Master Count Geonor in POE 2 Act 1

       by        Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide        Tags: poe2 boss guide

Count Geonor, also known as Geonor the Putrid Wolf, is the first major boss challenge you'll face in Path of Exile 2 and requires a blend of tactical awareness, equipment preparation and agility. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this two-phase battle:

Gear and Preparation

Resistances:
Cold Resistance: Essential due to Geonor's heavy reliance on cold damage. Aim for at least 60% to withstand his attacks, especially if you're a melee character. The melee damage conversion from physical to cold means that cold resistance is non-negotiable.

Health and flasks:
Health: Go into battle with a minimum of 350 Health on Act 1. Health flasks are your lifeline, so make sure they're of good quality and readily available.

Movement Speed:
Boots: Movement speed is crucial for dodging. Make sure your boots have at least 10% movement speed for act 1, rising to 20% for higher difficulties. This will allow you to dodge effectively without getting caught in Geonor's deadly patterns.

Phase 1 Strategy

Initial engagement: Before Geonor appears, you'll face several werewolves. Kill them to start the boss battle with full health, which is key to surviving the initial onslaught.
Clockwise dodge: Use a clockwise movement pattern around Geonor. This is particularly effective against the Icicle Cage, where dodging counter-clockwise can be punishing due to the tighter timing.
Lunge: Watch for the wind-up (about 3/4 of a second) and dodge. The accompanying projectile is cold-based and can freeze, so keep your distance or dodge accordingly.
AOE Swipe: A wide arc attack in front of Geonor that deals physical damage with a slight knockback. It's not common, but be prepared to take a hit if you're caught in the arc.
Icicle Cage: Listen for vocal cues such as "Frost" or "No Escape". Dodge by moving clockwise, especially if you're within range, to avoid the slam that follows after two initial attacks. The ice left behind can trap you, leading to the deadly slam.
Melee attack: Listen for voice cues such as "Run, little rabbit". It's more dangerous at a distance, so dodge or roll if you're caught in the middle of a cast.

Transition to Phase 2

When Geonor is down to one-third health, he will heal fully and transform into his wolf form. Here's what changes:

Ice Breath: Creates an icy ground that slows you significantly. Be sure to move away from this area to maintain your dodge abilities.
Winter Solstice: Cold rays rain down randomly. Focus on dodging rather than attacking. However, if you can freeze Geonor, you will have a window to safely deal damage.
Teleport Slam: Geonor's most deadly move. He marks a spot with blood and then slams down, dealing massive damage, especially in the centre. Dodge if you're in the middle of an action.
Fog Phase: A prolonged period where visibility is reduced and werewolves are summoned. Stay on the fringes of the safe zone to improve your reaction time to Geonor's attacks. Manage the adds efficiently to avoid being overwhelmed.
Charged Icicle Slam: A slow, powerful attack that causes icicles to erupt from the ground. Move away from the marked areas quickly, and remember that freezing Geonor won't stop the attack.

Below 25% health: Ultimate Moonbeam
Geonor gains the ability to use Ultimate Moonbeam, a more aggressive version of Winter Solstice, now with bleeding effects and no cooldown. Balance is key here:
Flask management: Save enough flask charges for this phase to heal from the potential damage of Moonbeam hits.
Dodge vs. Damage: Prioritise dodging, but take opportunities to deal damage when safe.

Strategic Tips

Use the clockwise pattern: Consistently dodge in a clockwise direction to take advantage of the timing leniency of key moves such as Icicle Cage.
Freeze or Stun: Use crowd control effects such as freezing to create safe windows for damage or recovery.
Manage Adds: Keep your werewolf numbers low in Phase 2 to avoid being cornered or overwhelmed.
Learn from failure: Each attempt will teach you more about Geonor's patterns. Use this knowledge to refine your strategy.

Thanks for Reading

Battling Count Geonor is a test of your understanding of the mechanics of Path of Exile 2. With the right preparation, a keen eye for his attack cues, and strategic movement, you'll turn this challenging encounter into a victory. 

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