Path of Exile 2: Outsmarting Balbala and Uncovering Renly’s Tools in Act 1

Path of Exile 2 doesn’t hold your hand. From the moment you step into POE2 Currency Wraeclast, the game throws relentless enemies, intricate mechanics, and environmental hazards your way. Two of the most memorable early challenges are the deadly boss fight with Balbala and the “Finding the Forge” quest, which requires locating Renly’s Tools in a dangerous maze. These encounters emphasize what makes POE2 so thrilling: strategic combat, rewarding exploration, and the need to make smart use of POE 2 Currency.

This guide breaks down how to overcome Balbala’s area-control battle and successfully complete the Foundry quest, giving you a strong start for the rest of your journey.

Balbala: Invisibility, Poison, and Precision

Balbala is one of the first true boss fights in POE2 that forces you to respect timing and mechanics. At first, she seems like a typical enemy, but she soon reveals her trump card—an ability that cloaks her in invisibility while she unleashes a creeping poisonous mist across the arena. This toxic cloud applies constant damage, putting a time limit on the fight.

Your best move the moment the mist starts? Sprint to the edge of the arena. Balbala tends to hide in the corners, so scan them quickly to locate her. But don’t attack her as soon as you see her. She’s programmed to respond with a devastating slam attack when provoked, and one hit is enough to cripple or kill low-defense builds.
Mastering the Mist Fight

To defeat Balbala, treat the fight like a dance. You’ll need to stay on the move, bait her into attacks, dodge, and strike with precision. Here’s a quick survival strategy:

    Keep moving: The mist punishes players who stand still.

    Use corners to bait her out, then quickly reposition.

    Only attack after she slams: The recovery window is the best opportunity.

    Stick to hit-and-run tactics: Consistency beats risky bursts.

The arena is large enough to allow freedom of movement. Use this to stay one step ahead of her.
Smart Spending: Using POE 2 Currency to Prepare

Balbala’s poison mist becomes much less lethal when you’ve invested in the right gear. Don’t hoard your POE 2 Currency—spend it on immediate power boosts:

    Craft or buy gear with poison resistance and life regeneration.

    Upgrade your flasks to improve healing and recover from damage over time.

    Select area-effect weapons to get more out of brief attack windows.

By using Orbs of Alchemy, Transmutation, and Alteration, you can quickly fine-tune your gear for POE 2 Exalted Orbs the battle. Consider sacrificing offense slightly for survivability in this fight.