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Path of Exile 2 Act 2 Walkthrough: Vastiri Desert

This walkthrough takes you through Act 2 of Path of Exile 2 — Vastiri Desert — one step at a time, from Vastiri Outskirts to The Dreadnought. Don't leave without 4 passive skill points, an ascendancy trial, 2 resistance rewards and 1 permanent buff; every reward is tagged below. Optional side content is marked, so you can skip it when you're in a hurry.

42 steps · 17 zones · Updated September 2026

Vastiri Outskirts

  1. Desert combat town area
    Waypoint
  2. Boss tip: Avoid cliff positions; watch for javelin barrages; dodge hyena swarms; expect final enemy wave after the main fight
    Skill Gem: Uncut Skill Gem Lvl 5

The Ardura Caravan

  1. Waypoint

Mawdun Quarry

  1. Follow the desert map markers
    Waypoint
  2. OptionalCurrency: Artificer's Orb

Mawdun Mine

  1. Descend from the quarry into the mine
    Boss tip: Fire-themed boss; equip Ruby Charm or fire-resistant gear. Free Risu after defeating him
    Waypoint
  2. OptionalCurrency: Lesser Essence of Insulation

The Ardura Caravan

Traitor's Passage

  1. Alternate route since the direct Halani Gates are closed
    Waypoint
  2. Boss tip: Unlocks Trial of the Sekhemas (first ascension method)
    OptionalTrial of Ascendancy: Unlocks Trial of the Sekhemas
  3. OptionalSkill Gem: Uncut Skill Gem Lvl 6

The Halani Gates

  1. Enter from Traitor's Passage
    Waypoint
  2. Boss tip: Boss retreats to corrupted caravan; sandstorm blocks further progress for now
    Skill Gem: Uncut Skill Gem Lvl 7
  3. Boss tip: Optional boss near the Forward Command Tents
    Optional

The Ardura Caravan

Mastodon Badlands

  1. One of three zones needed for the Horn of the Vastiri
    Waypoint
  2. OptionalCrafting Bench Recipe: Unlocks Abyssal Crafting
  3. OptionalSupport Gem: Uncut Support Gem Lvl 2

The Bone Pits

  1. Navigate from the Mastodon Badlands
    Boss tip: Defeat both bosses to collect Mastodon Tusks
    WaypointSupport Gem: Uncut Support Gem Lvl 2
  2. Optional

Keth

  1. Second major zone for the Horn of the Vastiri quest
    Waypoint
  2. Boss tip: Optional boss in the Venom Pit area of Keth
    Optional+2 Passive Skill Points (Book of Specialisation)
  3. OptionalItem: Magic Amulet

The Lost City

  1. Descend from Keth into the underground
    Waypoint
  2. Optional
  3. OptionalSpirit Gem: Uncut Spirit Gem Lvl 6

Buried Shrines

  1. Deep underground beneath the Lost City
    Boss tip: Defeat Azarian to obtain the Essence of Water
    Waypoint
  2. OptionalResistance Bonus: Choose Ruby, Sapphire or Topaz Ring + matching Lesser Elemental Rune

Valley of the Titans

  1. Third major zone for the Horn of the Vastiri quest
    Waypoint
  2. OptionalPermanent Buff: +1 Charm Slot + Charm Buff

The Titan Grotto

  1. Opened by the third Ancient Seal
    Boss tip: Physical-themed boss; manages arena-altering abilities. Dodge his ground slams and pillar attacks
    Waypoint
  2. OptionalCurrency: Lesser Rune

The Ardura Caravan

Deshar

  1. Head through the cleared path beyond Halani Gates
    Waypoint
  2. Optional+2 Passive Skill Points (Book of Specialisation)
  3. OptionalCurrency: Artificer's Orb

Path of Mourning

  1. Continue past Deshar
    Waypoint
  2. OptionalSupport Gem: Uncut Support Gem Lvl 2

The Spires of Deshar

  1. Ascend from the Path of Mourning
    Boss tip: Physical, fire, and poison attacks. Watch for ground effects and dodge his ranged abilities
    Waypoint
  2. OptionalResistance Bonus: +10% Lightning Resistance

The Dreadnought

  1. Final zone of Act 2; high monster density, good to farm levels and gear before the fight
    Boss tip: Phase 1 (to ~60% HP): lightning spells, two moving pylons, wind gusts (stand near Asala). Phase 2: large sword sunder/cleave attacks, stationary shocking pylons, tornadoes and lightning portals. Stay mobile and dodge roll through the wind gusts
    Waypoint

The Ardura Caravan