Path of Exile 2 introduces a wide range of exciting quests, and one of the most intriguing among them in Act 1 is the Mysterious Shade quest. This quest takes players through eerie graveyards, challenging encounters with three different bosses, and an engaging exploration to retrieve two essential keys. If you’re struggling to navigate through this adventure, this comprehensive guide will provide step-by-step instructions to help you complete it efficiently.

How to Start the Mysterious Shade Quest

To begin the Mysterious Shade quest, you must first complete the "Secrets in the Dark" quest or discover Grim Tangle in Grelwood. Note that completing "Secrets in the Dark" is essential—if you skip this step, tree roots will block your path, preventing progress.

Completing the Secrets in the Dark Quest

Talk to Una in Clearfell Encampment

Start by speaking with Una in Clearfell Encampment. She will direct you to explore Clearfell until you find the entrance to Grelwood. Since the map layout is random, you’ll need to search for the entrance on your own.

Entering Red Vale

Once you’re in Grelwood, locate a tree with three glowing runes at its roots. Summon Una, who will transport you to Red Vale. While exploring, you can defeat the Forgotten Witch and Brambleghast for additional loot and Path of Exile 2 currency.

Finding Obelisks of Rust

In Red Vale, interact with the Obelisks of Rust. Each interaction will spawn monsters that you must defeat. After clearing the first two Obelisks, loot the green items that drop. At the third Obelisk, prepare to face the Rust King.

Defeating the Rust King

The Rust King is vulnerable to lightning damage. Equip skills and items that boost your lightning damage stat to deal with him effectively.

Attack Patterns:

He generates spikes that shoot outward in all directions. Stand between spikes to avoid damage.

He raises his axes and smashes them down. Stay behind him to attack safely.

He summons an army and smashes his weapons. If you’re a melee character, stay close and deal with the minions while damaging the boss. Ranged characters should lure the minions away and eliminate them separately.

Completing the Quest

After defeating the Rust King, collect the green item he drops and use the portal to return to Clearfell Encampment. Interact with Renly to receive spikes, then return to Grelwood and pierce the runes with the spikes. Interact with Una and return to Clearfell to complete "Secrets in the Dark."

Starting the Mysterious Shade Quest

Once you’ve completed "Secrets in the Dark," head to Grim Tangle. You can find this location either through Waypoints or while exploring Grelwood. Una will clear the tree roots, allowing you to proceed into Grim Tangle.

Navigating the Cemetery of the Eternals

In Grim Tangle, your objective is to find the exit to the Cemetery of the Eternals. Upon entering the cemetery, speak with Lachlann the Lost. He will assign you the task of collecting two keys located in separate mausoleums.

Collecting the First Key: Mausoleum of the Praetor

Exploring the Mausoleum

Find the Mausoleum of the Praetor within the cemetery. Navigate to the central boss room, marked as the Heart of the Mausoleum.

Boss Fight: Draven

Draven’s mechanics center around small green ghosts. He gains power by absorbing these ghosts, but you can prevent this by stepping on them.

Phase 1 Mechanics:

Draven uses a basic attack and fires a barrage of projectiles. Dodge these projectiles while dealing damage.

Phase 2 Mechanics:

Draven summons Asinia to assist him. She draws harmful circles on the ground that you must avoid.

After defeating Draven, collect the Memorial Key and use the portal to return to the cemetery.

Collecting the Second Key: Tomb of the Consort

Exploring the Tomb

Locate the Tomb of the Consort and proceed to the boss room, marked as the Heart of the Tomb.

Boss Fight: Asinia

Asinia’s fight features similar ghost mechanics to Draven’s. She absorbs green ghosts to gain power, which you can counter by stepping on them.

Phase 1 Mechanics:

She primarily uses melee attacks and summons damaging circles.

Phase 2 Mechanics:

Asinia summons Draven, who fires a barrage of projectiles. Stay mobile to avoid these attacks.

Special Attacks:

When she places her hand over her chest and bows, she unleashes a powerful barrage. Dodge it to avoid heavy damage.

She attacks using a cage. Destroy the cage quickly to avoid an incoming barrage.

After defeating Asinia, collect the second key and return to the cemetery to speak with Lachlann.

Final Boss: Lachlann

Once you’ve returned both keys to Lachlann, he will open the gate to the final boss encounter.

Boss Fight: Lachlann

Attack Patterns:

Lachlann begins with a front weapon slam followed by a backward slam. Avoid standing directly in front or behind him.

He performs wide weapon swings that are relatively easy to dodge.

Souls Attacks:

Lachlann summons souls from a large green circle, which then shoot straight at you. These are easy to dodge with proper positioning.

His most dangerous attack involves summoning souls that quickly drop toward you, leaving frost trails. Position yourself carefully to avoid the frost trails.

Defeating Lachlann:

Stay mobile and watch for visual cues indicating incoming attacks.

Use frost-resistant gear or skills to mitigate damage from the frost trails.

After defeating Lachlann, you will receive Count Lachlann’s Ring along with a bounty of loot. The ring is essential to completing the Mysterious Shade quest.

Final Tips for Success

Prepare Your Equipment: Ensure you have suitable weapons, armor, and items before starting the quest. Focus on gear that complements your build and provides resistance to elemental damage.

Utilize Chaos Orbs: If you’re struggling with damage output, use Chaos Orbs to improve your gear.

Leverage Giveaways: MMOEXP Discord often hosts giveaways for Path of Exile 2 Currency and Path of Exile 2 Orbs. Stay active in the group to snag valuable resources for free.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to complete the Mysterious Shade quest efficiently, tackle challenging bosses, and secure valuable rewards. Good luck, and happy adventuring in Path of Exile 2!