Conquering Balbala and Finding the Forge: Surviving Path of Exile 2's Early Challenges with Smart POE 2 Currency Use

In the punishing world of Path of Exile 2, success is never handed to POE2 Currency players. Survival and triumph demand skill, preparation, and intelligent resource use. Two standout challenges early in the game—the boss fight against Balbala and the “Finding the Forge” quest—test your mastery of these principles. With deadly mechanics, unpredictable enemies, and limited time, these encounters require more than brute force. You’ll need strategy, patience, and well-invested POE 2 currency to come out on top.

Balbala: Mistress of Mist and Mayhem

Balbala is an area-control boss whose signature move can quickly end unprepared adventurers. Her terrifying ability to vanish and unleash a creeping poisonous mist turns the battlefield into a deathtrap. Once the mist begins to spread, your time is limited. Failing to act swiftly will result in suffocation and a quick return to the respawn screen.

The key is to react instantly. Run along the perimeter of the arena the moment the mist appears. Balbala typically hides near a corner, waiting to ambush the reckless. But don’t rush her once she’s found—she’s baiting you. Her devastating slam attack deals immense damage, easily eliminating players who engage too hastily. Instead, dodge the slam, then slip into a pattern of hit-and-run counterattacks.

Patience is Your Most Potent Weapon

Balbala’s fight isn’t just a test of reflexes—it’s a lesson in restraint. Staying still is a death sentence, and overcommitting to offense can leave you wide open. Focus on timing. Dodge her attack, strike once or twice, then reposition before she counters. This methodical approach is essential to avoid her punishing retaliation and the persistent poison mist.

Her arena provides just enough space to maneuver effectively. Use it. If you’re trapped in a corner during a mist phase, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed. Learn her attack patterns through POE 2 Exalted Orbs repetition. Muscle memory will eventually kick in, making her once-deadly tactics more manageable.