In the grim universe of Path of Exile II, the Abandoned Prison stands out as a haunting landscape filled with terrors that emerge upon your arrival. This area is not just a backdrop; it’s a formidable challenge, especially when you confront The Prisoner, the first truly demanding boss encounter in Act 4.
Exploring the Abandoned Prison
The Abandoned Prison is composed of two distinct zones: the Central Prison and its intricate sub-area, Solitary Confinement. Navigating through the initial prison can be quite challenging due to its confusing layout, characterized by numerous dead ends and narrow pathways. However, true difficulties arise within Solitary Confinement, where players are confronted with relentless undead foes and precarious ocean conditions.
Visually, this section is stunning, as you traverse a dilapidated structure while battling supernatural entities. Be prepared for unexpected waves that may threaten to engulf you; they will not only decelerate your movement like the effect of Temporal Chains but also add a layer of hazard to your navigation. It is crucial to avoid attracting too many enemies simultaneously, or you might find yourself overwhelmed in an instant.
Understanding Boss Attributes
The Prisoner primarily inflicts Physical and Cold damage, so bolstering your cold elemental resistance will significantly increase your chances of survival. A strategic combination of elemental resistance paired with effective evasion techniques or a robust energy shield is recommended to mitigate most of his assaults.
As is often the case in Path of Exile II, playing as a ranged character can offer an advantageous edge in this encounter. Many of The Prisoner’s assaults are designed for close combat, and during a pivotal mechanic, having distance from him can be life-saving.
Once adequately equipped and prepared, venture into the treacherous chambers where The Prisoner awaits.
The Prisoner Boss Encounter
Phase 1: An Introduction to Combat
The initial phase of the battle against The Prisoner is relatively straightforward, featuring basic attacks that can mostly be dodged by maintaining mobility. Players may find success simply by sprinting around the arena, rendering him unable to catch up.
|
Attack Name |
Description |
How To Avoid |
|---|---|---|
|
Claw Swipe |
A basic attack where The Prisoner swipes at you with his claws. |
Rolling past him allows for an easy dodge. |
|
Crushing Fist |
This attack has two forms: a single fist lunge or a double fist slam, both producing an AoE effect. |
Rolling backward will help you escape the AoE damage. |
|
Ice Strike |
He unleashes a wave of ice directed at the player. |
Look for the wind-up animation and roll to the side at the right moment. |
|
Spike Chamber |
When his health drops to 75%, he summons spikes that will shatter simultaneously. |
Run to the opposite side of the arena to avoid this attack. |
Phase 2: Rising Threat
As his health reaches 50%, The Prisoner pauses, prompting players to activate one of the three ballistas in the room. Failure to do so results in him regaining some health, increasing the fight’s difficulty.
During this phase, he wields a ballista bolt as a sword, extending his attack range and upgrading previous strikes:
- Claw Swipes become Spear Swipes
- Fist slams transform into Spear Slams
- Ice Strike evolves into a faster shockwave attack
- Spikes generated have a greater explosion radius and can obstruct projectiles
A new attack to be wary of is the:
|
Attack Name |
Description |
How To Avoid |
|---|---|---|
|
Creeping Frost |
This attack spreads a cold ring across the arena, originating from where he places his energy. |
Evading this attack is challenging; staying close to the edges of the arena may provide a window for escape. |
Phase 3: The Final Confrontation
In this critical phase, The Prisoner becomes infused with blood, granting him formidable new abilities. These attacks can inflict devastating damage, making avoidance essential. Players can effectively use the ballistas to end this phase swiftly if timed accurately:
- The Creeping Frost attack now causes damage in addition to slowing.
|
Attack Name |
Description |
How To Avoid |
|---|---|---|
|
Bloody Slash |
A spear swipe attack that splashes high-damaging blood across the arena. |
Rolling behind him provides the best chance to evade. |
|
Blood Spatter |
He sends out blood waves that track your movements, potentially causing rapid health loss. |
Remain mobile to avoid being overwhelmed; sprinting is discouraged. |
|
Blood Blast |
A large slam attack with an extensive area of effect. |
Immediately move away upon seeing the red ring on the ground; rolling at the last second helps avoid damage. |
Ultimately, once you memorize The Prisoner’s attack patterns, defeating him becomes less daunting. Success hinges on mastering your movement and leveraging the environment to gain an upper hand.
Once you have vanquished The Prisoner, summon The Hooded One and collect your weapon piece. If you still need all three pieces, it’s time to venture to Shrike Island for the challenge of the Scourge of the Skies.
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