PoE Enemy at the Gate quest

In Path of Exile (PoE), the quest "Enemy at the Gate" is one of the first challenges you’ll face as a newly exiled character washed ashore on the dangerous continent of Wraeclast. This quest serves as an introduction to combat and character progression, pitting you against Hillock, a massive zombie that blocks your entry into Lioneye’s Watch, the first town hub in the game. Successfully defeating Hillock not only allows you to enter the safety of the town but also grants you your first skill gem, a key component in defining your character’s abilities. This guide will walk you through the steps of the quest and provide tips on how to overcome your first major obstacle in PoE.

Quest Overview

  • Quest Name: Enemy at the Gate
  • NPCs: Tarkleigh
  • Objective: Kill Hillock, the large zombie blocking the gate to Lioneye’s Watch
  • Act: 1 (This quest is the first you encounter in the game)
  • Final Reward: Skill Gems to enhance your character’s abilities

Step 1: Kill Hillock

As you begin your journey on the Twilight Strand, you’ll quickly find yourself facing Hillock, a towering undead foe who is terrorizing the entrance to Lioneye’s Watch. Hillock is your first significant enemy and serves as a basic test of your combat skills. Despite his intimidating appearance, Hillock’s attack patterns are straightforward, making this a manageable fight for even the newest players.

Objective:

  • Kill Hillock.

Tips for the Fight:

  • Keep Moving: Hillock’s attacks are slow but powerful. Continuously moving around him while attacking will help you avoid taking unnecessary damage.
  • Use Your First Skill: Depending on your character class, you’ll have access to a basic skill, such as Fireball or Double Strike. Use this skill to deal consistent damage while keeping your distance.
  • Watch for Hillock’s Charge: As Hillock’s health gets low, he will briefly pause to pull a sword from his chest, increasing his attack speed and damage. This is the most dangerous part of the fight, so be prepared to dodge or kite him during this phase.

Step 2: Enter Town for Your Reward

Once Hillock is defeated, the gate to Lioneye’s Watch will open, granting you access to the town. Lioneye’s Watch serves as your first safe haven in Wraeclast, where you can interact with NPCs, purchase items, and accept new quests.

Objective:

  • Enter town for your reward.

Area:

  • Lioneye’s Watch: Your first town hub, offering safety and essential services.

Step 3: Spend Your Passive Skill Point

After defeating Hillock, you’ll gain your first level, granting you a passive skill point. This point can be spent on your Passive Skill Tree, which is one of the most critical aspects of character development in Path of Exile. The Passive Skill Tree offers a vast array of choices, allowing you to customize your character’s attributes and playstyle.

Objective:

  • Open the Passive Skill Screen and spend your Passive Skill Point.

Tips for the Passive Skill Tree:

  • Plan Ahead: Consider the type of character you want to build—whether it’s a tanky Marauder, a spell-slinging Witch, or a nimble Ranger—and allocate your points accordingly.
  • Focus on Early Nodes: Early in the game, focus on nodes that increase your survivability and damage output to help you progress through the first few acts more smoothly.

Step 4: Talk to Tarkleigh for Your Reward

After leveling up and spending your passive skill point, your next step is to speak with Tarkleigh, an NPC in Lioneye’s Watch who will reward you for your victory over Hillock. Tarkleigh will offer you a selection of skill gems, allowing you to choose one that best fits your character’s class and intended playstyle.

Objective:

  • Talk to Tarkleigh for your reward.

Tarkleigh’s Dialogue:

  • Introduction: "Fine work with Hillock. Where’d you learn to fight like that? No, forget I asked. We exiles have no history. Dominus took it from us when he had his Blackguards dump us in the water out there."

Skill Gem Rewards by Class:

  • Witch: Freezing Pulse, Rolling Magma, Lightning Tendrils, Raise Zombie, Blight, Kinetic Bolt
  • Templar: Smite, Frostbolt, Rolling Magma, Lightning Tendrils, Molten Strike, Purifying Flame
  • Marauder: Ground Slam, Molten Strike, Shield Crush
  • Duelist: Cleave, Molten Strike, Galvanic Arrow, Perforate, Splitting Steel
  • Ranger: Split Arrow, Ice Shot, Frost Blades, Galvanic Arrow, Caustic Arrow
  • Shadow: Freezing Pulse, Explosive Trap, Stormblast Mine, Ethereal Knives, Blight, Cobra Lash
  • Scion: Molten Strike, Split Arrow, Lightning Tendrils, Splitting Steel

Step 5: Quest Complete

Once you’ve chosen your skill gem and equipped it, the "Enemy at the Gate" quest is complete. This marks the beginning of your journey through the dangerous lands of Wraeclast, where greater challenges and rewards await.

Objective:

  • Quest Complete – You have killed Hillock and received a reward from Tarkleigh.

Final Thoughts

"Enemy at the Gate" is more than just a tutorial quest—it sets the tone for your entire adventure in Path of Exile. By defeating Hillock and entering Lioneye’s Watch, you take your first steps into a world filled with danger, mystery, and powerful enemies. The skills and choices you make here will shape your character’s progression, so take the time to understand the mechanics and build a solid foundation for the challenges ahead.

Good luck, Exile, and may your journey through Wraeclast be filled with victory and powerful loot!

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