Gem Level 5. Optionally, complete the Finding the Forge quest to unlock the Salvage Bench.

 

14. The Manor Ramparts

- Waypoint: Yes

 

This zone is an open area with no quests or bosses. Continue to Oghman Manor.

 

15. Oghman Manor

- Waypoint: Yes  

- Bosses: Count Geonor (Required), Candlemass (Optional)  

- Quest: The Mad Wolf of Ogham  

 

Oghman Manor is a multi-floor zone with a required boss fight against Count Geonor. During the fight, he transforms into a wolf and uses powerful fog-based attacks. After defeating him, head to the Courtyard to speak with the Hooded One and progress to Act 2.

 

Path of Exile 2 Act 1 introduces you to the core mechanics of the game and sets the stage for more intense challenges in Act 2.