Turn the Grind Into Growth

Balbala and the “Finding the Forge” quest are tough, but they’re also fair—if you respect the game’s mechanics. Path of Exile 2 isn’t about raw power alone. It rewards players who learn enemy patterns, move with POE2 Currency purpose, and invest in their character intelligently.

POE 2 Currency isn’t just a means to trade—it’s the backbone of your progression. Use it to refine your gear, create the perfect flask setup, or barter for the tools your build needs to succeed.

With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll survive Balbala’s mist, retrieve Renly’s Tools, and continue your journey through Wraeclast stronger and smarter than before.

Dominating Act 1 in Path of Exile 2: Balbala's Battle and the Hidden Forge Quest

Path of Exile 2 makes no attempt to ease players into its brutal, strategic gameplay. Right from Act 1, you’re thrown into battles that demand fast reflexes, smart positioning, and efficient resource management. Two defining moments of the act—Balbala’s poison-filled boss fight and the “Finding the Forge” quest—exemplify the skill and preparation needed to thrive in Wraeclast.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to survive these major challenges, how to use POE 2 Currency to your advantage, and how to approach early-game combat and exploration with confidence.

Balbala’s Arena: Fear the Mist

Balbala isn’t just another boss—she’s a lesson in area control and reactive combat. The fight begins like many others, but halfway through, she triggers her signature move: turning invisible and filling the battlefield with a suffocating, poisonous mist. If you don’t act quickly, the mist will slowly kill you, forcing a time limit on the encounter.

The trick is to begin moving along the outer rim of the arena as soon as the mist appears. Balbala typically hides in one of the corners. Finding her is only part of the challenge, however. Once she’s spotted, she’ll unleash a powerful slam attack if you engage her too aggressively. This hit can be devastating to path of exile 2 trade unprepared players.