Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) opens with Act One, a foundational chapter designed to teach you the game's core mechanics, introduce key systems, and set the stage for your epic journey. Whether you're a new player or returning from the original PoE, this guide will help you navigate Act One's zones, defeat its bosses, claim essential rewards, and lay the groundwork for a powerful character build.

Act One's primary goal is simple: survive the corrupted shores and forests of Wraeclast, complete key quests, and ultimately defeat the Act's final boss, the Corrupted Wolf. Along the way, you'll learn to use skills, POE 2 Currency Cost, manage inventory, allocate passive skill points, and interact with NPCs-all while collecting gear and permanent bonuses that will benefit you throughout the entire game.

1. Getting Started: The Shore (Your First Steps)

Every PoE 2 adventure begins on The Shore, a tutorial zone that eases you into the game's controls and basics. As soon as you spawn, you'll find a wounded man nearby-talk to him to receive your first weapon, tailored to your chosen class.

Equip your weapon by pressing "I" to open your inventory and dragging it to your weapon slot. This step is crucial: without a weapon, you'll be unable to deal meaningful damage, and you may encounter blocked paths (red walls) that only open once you're armed.

Next, follow the coastline to find a large chest-inside lies your first skill gem. Press "G" to open your skill panel, drag the gem into a skill slot, and assign it to your hotbar using Alt + a number key (e.g., Alt + 1). Most classes benefit from starting with Frost Bomb as their first skill, thanks to its reliable damage and utility.

Your first boss, the Bloated Miller, awaits further along the shore. This fight is a tutorial in dodging: watch for red ground warnings, use your spacebar to roll away from attacks, and press "1" to use health potions if your HP drops low. Defeating him unlocks your first passive skill point-press "P" to open the passive skill tree and spend it on a basic bonus (e.g., increased health or damage).

After the Bloated Miller, take the portal ahead to reach The Encampment-the first town in Act One, and your main hub for the rest of the chapter.

2. The Encampment: Your Hub for Quests and Supplies

The Encampment is more than just a safe zone-it's where you'll accept quests, buy gear, and interact with key NPCs that drive Act One's story.

First, talk to Renly, the blacksmith near the entrance. He'll give you a free level 1 skill gem and assign your first main quest. Renly also sells basic weapons and armor, so check his inventory if you need to upgrade your starting gear.

Next, find Una, the merchant. She'll assign another quest and her shop will refresh with new gear as you level up-keep an eye on her stock for upgrades, especially items that boost your resistances (critical for surviving later fights).

A key tip: Use The Encampment to reset your progress if you die. Activate the waypoint (a glowing circular platform) near the center of town-this lets you teleport back quickly from any other zone in Act One, saving you time and frustration.

3. Key Zones and Bosses: Navigating Act One's Adventure

From The Encampment, you'll venture into several connected zones, each with unique challenges, optional bosses, and essential rewards. Follow this breakdown to avoid getting lost and maximize your gains.

The Culling

This muddy zone is your first real test. Head toward the center to find the optional boss, Beira of the Corrupted Horde. This fight is worth doing: defeating her drops the Winter Wolf Skull, which grants a permanent 10% cold resistance-critical for surviving the Act's final boss.

Also, explore the edges of the map to find an abandoned storage chest (contains another level 1 skill gem) and the Mud Burrow entrance (marked by worm trails). Inside the Mud Burrow, defeat the Devourer boss, then return to Renly to claim a free support skill gem (used to enhance your main skills).

Grellwood, Crimson Valley, and Tangled Gloom

From The Culling, move to Grellwood. Stick to the edges of the map to avoid getting lost-this is a common tip for all PoE 2 zones, as it helps you find exits and hidden items quickly.

Next, enter the Crimson Valley. Your goal here is to activate three obelisks- the third obelisk spawns the Rust King boss. Defeat him to get the Rune Spine, then return to Grellwood and insert the item into a tree trunk to unlock the path to Tangled Gloom.

Tangled Gloom is a dark, forested zone-stay alert for ambushes. Focus on finding the entrance to the Immortal Estate, the next key area in your quest.

The Immortal Estate

This ancient tomb requires you to split your focus: enter the Praetor's Tomb and the Consort's Crypt separately, defeating one boss in each to collect quest items. These bosses are straightforward-use your skills to burst them down and roll away from their attacks.

Once you have both items, return to the main chamber and talk to Lachlann. He'll transform into Lachlann of Endless Lament-defeat him to unlock the path to The Hunt, the final stretch of Act One.

4. The Final Stretch: Ogham and the Corrupted Wolf

The Hunt is a leveling zone-take time to kill monsters here, especially the Crowbell (grants 2 free passive skill points when defeated) and the Mist King (drops a spirit gem that unlocks auras, powerful passive buffs).

Ogham's Village

From The Hunt, enter Ogham's Village. Defeat the Executioner boss to free the NPC Lettice, then collect the Lute (return to Una for 2 more passive skill points) and the Smithing Tools (unlocks the item dismantling bench in The Encampment).

Act One's Final Boss: The Corrupted Wolf (Count Geonor)

Head to Ogham's Manor, a multi-level dungeon, and descend to the bottom floor. Before the final fight, check the optional Sunken Church (defeat the boss here for a permanent 20 health boost).

The Corrupted Wolf has two phases. In phase one (human form), he uses charging and sweeping attacks-roll to dodge and attack during his cooldowns. In phase two (wolf form), his attack range increases, and he summons ice circles (avoid these!) and small wolves.

Key tip: Stack cold resistance to at least 40% before this fight (use gear from Una and the 10% bonus from Beira). Keep moving to avoid the wolves and ice circles, and use health potions liberally. Defeating him completes Act One-talk to the hooded figure to unlock Act Two!

5. Pro Tips for Act One Success

Prioritize resistances: Cold, fire, and lightning resistance are critical-aim for at least 30-40% of each by the end of Act One.

Activate every waypoint: This saves time when backtracking or respawning after death.

Don't skip optional bosses: Their permanent bonuses (cold resistance, passive skill points, health) make later acts much easier.

Manage your inventory: Press "Tab" to open your inventory quickly, and dismantle useless gear (unlocked via the Smithing Tools) to get crafting materials.

Experiment with skills: Try different skill gems and support gems to find a playstyle that fits your class (e.g., melee classes benefit from fast attacks, while casters need spell damage boosts).

Act One is all about learning and preparation. Take your time to familiarize yourself with PoE 2's mechanics, collect all the permanent bonuses, and build a solid foundation for your character. To complete tasks faster, poe2 trade can be a better option. With this guide, you'll conquer Act One with confidence and be ready to tackle the challenges of Wraeclast that lie ahead!