In Path of Exile (PoE), the "Contract: Karst’s Revenge" quest is a darker chapter in the story of Karst, the Lockpick. Having reclaimed his stolen lockpicks in a previous mission, Karst is now focused on settling old scores with the crew that betrayed him. Instead of a simple heist, this contract involves planting a deadly message—a potent poison—in the heart of a luxurious facility owned by one of his former associates. This guide will walk you through the steps of the quest and provide insights on how to complete it successfully.
The quest begins with a conversation with Karst in the Rogue Harbour. Having retrieved his prized lockpicks, Karst feels an emptiness that even his cherished tools cannot fill. He realizes that what he truly craves is revenge against the former crew members who betrayed him. Karst explains that one of these individuals is now living a life of luxury—a life that should have been his. To exact his revenge, Karst has devised a plan to plant poison within the treasure troves of his old crew, sending a lethal message that will haunt them.
Objective:
Karst’s Dialogue:
Revenge.
One of me old crew recently got out of the game. Livin’ a life of luxury now while everyone around him is suffering and strugglin’ just to survive. That should’ve been my life, but he took it from me when he took my picks. I want to send him, and the rest of my old crew, a message. So, rather than take something, we’re going to leave something. Something that’ll put the fear of Sin into the lot of ’em."
After discussing the plan, Karst will give you a vial of poison. This is the key item you need to carry out the mission. Your goal is to plant this poison within the treasure vault of Karst’s former associate, ensuring that it sends a deadly message when discovered.
Objective:
With the poison in hand, your next step is to initiate the contract by talking to Adiyah. She will open a portal to the facility where Karst’s former associate keeps his wealth. Make sure you’re prepared, as this Heist involves both stealth and speed to avoid triggering a lockdown.
Objective:
Once the portal is open, step through to begin the Heist. This mission differs from others in that your primary goal is not to steal but to sabotage by planting the poison in the treasure vault.
Objective:
Inside the facility, your first task is to break in and navigate through the security systems. This facility is likely to be well-guarded, given the wealth stored within. Use Karst’s lockpicking skills to bypass any locks and traps as you make your way toward the treasure vault.
Objective:
Once you reach the treasure vault, your objective is to plant the poison. This action will ensure that anyone who interacts with the treasure will be exposed to the deadly toxin, fulfilling Karst’s desire for revenge. However, planting the poison will likely trigger the facility’s alarms, so be prepared to move quickly.
Objective:
After planting the poison, you must escape the facility before it goes into lockdown. Lockdown is triggered shortly after you complete your objective, giving you only a brief window to exit. If you’re too slow, the facility will seal itself off, and the contract will fail. Speed and precision are essential in this step.
Objective:
If you fail to escape before lockdown, the contract will fail. In this case, you’ll need to return to the Rogue Harbour and await a new opportunity to complete the mission. Failing a Heist can be disheartening, but it also provides valuable experience for your next attempt.
Objective:
If you successfully avoid lockdown, your final task is to escape the facility. The guards will be on high alert, making your exit challenging. Use your skills and any available tools to ensure you and Karst make it out safely.
Objective:
After escaping the facility, return to Karst in the Rogue Harbour. He’ll have some final words for you about the mission. While the act of revenge may provide some satisfaction, Karst hints at a deeper, unresolved pain that the poison and the sabotage cannot fully address.
Objective:
Karst’s Dialogue:
The "Contract: Karst’s Revenge" quest is a darker, more personal mission that delves into the psyche of Karst, the Lockpick. It’s a story of betrayal, loss, and the futile pursuit of closure through revenge. Successfully completing the contract not only fulfills Karst’s desire for retribution but also provides you with insight into the complexities of the characters that inhabit the world of Path of Exile.
As you continue your journey in the Rogue Harbour, remember that Heists are not just about treasure—they’re about the stories, motives, and histories of those who hire you. Stay sharp, plan carefully, and always be ready for the unexpected. Good luck, Exile, and may your Heists be both profitable and enlightening!