Path of Exile 2: Ancient Vows Quest Guide
“Path of Exile 2” (PoE2) is set to expand the beloved ARPG world of Wraeclast into new depths with its gripping narrative, fresh mechanics, and exciting lore. One of the standout features of the sequel is its rich storytelling, which incorporates deep character arcs and world-shaping events. One such major questline in PoE2 is “Ancient Vows,” a pivotal storyline that uncovers the secrets of ancient alliances and the dark forces at play in the world of Wraeclast. This guide will walk you through the “Ancient Vows” quest, helping you navigate the intricacies of the mission and gain a deeper understanding of its significance in the broader PoE2 narrative.
Overview of the Ancient Vows Questline
The “Ancient Vows” quest is introduced early in PoE2’s story as players begin their journey into the deep jungles and ancient ruins of Wraeclast. The quest focuses on uncovering the truth behind the mysterious alliance known as the “Ancient Vows,” a pact that was forged centuries ago by several powerful factions. This ancient pact has had profound implications on the course of history, and its secrets could change the fate of Wraeclast in Poe 2 trade.
The questline begins when players are introduced to an NPC named Sophie, an enigmatic historian who has uncovered fragments of old texts describing the formation of the Ancient Vows. Sophie believes that these ancient agreements hold the key to stopping a catastrophic event that is beginning to unfold in the present. As players advance through the quest, they will learn more about the factions involved in the Ancient Vows and discover the hidden forces seeking to resurrect the pact for their own nefarious purposes.
Key Objectives of the Ancient Vows Quest
Throughout the “Ancient Vows” questline, players will follow several objectives that gradually uncover the mysteries of the ancient alliance. Each section of the quest involves a mix of exploration, combat, puzzle-solving, and interaction with various factions.
1. Discovering the Hidden Texts
The first major objective of the quest is to locate ancient texts that describe the origins of the Vows. These texts are scattered across Wraeclast and can be found in hidden temples, crypts, and lost libraries that have been left to decay. The texts themselves are fragmented and must be pieced together, requiring players to complete various challenges to unlock the full history behind the pact.
In the early stages, you will explore The Crumbling Library, an area that serves as the first major location for the quest. Within the library, you’ll encounter The Forgotten Scholars, a group of rogue academics who have spent years deciphering the fragmented records of the Ancient Vows. These scholars will help you piece together the clues, but they’re also hunted by a shadowy organization that seeks to keep the ancient secrets hidden.
Challenge Tip: Be prepared to fight your way through areas filled with corruption, traps, and hostile entities guarding the ancient relics. The deeper you go, the more dangerous the environment becomes, with cultists and corrupted creatures that have been drawn to the Vows’ hidden power.
2. The Factions Behind the Vows
As the quest progresses, players will come into contact with several factions that played a role in the formation of the Ancient Vows. These factions include the Vaal Remnants, a mysterious group of surviving Vaal descendants who have long guarded the Vows, and the Order of the Unbroken, a faction of warriors sworn to protect the ancient secrets. Each faction holds pieces of the puzzle and must be dealt with carefully, either through diplomacy or combat.
The Vaal Remnants are particularly elusive, their motives unclear. They hold the key to understanding how the Ancient Vows are tied to Wraeclast’s destructive history. To gain their trust, players will need to complete tasks for them, which might involve taking down corrupt leaders within their ranks or proving themselves worthy of their ancient knowledge.
The Order of the Unbroken is a more straightforward faction, aligned with the idea of keeping the Vows intact and preventing them from falling into the wrong hands. However, their methods are harsh, and they will often test the player’s strength before offering their aid. Completing their quests will give you valuable information and new abilities tied to the pact’s ancient power.
Faction Interaction Tip: The choices you make when interacting with these factions will affect the outcome of the quest. Some factions may offer better rewards, while others might turn hostile depending on your actions. Keep an eye on your alignment with each faction and consider your long-term goals when making decisions.
3. Uncovering the Hidden Rituals
As players dig deeper into the lore of the Ancient Vows, they will discover that the pact was sealed through a series of powerful and dangerous rituals. These rituals were designed to bind powerful entities to the will of the factions involved, but the true nature of the binding is shrouded in mystery.
The next major part of the quest involves recovering Vaal Ritual Tomes, which contain instructions for performing the ancient rites. These tomes are scattered across dangerous areas and can only be accessed after completing complex puzzles or defeating powerful guardians. Each tome unlocks a different aspect of the Vows, such as controlling the power of corruption or communing with ancient spirits.
One particularly challenging part of this section requires players to traverse the Caverns of the Damned, a labyrinthine underground system filled with traps and enemies. The Vaal Cultists, who worship the ancient pact, will fiercely guard the tomes, and players will need to fight through hordes of these dark worshipers to claim the texts.
Combat Tip: The Vaal Cultists wield powerful corruption magic that can drain life and slow movement. Bring along gear that boosts your resistance to elemental damage and corrupting effects, as these will be invaluable in surviving their onslaught.
4. The Corruption and the Unraveling
As players gather the tomes and learn more about the Vaal Rituals, they will begin to realize the true extent of the corruption that has tainted the Ancient Vows. The ritual was not just a pact—it was a binding contract with an entity known as The Eldritch One, an ancient being of immense power that was sealed away by the factions. Over time, however, the Eldritch One’s influence began to seep into the world once more, corrupting the land and the factions that once guarded the pact.
The final stages of the quest involve stopping the resurrection of the Eldritch One. To do so, players must perform their own ritual to sever the connection between the Eldritch One and Wraeclast. This ritual takes place in the Corrupted Sanctum, a vast temple located deep within a jungle region, where the forces of corruption have already begun to warp the environment and creatures within it.
The Sanctum is filled with treacherous enemies and elite bosses, each one representing a different facet of the corruption that has taken root in the land. Players must face these bosses and navigate complex puzzles to reach the heart of the Sanctum, where the Eldritch One’s essence is being held.
Endgame Tip: Be prepared for an intense battle at the heart of the Sanctum. The Eldritch One will not only summon minions but also unleash devastating abilities that can distort time and space. Bring powerful gear, potions, and support from the factions you’ve allied with.
Rewards for Completing the Ancient Vows Quest
The completion of the “Ancient Vows” questline offers significant rewards, both in terms of lore and gameplay. Upon severing the connection between the Eldritch One and the world, players will be granted access to powerful Vaal Artifacts that provide unique enhancements to their abilities. These artifacts can alter the course of combat and grant abilities that were once thought impossible in cheap Path of Exile 2 Currency.
Additionally, players will unlock Vaal Skill Gems, which allow for more specialized builds tied to the dark magic of the Ancient Vows. These gems provide powerful abilities that deal with corruption, time manipulation, and summoning the power of the Eldritch One’s imprisoned essence. Players will also be given access to exclusive story content that reveals hidden truths about the factions involved in the Ancient Vows, shedding light on their secret motivations and past betrayals.
Conclusion: A Quest of Great Significance
The “Ancient Vows” questline is one of the most significant and intricate parts of PoE2’s story. It offers players a chance to delve into the mysteries of Wraeclast’s ancient past, exploring the corruption, alliances, and devastating consequences that have shaped the world. The quest is filled with combat, puzzles, and tough decisions, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Whether you’re a fan of the rich lore, engaging faction dynamics, or just love exploring the depths of PoE2’s world, the “Ancient Vows” quest is an essential experience for all players.
