Path of Exile 2: Dark Mists Quest Guide
Path of Exile 2 promises to push the boundaries of what players love about the action RPG genre, with deep lore, intricate gameplay mechanics, and an ever-expanding world. One of the quests that stands out in the new chapter of Path of Exile 2 is the Dark Mists quest, a quest that tests players' skills, wits, and endurance. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to conquer the Dark Mists Quest, from understanding the lore behind it to detailed step-by-step instructions on how to complete it successfully.
Introduction to the Dark Mists Quest
The Dark Mists quest in Path of Exile 2 introduces players to a mysterious and ominous aspect of the game's world. As the name suggests, the Dark Mists are more than just a physical location; they represent the pervasive, supernatural forces that threaten the lands of Wraeclast. These mists are tied to ancient, forgotten powers - the kind of forces that can warp reality itself.
The quest becomes available to players after they have progressed through the initial parts of the main storyline. The Dark Mists are hidden within an ancient, cursed region that players can access only after solving several challenges and deciphering the secrets that lie beneath the surface.
The quest itself is a blend of puzzle-solving, combat, and exploration. Players must navigate through mist-filled labyrinths, defeat powerful enemies, and uncover the forgotten secrets tied to the mists. Completing this quest will grant access to powerful rewards, including rare items, POE 2 Currency, skill gems, and even the ability to unlock additional zones or abilities that will enhance your character's build.
The Lore Behind the Dark Mists
Before diving into the gameplay aspects of the Dark Mists quest, it's essential to understand the lore behind this mysterious part of Path of Exile 2. The Dark Mists are tied to the ancient gods and powers that once ruled Wraeclast before they were overthrown by humanity. These forces, left unchecked and abandoned, began to twist the land and warp the minds of any who dared to enter their domain.
As the quest progresses, players learn that the Mists are not merely a natural phenomenon but a manifestation of forgotten gods' will. These gods were sealed away long ago by the creators of the Path of Exile world, but the power of the Mists remained. Now, they have begun to seep back into reality, slowly corrupting everything they touch. The quest itself is a race against time to stop the resurgence of this dark power and uncover the fate of those who fell victim to the mists' influence.
Starting the Dark Mists Quest
The Dark Mists quest becomes available after players have completed several major story events and have reached a critical level in the game. Typically, this quest will become accessible around the mid-to-late stages of the storyline. To start the Dark Mists quest, follow these steps:
Reach the Required Zone: To begin, players must travel to a specific zone, often referred to as the Misty Depths, where the mists first started to manifest. This area can be unlocked after finishing the primary story objectives leading up to it. The Misty Depths are located near the end of the Act IV or the beginning of Act V, depending on how the story progresses in Path of Exile 2.
Speak to the Quest Giver: In the Misty Depths, you'll find an NPC known as Liora, a scholar who has spent years researching the Dark Mists. She will explain the importance of investigating the mists and how they have begun to affect the lands. Liora will offer you the initial part of the quest and guide you toward solving the mystery behind the fog.
Accept the Quest: Once you've spoken with Liora and received her instructions, you'll officially be on your way to uncover the secrets of the Dark Mists. Be prepared, as this quest will push you to your limits.
Navigating the Dark Mists: Key Objectives
The Dark Mists quest is complex and multifaceted, requiring you to solve puzzles, fight powerful bosses, and unravel the secrets hidden in the fog. Here's what you can expect during the quest:
1. Explore the Misty Depths
The Misty Depths zone is a sprawling, mist-covered area where visibility is heavily reduced. The dense fog creates a unique challenge, as it limits your ability to see enemies until they are right upon you. The fog also contains dangerous traps and environmental hazards, making navigation a challenge. Players must rely on their Detection Skills (such as the Clarity Aura or special light-based skill gems) to temporarily reveal parts of the map or enemies.
Tip: Use any skills or abilities that increase your visibility or reveal hidden traps. It's also a good idea to bring increased movement speed to avoid getting cornered by enemies while exploring the foggy terrain.
2. Solve the Mist Runes Puzzle
Once inside the Misty Depths, you'll encounter the first of several puzzles tied to the Dark Mists quest: the Mist Runes Puzzle. This puzzle requires players to activate ancient runes scattered around the area in a specific order to unlock a hidden path.
Clue: To solve the Mist Runes Puzzle, look for ancient inscriptions on the walls or interact with environmental objects that provide hints about the correct sequence of rune activations. The puzzle is based on both visual and auditory cues, so listening carefully can be just as important as observing the surroundings.
3. Survive the Dark Mists
As you make your way through the maze-like corridors, you'll encounter powerful creatures that are native to the mist. These enemies are highly resistant to typical forms of attack and require a bit more finesse to defeat. Many will have poison, chaos, or cold-based attacks, so make sure your gear is tailored to protect against these elements.
Bosses: Throughout the Misty Depths, you will face off against minibosses corrupted by the Mists. These enemies may appear as former explorers, now twisted by the Mists' influence. Defeating them rewards you with Dark Mists Essences, which are required to progress in the quest.
Tip: Bring a well-rounded build that includes elemental resistances and damage-over-time (DoT) mitigation. If possible, focus on AoE damage to handle large swarms of enemies efficiently.
4. Defeat the Mist-Infused Guardians
At the heart of the Misty Depths lies a series of Mist-Infused Guardians, powerful entities that have been corrupted by the ancient gods' influence. Each Guardian is tied to one of the Mists' core elements, and each presents a unique challenge. These Guardians often have phases, including summoning waves of enemies or unleashing devastating area-of-effect attacks.
Tip: The key to defeating the Guardians is recognizing their attack patterns and avoiding their most powerful abilities. It's essential to time your dodges and use your defensive skills during their most dangerous phases.
5. Collect the Essence of the Mists
After defeating the Guardians, you'll need to collect the Essence of the Mists from their remains. This essence is used to fuel the final ritual required to dispel the Mists from the region. You will need several of these essences before proceeding to the final area.
Tip: While exploring, look for hidden caches that may contain additional Essences or upgrades that can help you complete the quest more efficiently. You can also use poe2 trade on mmoexp to quickly grow stronger.
6. Final Ritual and Boss Fight
Once you've gathered enough Mists Essence, return to the center of the Misty Depths and perform the Ritual of Purification. This ritual involves a series of steps that require you to channel the essence into the Mists' central focal point. However, doing so awakens the final boss: a terrifying entity known as Nyxaloth, the Void-Walker, a creature born from the core of the Mists.
Nyxaloth is a multi-phase boss who uses powerful chaos magic, summoning minions, and illusionary tricks to confuse and overwhelm you. The final fight is not only a test of your combat skills but also your ability to survive under pressure.
Tip: Focus on dodging Nyxaloth's illusionary minions and dodging his AoE chaos spells. Be prepared for a prolonged fight, as this boss has multiple phases and can regenerate health. Use light-based attacks if possible to counteract his dark powers.
Reward for Completing the Dark Mists Quest
After defeating Nyxaloth and dispelling the Dark Mists, you'll receive substantial rewards:
Legendary Gear: Rare and powerful gear tailored to your character's build.
Skill Gems: Some exclusive skill gems tied to light-based or chaos-based attacks that can be used to upgrade your character's abilities.
Story Unveiled: A deep dive into the ancient history of Wraeclast, shedding light on the origin of the Dark Mists and how they're tied to the powerful gods who once ruled the land.
Conclusion
The Dark Mists quest in Path of Exile 2 is a challenging and rewarding journey that tests every aspect of a player's abilities. From solving puzzles and navigating treacherous terrain to battling formidable bosses, the quest is a perfect mix of combat and strategy. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to uncover the secrets of the Mists and emerge victorious. Good luck, Exile, as you journey deeper into the fog!