"The Root of the Problem" is a key quest in Act 2 of Path of Exile, where you are tasked with finding a way through an ancient overgrown tree blocking your path to the Vaal Ruins. This quest is essential for progressing through the story and gaining access to the deeper mysteries of Wraeclast.
Quest Overview
Quest Name: The Root of the Problem
Objective: Poison the ancient tree blocking the path to the Vaal Ruins.
Rewards: Skill Gems that can enhance your character’s abilities.
Step 1: Discovering the Blockade
As you explore Act 2, you’ll come across a massive, overgrown tree in the Wetlands that blocks the entrance to the Vaal Ruins. This ancient tree is immovable, and you will need to find a way to remove it.
Objective:
Find a way into the Vaal Ruins by exploring nearby areas for clues.
NPC Dialogue:
Eramir: "That ancient gateway to the northwest, it’s a peculiar thing. Not of the Eternal Empire. It could be Vaal in origin… a culture I’ve seen mentioned here and there in some of the most antique of texts."
Step 2: Retrieving the Baleful Gem and Maligaro’s Spike
To deal with the ancient tree, you’ll need two specific items: the Baleful Gem and Maligaro’s Spike. These items are found in different locations:
Baleful Gem – Located in the Chamber of Sins. This dark and dangerous area is filled with corrupted creatures and ancient traps.
Maligaro’s Spike – Found in the Weaver’s Chambers, guarded by the deadly Weaver.
Chamber of Sins (Baleful Gem)
The Chamber of Sins is a cursed place where terrible experiments were conducted. The Baleful Gem is hidden here, guarded by Fidelitas, a powerful boss.
Objective:
Get the Baleful Gem from the Chamber of Sins.
NPC Dialogue:
Helena: "Have you the Baleful Gem? No? That troubles me. Were Piety to obtain it… it doesn’t bear thinking about. I’m positive that the gem is in the Chamber of Sins, somewhere."
Weaver’s Chambers (Maligaro’s Spike)
Silk, one of the exiles in the Forest Encampment, tells you a tale of how he lost his spear (Maligaro’s Spike) in a battle with a giant spider known as the Weaver. You need to retrieve this Spike from the Weaver’s body.
Objective:
Get Maligaro’s Spike from the Weaver’s Chambers.
NPC Dialogue:
Silk: "That spear… yes, that is my best spear, the one I stuck in the eye of old Mother Eight-leg. I think you keep it now… Let the beasts and bandits fear you even more. It is my gift to you. From one hero to another."
Step 3: Poisoning the Tree
With both the Baleful Gem and Maligaro’s Spike in your possession, return to the ancient tree in the Wetlands. Use these items to poison the tree, which will wither and clear the path to the Vaal Ruins.
Objective:
Poison the ancient tree blocking your way in the Wetlands using the Baleful Gem and Maligaro’s Spike.
NPC Dialogue:
Helena: "You now carry a cure to that problem, or rather, a useful illness. Use the Spike to inject the Baleful Gem’s calibric extantia into the roots. One day soon, Piety will find her way into that ruin. You need to get there first."
Step 4: Entering the Vaal Ruins
After poisoning the tree, the path to the Vaal Ruins will be open. You can now explore this ancient and dangerous area, uncovering more of the dark history of Wraeclast.
Objective:
Enter the Vaal Ruins and continue your journey.
Rewards
Upon completing this quest, you will receive a selection of Skill Gems tailored to your class:
Templar: Absolution, Added Lightning Damage Support, Arcane Surge Support, and more.
Marauder: Volcanic Fissure, Elemental Damage with Attacks Support, Vicious Projectiles Support, and others.
Witch: Wintertide Brand, Controlled Destruction Support, Efficacy Support, and more.
Conclusion
"The Root of the Problem" is a crucial quest that tests your ability to navigate dangerous areas and defeat powerful foes. Successfully completing this quest opens the way to the Vaal Ruins, where even greater challenges and mysteries await. The rewards you receive, including powerful Skill Gems, will greatly aid you in your continued journey through the perilous lands of Wraeclast.