In Path of Exile 2 Trade, players will experience an expanded universe filled with new storylines, quests, and challenges that build on the legacy of its predecessor. One of the notable quests in this upcoming title is Dark Mists. This quest delves into the mysteries surrounding the forces of darkness and the twisted creatures that lurk within them. In this guide, we will explore the various elements of the Dark Mists quest, from its origin and progression to the unique strategies for completing it successfully.

Introduction to the Dark Mists Quest

The Dark Mists quest is a pivotal part of the overarching storyline in Path of Exile 2. It involves uncovering the secrets of an ancient force that has plagued the lands for generations. Players will venture into dangerous regions, fight off powerful enemies, and uncover the truth behind the dark influence that continues to haunt the world.

The Quest's Setting

The quest takes place in a new, hauntingly atmospheric region known as the Shrouded Wastes, a desolate area that is plagued by eternal darkness. Here, mists swirl around ancient ruins, and hostile creatures lurk within the fog, making it difficult to navigate and even harder to survive. These environments are both visually stunning and challenging, offering players an immersive experience that tests both their combat skills and survival instincts.

Starting the Dark Mists Quest

The Dark Mists quest becomes available once players have progressed to Act 5 of the main storyline. Upon reaching this point, you will encounter a mysterious NPC named Erinys, a former scholar of the ancient arts who has been searching for clues about the dark forces that plague the land. She has spent years researching the curse of the Dark Mists, and now, she needs your help.

Locating Erinys

To begin the quest, you must find Erinys in the Town of Lysara, which can be accessed once you have completed the Act 4 endgame sequence. She will be located near the entrance to the Shrouded Wastes, a once-thriving region now consumed by darkness. She will explain the situation and provide you with the first objective: to gather information from an ancient library buried within the mist.

The First Objective: Enter the Library of Aen’Kor

Your first task is to travel to the Library of Aen’Kor, an old, forgotten structure once used by the sages who sought to understand the forces of the mists. It is said that the library contains forbidden knowledge, including information on how to seal away the dark influence once and for all. However, reaching the library won’t be easy, as it is heavily guarded by corrupted creatures and cursed spirits that have been twisted by the power of the mists.

Key Points to Consider:

The path to the library is fraught with enemies, including powerful spectral beings and shadowy monsters that can cause significant damage.

Some areas of the library are cloaked in the Dark Mists, which will severely reduce your vision and increase the chances of being ambushed. Be prepared for surprises!

As you explore, look for hidden traps that may be set by previous adventurers. These traps could range from falling debris to explosive enchantments designed to keep intruders at bay.

The Frostbind is a key element in surviving this stage. It’s an item or skill you'll acquire that helps clear away some of the darker areas, giving you a brief respite from the constant obscurity. Equip it early to reduce confusion.

Once inside the library, you will need to locate the Scroll of Aen’Kor, which holds the crucial information Erinys needs. However, you are not the only one seeking this knowledge. A powerful entity known as The Veiled One watches over the scroll, and it will challenge you to prove your worth.

Defeating The Veiled One

The Veiled One is a formidable foe, a creature whose form is constantly shifting between shadows and reality. As you approach the scroll, the creature will appear, and a battle will ensue. The Veiled One uses an array of shadow-based attacks that can disorient and debuff you. Some attacks will obscure the battlefield with more mist, while others will spawn shadow clones that mimic your every move.

Strategy for the Veiled One:

Watch for the Veiled One's Shadowy Trails: The creature will leave a trail of mist behind as it moves. Avoid standing in these trails, as they can deal heavy damage over time.

Focus on the Real Veiled One: During the battle, the Veiled One will briefly reveal its true form. This is the moment to unleash your most powerful attacks. Focus on striking when it is visible, and avoid wasting damage on its shadow clones.

Use AOE Damage Skills: The shadow clones can be overwhelming, so skills that deal area-of-effect damage are particularly useful. These attacks will help clear out the clones quickly.

Stay Mobile: The Veiled One’s attacks are often difficult to dodge, so keeping your distance while using mobility skills is key to survival.

Once you defeat The Veiled One, you will gain the Scroll of Aen’Kor, which contains the next set of instructions to seal the Dark Mists.

The Second Objective: Sealing the Mists

Armed with the scroll, you return to Erinys, who will inform you that the only way to end the Dark Mists is to destroy the source that powers them—a massive, ancient artifact known as the Obsidian Heart. This heart resides deep within the Forgotten Crypt, a site of ancient burial practices now overrun by the undead and shadow beings.

Entering the Forgotten Crypt

The Forgotten Crypt is a multi-level dungeon, each floor more treacherous than the last. It is populated by the Soulbinders, entities that were once mortal but were bound to the crypt as guardians of the Obsidian Heart. These enemies are relentless and difficult to defeat, requiring careful planning and preparation.

Key Challenges in the Forgotten Crypt:

Narrow Corridors: Many of the corridors are tight, leaving little room for mobility. Prepare to face numerous enemies at once.

Undead Traps: Be mindful of hidden traps set by the crypt’s ancient protectors. These may include floor spikes, collapsing ceilings, or cursed glyphs that weaken your resistance.

The Obsidian Heart: As you descend into the crypt, you will eventually reach the central chamber where the Obsidian Heart lies. The artifact is protected by a powerful Necrotic Warden, a massive, undead being with the ability to summon waves of dark energy.

Defeating the Necrotic Warden

The Necrotic Warden is an imposing boss that draws power from the Obsidian Heart. To defeat it, you will need to neutralize its energy sources while dodging its most devastating attacks. The Warden’s dark magic will inflict debuffs that slow you down, making it easier for the creature to land powerful strikes.

Tips for Defeating the Necrotic Warden:

Destroy the Heart’s Energy Nodes: Throughout the fight, the Necrotic Warden will generate energy nodes that empower it. Destroying these nodes will significantly weaken the boss.

Avoid the Dark Pools: The Necrotic Warden will periodically summon dark pools on the ground that deal significant damage if stepped on. Stay mobile and avoid standing in them.

Time Your Attacks: The Warden’s shield will briefly weaken after each of its special attacks. Use this window of opportunity to strike hard.

Once the Necrotic Warden is defeated, you can finally approach the Obsidian Heart. Interacting with it will trigger the final cutscene, where Erinys arrives to help you seal away the heart and end the reign of darkness.

Conclusion of the Dark Mists Quest

After sealing the Obsidian Heart, the Dark Mists will begin to dissipate, and the world will slowly return to normal. You will have thwarted a powerful dark force that threatened to destroy everything in its path. Erinys will reward you for your bravery, and you will have successfully completed the Dark Mists quest.

In addition to the quest reward, you will gain access to unique gear, including a legendary amulet that protects against shadow-based attacks, and an ancient skill gem that allows you to summon shadow clones to fight by your side.

Final Thoughts

The Dark Mists quest in Path of Exile 2 is one of the more complex and challenging storylines, offering players the opportunity to cheap POE 2 Exalted Orbs into the game's lore while testing their combat and survival skills. With its atmospheric environments, difficult enemies, and compelling narrative, it is a must-play quest for any PoE2 fan. Whether you’re a seasoned Exile or new to the series, the Dark Mists quest will provide a rewarding experience that you won’t soon forget.