Explore the enthralling Path of Exile 2 Act 1 with our comprehensive Act 1 Campaign Guide. This walkthrough is designed to support any class or build, covering each zone, quest, and boss for seamless progression. While the Path of Exile 2 early access version includes three acts, the full release will feature six acts. Currently, players progress through Acts 1–3 twice on Normal and Cruel difficulties to unlock endgame content.
"Embark on your ultimate adventure in Path of Exile 2 explore our detailed game guides and master every act, quest, and boss like a true champion!"
Path of Exile 2: Act 1 Overview
in Path of Exile 2 Act 1, The story begins with your character narrowly escaping execution by the Iron Count. After surviving, you find yourself stranded on a beach, reminiscent of the original Path of Exile’s opening. From there, you’ll traverse haunted forests, eerie sepulchers, and corrupted lands in search of the Seed of Corruption, eventually confronting the horrors hidden within the Count’s mansion.
The Riverbank
- Waypoint: None
- Boss: Bloated Miller
- Quest: Reaching Clearfell
- Rewards: Uncut Skill Gem (Level 1)
Begin your journey by selecting a movement skill and defeating a zombie to obtain your starting weapon. Equip the weapon, progress through the zone, and locate a Large Chest to gain your first Skill Gem. Follow tutorial prompts to socket and use the Skill Gem.
Encounter The Bloated Miller, defeat him, collect your loot, and head to the Clearfell Encampment.
Clearfell Encampment (Town)
- NPCs: Renly, Una, Finn
Clearfell is your first town and acts as a central hub with a waypoint, healing well, stash, and NPC vendors.
Renly in Path of Exile 2:
Sells various armor and weapons.
Una in Path of Exile 2:
Offers flasks, scrolls, and magic item disenchanting services.
Finn in Path of Exile 2:
Allows gambling for random items.
Clearfell
- Waypoint: Yes
- Boss: Carrion Crone (Head of the Winter Wolf; +10% Cold Resistance)
- Quests: None
This monster-infested zone introduces the ice-themed boss, Carrion Crone, who provides a permanent cold resistance buff upon defeat. You’ll also find a waypoint leading to the Mud Burrow or the exit to The Grelwood.
The Mud Burrow
- Waypoint: None
- Boss: The Devourer (Optional)
- Quest: Treacherous Ground (Uncut Support Gem Level 1, Gold)
Navigate narrow paths while avoiding The Devourer’s deadly chaos projectiles. Defeating this optional boss rewards additional loot and gold.
The Grelwood
- Waypoint: Yes
- Bosses: Gerung, the Brambleghast (Optional); Areagne, Forgotten Witch (Optional)
- Quest: Secrets in the Dark
This sprawling forest zone presents two paths:
- Search for the Tree of Souls before heading to the Red Vale, or vice versa.
- Areagne is a challenging optional miniboss who rewards a support gem and valuable flasks.
The Red Vale
- Waypoint: Yes
- Boss: The Rust King
- Quest: Secrets in the Dark
This zone features three Obelisks of Rust, each summoning waves of monsters. Defeating the Rust King, who spawns at the final obelisk, completes the quest.
Return to The Grelwood
After obtaining Runed Spikes, locate the Tree of Souls, summon Una, and complete the ritual. Progress to The Grim Tangle.
The Grim Tangle
- Waypoint: Yes
- Boss: Ervig, Rotted Druid (Optional)
- Quest: The Mysterious Shade
Navigate through this area en route to the Cemetery of the Eternals, encountering powerful foes along the way.
Cemetery of the Eternals
- Waypoint: Yes
- NPC: Lachlann the Lost
- Quest: Sorrow Among Stones
Search for the Tomb of the Consort and Mausoleum of the Praetor, defeat their bosses, and collect Memorial Key Pieces. This unlocks the Memorial Gate, leading to an epic confrontation with Lachlann of Endless Lament.
The Hunting Grounds
- Waypoint: Yes
- Boss: The Crowbell (Optional)
A dangerous open area filled with monsters. Defeating The Crowbell grants extra skill points.
Freythorn
- Waypoint: Yes
- Boss: King in the Mists
- Quest: Ominous Altars (Optional)
Complete the rituals to summon King in the Mists, a multi-phase chaos boss. Rewards include a Gembloom Skull, which provides a +30 Spirit buff and a Level 4 Persistent Buff Gem.
Ogham Village
- Waypoint: Yes
- Boss: The Executioner
- Quest: The Trail of Corruption (Uncut Skill Gem Level 5)
Defeat The Executioner to progress and unlock new crafting features.
Oghman Manor
- Waypoint: Yes
- Bosses: Count Geonor (Main), Candlemass (Optional; +20 Maximum Life)
- Quest: The Mad Wolf of Ogham
This climactic zone concludes Act 1 with a multi-phase battle against Count Geonor, transitioning between human and wolf forms. Survive his deadly fog phase and ultimate abilities to proceed to Act 2.
Author’s Note
Stay vigilant as the campaign intensifies with each zone, requiring adaptability and strategic use of skills. Good luck as you uncover the mysteries of Path of Exile 2!
