Fans of Path of Exile 2 are already aware that this action role-playing game (ARPG) has ramped up its difficulty significantly compared to the original title. Players will encounter tougher mobs with enhanced abilities, and defeating bosses can lead to grueling hours of gameplay.
The initial stages of Path of Exile 2 might feel manageable, but this sense of ease quickly fades once you enter Act One. Players will soon face a series of formidable enemies and some of the toughest bosses encountered throughout the game. In total, Act One boasts 15 bosses, encompassing both story-related and optional encounters, each offering varying degrees of challenge.
If you’re interested in mastering Act One, particularly the most difficult bosses, you’ve landed in the right place. Below, we present a ranked list of the ten hardest bosses you will encounter in this challenging segment of the game.
10 The Rust King
Shake the Rust Off
| Location | The Red Vale |
| Recommended Level | Level 6 |
Taking the tenth spot is The Rust King, the second boss players confront in Act One. Although he isn’t the hardest boss around, players may still experience some difficulty against him, particularly if they’re experimenting with a new class.
Fortunately, the Rust King’s attacks are largely predictable, consisting mainly of area-of-effect (AoE) moves that can be dodged. However, early on in the game, particularly for ranged characters, this fight may prove to be frustrating.
9 Ervig, the Rotten Druid
Bring Your Bug Spray
| Location | The Grim Triangle |
| Recommended Level | Level 7 |
Next on the list is Ervig, the Rotten Druid, an optional boss found in the Grim Triangle. Depending on your character’s build, this fight can either be a breeze or a meticulous challenge.
His attacks primarily inflict poison damage, challenging tanky characters to endure while punishing less durable builds. Players need to remain vigilant as Ervig employs a varied arsenal of fungal attacks, including ranged assaults that can catch the unprepared, especially ranged classes.
8 The King in the Mists
Cleanse Your Spirit
| Location | Freythorn |
| Recommended Level | Level 10 |
The King in the Mists, another challenging optional boss, exemplifies the rising difficulty of Path of Exile 2. Battling him at the end of Freythorn can be particularly frustrating, as he utilizes a blend of melee and ranged attacks.
The primary threat arises from his ability to unleash damaging purple spirit projectiles. Players caught in the crossfire will suffer significant damage, potentially jeopardizing their survival. With two distinct phases, this boss requires substantial skill and strategy to conquer.
7 The Devourer
Call the Exterminator
| Location | The Mud Burrow |
| Recommended Level | Level 4 |
One of the early-game bosses, The Devourer is a massive worm that dives underground, spawning multiple smaller roaches to distract and harass players. Despite not having a wide array of hazardous attacks, his elusive nature can be immensely aggravating.
As the Devourer burrows, it forces players to focus on the relentless waves of spawned insects, complicating the fight and leading to multiple deaths for inexperienced players.
6 Asinia, the Praetor’s Consort
Little Green Ghouls, Buddy!
| Location | Cemetery of the Eternal, Tomb of the Consort |
| Recommended Level | Level 9 |
Asinia, the Praetor’s Consort, is a story boss situated in the Cemetery of the Eternal, and her mechanics can be quite challenging to overcome. Players need to dismantle her blue shield before inflicting damage, which adds a layer of complexity to the encounter.
Throughout the fight, Asinia summons green ghouls that further complicate the dynamics. These ghouls can bolster her strength if left unattended and can also summon even stronger foes if players inadvertently trigger their grave mechanics.
5 Draven, the Eternal Praetor
More Green Ghouls
| Location | Cemetery of the Eternal, The Mausoleum of the Praetor |
| Recommended Level | Level 9 |
Draven, the Eternal Praetor follows Asinia as the second boss in the Cemetery. This fight mirrors many of Asinia’s mechanics, as Draven can summon her as backup when his health dips below a certain point.
Yet another fight littered with green ghouls, this encounter requires players to stay on the move, avoid ghouls crossing graves, and quickly finish off Asinia to refocus on Draven.
4 The Crowbell
Go Until the Bell Rings
| Location | The Hunting Grounds |
| Recommended Level | Level 11 |
Regarded as one of the hardest side bosses in Act One, The Crowbell introduces unique mechanics that can stretch the fight significantly. Initially, it appears to follow standard boss patterns, but the situation quickly escalates.
Midway through the battle, The Crowbell will flee to a confined space, forcing players into a tight arena where dodging AoE attacks becomes critically important. If successfully reduced to a certain health threshold, the boss adopts melee combat, increasing the challenge primarily due to its complex attack patterns.
3 Lachlan of Endless Lament
End the Suffering
| Location | Cemetery of the Eternal |
| Recommended Level | Level 10 |
As we reach the top three, we encounter Lachlann of Endless Lament, known as the final boss in the Cemetery of the Eternal after defeating both Asinia and Draven. This encounter might not pose as great a challenge for ranged players; however, melee characters will find him particularly daunting.
Lachlann employs ultra-strong melee attacks that can swiftly deplete HP bars. For ranged builds, the strategy revolves around kiting him around the central grave, maintaining distance to avoid lethal strikes.
2 The Executioner
Your Head’s on the Chopping Block
| Location | Ogham Village |
| Recommended Level | Level 14-15 |
Ranking as the second toughest boss, The Executioner hails from Ogham Village and poses a serious threat with his infamous guillotine attack capable of eliminating players in a single hit.
In addition to this devastating move, he has a variety of slow melee attacks that, while telegraphed, deal severe damage. Players must be cautious and rely on smart positioning strategy to survive his relentless assault.
1 Count Geonor, Mad Wolf of Ogham
The Toughest Test Yet
| Location | Ogham Manor |
| Recommended Level | Level 17-19 |
Claiming the top spot is Count Geonor, the final boss of Act One. Renowned in the Path of Exile community for his punishing attacks, high HP, and agility, this battle unfolds over two challenging phases.
As the fight progresses, Count Geonor transforms into a wolf, unleashing new, powerful attacks including a fog-based strike that spawns numerous smaller wolves to chase you. The persistent damage from these minions, combined with his fog assaults, makes this encounter one of the most demanding in the game.
Overall, defeating Count Geonor is a test of skill and strategy, ensuring only the most prepared players can proceed to Act Two.
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