PoE Shadow of the Vaal quest

Quest Type: Normal
Act: 2
Objective: Find a way to lift the darkness that has spread across Wraeclast.
Reward: Progress to Act 3

"Shadow of the Vaal" is a pivotal quest in Act 2 of Path of Exile, where the player must rectify the consequences of unleashing a terrible darkness upon the land after interacting with the ancient Vaal ruins. This quest drives the story forward and leads to the climactic battle with the Vaal Oversoul.

Quest Overview

  • Quest Name: Shadow of the Vaal
  • Objective: Lift the darkness by defeating the Vaal Oversoul and find the way to Act 3.
  • Reward: Access to Act 3, skill gems, and the removal of the darkness.

Step 1: Discovering the Darkness

After poisoning the tree and entering the Vaal Ruins in the quest "The Root of the Problem," you inadvertently unleash a dark force that spreads across the land, darkening the skies and corrupting the environment. The people of the Forest Encampment will react to this change, and you will need to find a way to reverse the damage.

Objective:

  • Find a way to lift the Darkness that has spread after entering the Vaal Ruins.

NPC Dialogue:

  • Eramir: "You disappear into that Vaal ruin and now the sky, the light, the very land limps as a leper. Somehow, whether through deliberate act or accident, you’ve caused this. Now we all suffer your consequences."
  • Yeena: "I dreamed this. A vast creature, a thing of shadow… You smell of that black mist and… something else. Guilt. That is it, yes. Guilt is a strong illness."

Step 2: Dealing with the Bandit Lords

Before you can continue to the next stage of the quest, you must complete the "Lords of Larceny" quest by dealing with the three Bandit Lords: Alira, Kraityn, and Oak. Each of these lords holds a piece of the Apex, a key that will be essential for the next steps.

Objective:

  • Deal with the Bandit Lords to gather the three amulets necessary to proceed.

Step 3: The Apex and the Ancient Pyramid

After dealing with the Bandit Lords, you will combine their amulets into the Apex. Bring the Apex to Yeena in the Forest Encampment. She will guide you to use the Apex to access the Dark Altar atop an ancient pyramid, where the source of the darkness—the Vaal Oversoul—resides.

Objective:

  • Show the Apex to Yeena and gain insight into banishing the darkness.

NPC Dialogue:

  • Yeena: "You want a cure? Find the man-crafted mountain, send the shadow home, and tell the monster to take your guilt with it."

Step 4: Climbing the Ancient Pyramid

With the Apex in hand, travel to the Caverns and ascend the ancient pyramid. Along the way, you will face many dangerous creatures and traps set by the Vaal civilization. At the peak of the pyramid, you will encounter the Vaal Oversoul, a powerful boss that embodies the darkness you unleashed.

Objective:

  • Ascend the Ancient Pyramid and prepare for the final battle.

NPC Dialogue:

  • Helena: "A man-crafted mountain of four sheer sides… that’s a pyramid. Vaal architecture."

Step 5: Defeating the Vaal Oversoul

The Vaal Oversoul is the final boss of Act 2. This massive and deadly entity will use powerful lightning and physical attacks to crush anyone who dares to confront it. Defeating the Vaal Oversoul will banish the darkness and open the way to the next act.

Objective:

  • Kill the Vaal Oversoul atop the Ancient Pyramid to lift the darkness.

Step 6: Entering Act 3

Once the Vaal Oversoul is defeated, the darkness will dissipate, and the path to Act 3 will be revealed. You can now find the exit at the top of the pyramid, which will lead you to the Sarn Encampment and the beginning of Act 3.

Objective:

  • Find the exit to Act 3 at the top of the Ancient Pyramid.

Conclusion

"Shadow of the Vaal" is a critical quest that brings closure to the events of Act 2 and sets the stage for the challenges that lie ahead in Act 3. By overcoming the darkness and defeating the Vaal Oversoul, you not only save Wraeclast from a terrible fate but also prepare yourself for the greater threats that await in the city of Sarn.

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