Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) has elevated the gaming experience with a dynamic campaign, and Act 1 is your gateway to the world of Wraeclast. Redesigned with longer acts and engaging side content, Act 1 introduces players to new challenges, rewarding exploration, and immersive mechanics. This comprehensive guide ensures you’re well-prepared to progress through the act, overcome its challenges, and maximize your rewards. Let’s embark on this journey step by step!
Introduction to Act 1
Act 1 in PoE2 sets a vibrant tone for your adventure. Starting on the Riverbank, you’ll traverse varied landscapes, battle challenging foes, and uncover secrets. Here are the key highlights:
- Revamped Gameplay: PoE2 features longer acts with rich narratives.
- New Mechanics: Enhanced skill gem system and socket interactions.
- Diverse Rewards: Earn valuable loot and poe2 currency from quests and bosses.
With these features, Act 1 of PoE2 promises an engaging start to your campaign.
Starting Point: The Riverbank
Your journey begins on the Riverbank, reminiscent of the original POE’s opening. Follow tutorial prompts to familiarize yourself with basic controls and combat mechanics. Progress through this linear area to encounter the act’s first boss, The Bloated Miller.
The Bloated Miller (Boss)
As the introductory boss, The Bloated Miller tests your ability to dodge and manage adds. Key mechanics to watch:
- Sword Slam: The boss glows red before slamming its sword, sending a shockwave. Dodge to avoid damage.
- Charge: It charges forward, dealing AOE damage upon impact.
- Call for Aid: Summons add to aid in the fight. Clear these quickly.
Defeat the boss to unlock the path to the first town: Clear fell Encampment.
Clear fell Encampment: Your First Town Hub
Clear fell Encampment serves as your base for the initial stages of Act 1. Key features include:
- Waypoint: Activating the waypoint allows fast travel.
- Well: Replenish health, mana, and flask charges.
- Vendors: Interact with Finn, Renly, and Una to purchase gear and items.
- Salvage Bench: Manage sockets on your gear or dismantle items for Artificer Shards.
- Stash: Store unused items for later use.
Once you’ve accepted available quests, venture into the clear fell zone to continue your journey.
Clear fell Zone Exploration
Clear fell is a lush forest with numerous enemies and a challenging boss. Look out for the Mysterious Campsite for bonus loot and prepare to face Beira of the Rotten Pack.
Beira of the Rotten Pack (Boss)
An ice-themed boss, Beira challenges you with environmental hazards and summoned wolves.
- Ice Shards: AOE circles spawn, shooting ice shards outward.
- Summon Wolves: Defeat the summoned wolves before focusing on Beira.
Reward: Defeating Beira grants Head of the Winter Wolf, providing +10% cold resistance.
Mysterious Campsite (Bonus)
Explore this optional area for chests containing valuable loot, including poe2 currency. Though not critical to progression, it’s a worthwhile stop for extra rewards.
The Devourer and Mud Burrow
Mud Burrow introduces players to the side quest Treacherous Ground, tasking you with defeating The Devourer.
The Devourer (Boss)
A poisonous creature with deadly attacks:
- Acid Spit: Dodging these projectiles is essential to avoid poison damage.
- Burrow: The boss relocates periodically, creating hazards in its wake.
- Larva Spawn: Clear adds to manage the fight effectively.
Reward: An Uncut Support Gem (Level 1) upon quest completion. Return to Renly in Clearfell Encampment to claim your prize.
The Grelwood: A Multifaceted Zone
The Grelwood features diverse encounters, including two optional bosses and unique objectives. Prioritize exploring the map fully before proceeding to The Red Vale.
Optional Bosses in The Grelwood
- The bramble
- Frontal Slam: Avoid the boss’s cleave attacks.
- Spiny Thorns: Navigate around thorns shooting in all directions.
Reward: An Uncut Skill Gem (Level 2).
- Areagne, Forgotten Witch
- A straightforward encounter with minimal mechanics.
Reward: Flasks and minor loot from the Witch’s Hut.
Tree of Souls (Objective)
Interact with this central landmark to summon The Hooded One, who becomes a useful NPC in Clearfell Encampment.
The Red Vale: Progressing the Main Quest
In The Red Vale, activate three Obelisk of Rusts to initiate the fight against The Rust King.
The Rust King (Boss)
A heavily armored foe resistant to fire but vulnerable to lightning.
- Circle of Swords: Stand back to avoid incoming projectiles.
- Call Lightning: Watch for AOE lightning strikes.
- Rusty Spikes: Dodge spikes aimed in your direction.
Reward: Rune Skull Cap and an Uncut Skill Gem (Level 3). Use these upgrades to prepare for the next act.
Essential Tips for Act 1
- Optimize Looting:
- Use the LootBar plugin to highlight valuable items and track drops efficiently.
- Equip gear with linked sockets for better skill customization.
- Currency Management:
- Prioritize collecting Scrolls of Wisdom, Portal Scrolls, and Orbs of Transmutation.
- Trade unused items for currency to enhance your equipment.
- Build Strategy:
- Focus on survivability by equipping gear with resistances and upgrading flasks.
- Experiment with skill gems and support gems for optimal performance.
- Vendor Interaction:
- Purchase support gems and upgrade gear regularly.
- Use The Hooded One to identify items for free and reset passive skill points when necessary.
Preparing for Act 2
As you conclude Act 1, ensure you’re ready for the upcoming challenges:
- Farm Currency: Collect enough poe2 currency to trade for powerful items.
- Upgrade Flasks: Secure better health and mana recovery options.
- Plan Passive Skills: Invest wisely to strengthen your build.
Conclusion
Act 1 of Path of Exile 2 is a captivating introduction to Wraeclast vast world, blending strategic gameplay with rewarding exploration. By leveraging tools like LootBar, mastering combat mechanics, and managing poe2 currency effectively, you’ll set yourself up for success in subsequent acts. Embrace the adventure, adapt to challenges, and carve your path as an exile. Good luck!
