Path of Exile 2 continues the tradition of punishing, intricate boss fights that test players’ reflexes, build efficiency, and strategic adaptability. One such boss that has garnered significant attention is The King in the Mists—a POE 2 Currency hauntingly enigmatic foe that guards one of the key milestones in the Act 4 storyline. With spectral powers, illusion mechanics, and a multi-phase fight structure, The King in the Mists is as much a puzzle as he is a threat. This guide will break down everything you need to know to defeat him: his lore, attack phases, recommended builds, and combat strategies.
Lore Background: Who Is the King in the Mists?
The King in the Mists is a tragic and ancient figure wrapped in mystery. Once a noble ruler who fell victim to a deadly betrayal, his spirit was exiled to the Mists—a metaphysical dimension of fog, illusions, and lost memories. Over time, the Mists corrupted his soul, transforming him into a vengeful wraith-like being who lashes out at any who attempt to cross his domain.
Lore found through Act 4 reveals that he was once a protector of the land, renowned for his wisdom and fairness. However, his kingdom fell during the Cataclysm, and the remnants of his soul were bound to the spectral realm by a forgotten ancient ritual. Players encounter him while pursuing the path to the Temple of Echoes, and defeating him is essential for advancing the story.
Location and Encounter
You’ll find The King in the Mists at the heart of the Misty Vale, a unique zone cloaked in perpetual fog. This zone is introduced at the climax of Act 4 and is filled with illusion-based enemies and environmental hazards that prepare you for what lies ahead.
Upon reaching the King's Mausoleum at the center of the zone, players trigger a cinematic where the mist thickens, and the spectral form of the king emerges. His voice echoes cryptically, referencing lost glory and accusing the player of being a usurper. The arena is circular, bordered by shifting fog, with four totems located at cardinal points that become integral during the fight.
Boss Fight Overview
The King in the Mists has a three-phase battle that escalates in complexity and intensity. Each phase includes mechanics involving illusions, mist-based AOE attacks, and mirror clones that mimic the King’s abilities.
Phase 1: Spectral Onslaught
In the opening phase, the King uses:
Mist Slash: A wide, sweeping attack with his ethereal blade that causes cold and chaos damage.
Illusionary Doubles: Summons two spectral clones that deal reduced damage but can distract and disorient players.
Fog Bombs: AOE projectiles that explode on contact and reduce visibility.
Strategy:
Stay mobile to avoid the wide arcs of Mist Slash.
Focus on quickly eliminating the illusionary doubles to reduce clutter.
Avoid the center of the arena, where Fog Bombs tend to concentrate.
This phase ends when the King drops below 70% HP. He teleports to the center and becomes invulnerable for a brief monologue.
Phase 2: Mirror of Regret
The second phase introduces mirror mechanics, where players see reflected versions of themselves and are forced to battle their own build.
Mirror Trap: Spawns a mirrored version of your character, using the same skills and gear setup.
Spectral Echo: Periodic AOE wave that deals high cold damage and pushes players toward the arena edges.
Mist Chains: Chains erupt from the mist and root the player for 2 seconds if not dodged.
Strategy:
which deal heavy DOT).
The mirrored self must be prioritized—kite and use flasks tactically, especially if you're a glass-cannon build.
If rooted by Mist Chains, use Flask of Staunching or movement skills to break free quickly.
The Mirror Trap is what defines this phase. Many players find themselves outmatched by their own DPS-focused setups. It’s a clever twist that forces defensive play and timing.
Phase 3: King of Nothing
At 30% health, the King absorbs all his illusions and doubles in size. The arena begins to shrink as the fog encroaches. This is the most brutal phase, combining all previous mechanics with new attacks:
Fog Collapse: The arena steadily shrinks every 30 seconds, forcing players into melee range.
Crown of the Forgotten: A delayed explosion that targets the player’s last position.
Eternal Lament: A channeled attack that must be interrupted via the totems located around the arena.
Strategy:
Use the totems when the King starts channeling Eternal Lament—failing to do so causes instant death.
Stay aggressive. Defensive play becomes increasingly difficult as the fog limits room to buy POE 2 Currency maneuver.
Crown of the Forgotten is lethal; dodge it by repositioning immediately after seeing the red marker on the ground.
Comments (0)