In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), one of the most intense and rewarding aspects of the game is battling the end-game bosses. These bosses not only test your combat skills, strategy, and build optimization, but they also help to shape your progression through the game's lore and challenges. Among these formidable foes, The Prisoner stands out as one of the most significant and challenging bosses in Path of Exile 2.

The Prisoner is not just a simple boss encounter; it's a critical part of the game's narrative and serves as a test of the player's readiness for the more complex and strategic battles awaiting them. Understanding the mechanics of this fight is key to emerging victorious.

In this article, we will explore how to beat The Prisoner in Path of Exile 2, breaking down the boss fight's phases, attacks, strategies, and tips to help you defeat this challenging adversary. Help you get POE 2 Currency and other rewards more easily.

Who is The Prisoner?

The Prisoner is a key boss encounter in Path of Exile 2, and while the game's lore continues to evolve, it's clear that The Prisoner represents a powerful, imprisoned entity whose influence has been felt throughout the world. This entity, once locked away, is now set free to challenge any who dare to face it.

As a multi-phase boss, The Prisoner is known for its complex mechanics, which not only require skillful dodging and movement but also necessitate a deep understanding of your character's build and abilities. This fight will test every aspect of your gameplay - from your ability to adapt to new situations to your knowledge of what the Prisoner can do.

How to Find The Prisoner

In Path of Exile 2, most boss fights can be found after completing specific quests or in particular areas. The Prisoner is no different - you'll need to progress through the main story to unlock access to the area where the Prisoner resides.

Typically, this encounter will occur in a special dungeon or boss arena, which is either unlocked through quest progression or by discovering a hidden pathway or portal. Be sure to pay attention to quest markers and NPC dialogues, as these will guide you to the Prisoner's location.

Once you reach the area, ensure that your gear is optimized for the fight - the Prisoner is no pushover, and having the proper resistances, movement speed, and damage output will be crucial.

The Prisoner Fight Phases

The Prisoner fight in Path of Exile 2 is broken into multiple phases, each of which introduces new challenges. Knowing how to navigate these phases and adjust your strategy accordingly will be vital to your success.

Phase 1: The Awakening

The Prisoner begins by using its massive area-of-effect (AoE) attacks that have high damage potential. These attacks are often easy to spot, with large visual cues that warn players to move quickly.

Attack Patterns: In this phase, the Prisoner will periodically slam the ground with its enormous chains, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. This attack deals massive damage and can be devastating if you're caught in its radius. The best way to avoid this attack is to keep moving and make sure you are outside the AoE zones marked on the ground.

Minion Summoning: In addition to the AoE slams, The Prisoner will also summon minions to fight alongside it. These minions vary in type, with some focusing on ranged damage and others serving as tanky melee units. You will need to quickly clear these minions while avoiding the Prisoner's primary attacks. Prioritize the minions that pose the most threat to your survival.

Tips for Phase 1:

Avoid the Slam Attack: Watch for the Prisoner's visual cue before the slam. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to be hit. Timing your movement properly is essential.

Clear Minions Quickly: While you're focusing on The Prisoner, don't neglect its minions. Use AoE skills to clear them efficiently and avoid getting overwhelmed.

Positioning is Key: Always stay close enough to deal damage but far enough to dodge any of the Prisoner's AoE attacks.

Phase 2: The Binding Chains

As The Prisoner's health drops to around 50%, the fight will enter the second phase. This is where the battle gets more intense, and the Prisoner's attacks become far more punishing.

Chains of The Prisoner: The Prisoner will now use its chains to bind players to specific locations, making it harder to move around. These chains are indicated by a large glowing tether between the player and the Prisoner. Players who are bound will be unable to dodge, move, or attack effectively until they break the tether.

Breaking Free: In order to break free from the chains, players must damage specific weak points on The Prisoner. These weak points are highlighted by glowing markers, and you'll need to quickly navigate the battlefield to hit them. If you fail to break free in time, the Prisoner will unleash devastating damage in the area, often resulting in an instant wipe.

Tips for Phase 2:

Stay Mobile: The moment you're bound, look for weak points and use ranged skills or spells to damage them while avoiding other attacks. If you're too close to the Prisoner when this happens, you risk being overwhelmed by its other abilities.

Avoid Being Tethered: Always keep an eye on your positioning to ensure you're not caught in The Prisoner's binding chains. Use movement skills like Leap Slam or Dash to stay mobile and out of range.

Time Your Attacks: In this phase, patience is crucial. Don't waste time attacking the Prisoner unless you're certain you can avoid the damage that will follow.

Phase 3: The Final Confrontation

Once the Prisoner reaches around 20% of its health, it will enter the final phase, where it becomes more erratic and begins using all of its abilities in rapid succession.

Enhanced AoE Slams: The Prisoner will frequently use enhanced slam attacks that have a much wider radius and higher damage potential. This is where it becomes essential to have good movement speed and be ready to react to the visual cues.

Powerful Chain Attacks: The chain attacks from this phase will be more difficult to avoid. The Prisoner will rapidly summon multiple chains across the battlefield, forcing you to move quickly between safe zones to avoid damage. These chains will deal massive burst damage if they connect.

Tips for Phase 3:

Maximize Damage Output: In this phase, The Prisoner will have very little health left, so you should focus on maximizing your DPS. Use flasks, damage-boosting buffs, and debuffs to increase your output.

Stay Calm and Focused: This phase can become chaotic, but it's important to stay calm and focus on dodging while dealing damage. If you've managed your resources well, this phase should be your moment to shine.

General Tips for Beating The Prisoner

Prepare with Proper Gear: Ensure that your resistances are high, especially to physical and elemental damage. Having movement speed is also crucial, as The Prisoner's attacks are heavily reliant on position and timing.

Use the Right Flasks: Take flasks that boost your health regeneration or provide shielding. The battle with The Prisoner can be taxing, so these will help you survive the long fight.

Dodge First, Attack Later: During many phases of the fight, especially during AoE and binding attacks, prioritizing dodging and positioning will make it easier to counter-attack.

Keep Your Distance: Whenever possible, stay at range to avoid getting hit by The Prisoner's chains or melee attacks. Having a ranged build or utilizing ranged spells can help you deal significant damage while keeping safe.

Practice Makes Perfect: The Prisoner is not an easy fight, and like many encounters in Path of Exile 2, it will take practice to learn all of the attack patterns and nuances of the battle. Don't get discouraged if you fail; each attempt will help you better understand the fight and improve your strategy.

Conclusion

Defeating The Prisoner in Path of Exile 2 is a challenge that requires both tactical mastery and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics. With multiple phases, complex attack patterns, and dangerous minions, this boss encounter will test your abilities to the fullest. However, with the right preparation, strategy, and persistence, you'll emerge victorious, claiming valuable loot and progressing further through the game's content. Get ready for poe2 trade on mmoexp to help you quickly grow stronger and conquer your enemies.

By mastering dodging, adapting to changing attack patterns, and maximizing your damage during critical moments, you can overcome The Prisoner and unlock the rewards of victory. Good luck, exile!