PoE 2: Balbala Guide - Defeat the Traitor

Time: 2025-02-08 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: PoE 2 Balbala Guide

Balbala the Traitor, who resides in the Traitor's Passage in the Six Sisters area of Act II, poses a formidable challenge to aspiring Exiles. This encounter is not only a test of skill and build, but also a crucial step in the Ascent to Power quest, which unlocks your Ascendancy class. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of Balbala's mechanics, optimal preparation strategies, and tactical advice to help you defeat this formidable foe.

Location and Preparation: Setting the Stage for Victory

Encounter Location: Balbala's lair, the Traitor's Passage, can be accessed through a sealed door in the Six Sisters area of Act II.

Character level: A recommended level range for this encounter is 30-35. However, this can vary depending on the overall power of your build and the quality of your gear. A well-optimised build can tackle this encounter at a lower level, while a less optimised build may require a higher level.

Gear Optimisation

Chaos Resistance: Maximising your Chaos Resistance is paramount. Balbala's primary damage type is Chaos, which bypasses Energy Shield and damages your health pool directly. High Chaos Resistance significantly reduces incoming damage.

Mobility: Equip gear, use skills, or consume flasks that increase your movement speed. Quick movement is essential for dodging Balbala's attacks and navigating the arena.

Health and Resurrection: A large health pool and a reliable form of health regeneration (leech, regeneration, or flasks) are essential. This is a sustained damage fight, so consistent healing is essential.

Building considerations

Offensive and defensive balance: Choose a build that balances damage output with survivability. Glass Cannon builds may struggle against Balbala's consistent damage.

Area of Effect (AoE) damage: AoE skills are helpful for quickly killing Balbala's clones, but single-target damage is necessary for focusing on Balbala herself. A build that can effectively switch between the two is ideal.

Detailed combat mechanics: Deciphering Balbala's Arsenal

Balbala uses a variety of attacks, each of which requires a specific counter-strategy. Understanding these mechanics is the key to success.

Poison Cloud Phase

Mechanic: Balbala disappears and a poisonous cloud expands from the centre of the arena. This cloud deals continuous Chaos damage.

Strategy: Your primary objective is to locate Balbala's silhouette within the cloud and quickly move to her position to force her out of hiding. Be prepared to dodge her immediate follow-on attack, a ground slam followed by an AoE explosion.

Golden Rune Coins

Mechanics: Balbala throws golden coins that turn into runes on the ground. If left unchecked, these runes will summon Shadow Clones.

Tactics: Step on the runes immediately to prevent the clones from spawning. However, Balbala will teleport to your location and attempt a slam attack. Practice timing when you step on a rune and immediately move away to avoid the slam.

Teleport Dagger Attacks

Mechanics: Balbala will teleport around the arena, throwing daggers that create small AoE damage zones on impact.

Strategy: Maintain unpredictable movement to avoid the daggers. Watch her teleportation cues (a brief shimmer) to anticipate her next location. Use short windows between teleports to deal damage, but prioritise positioning over maximising damage output.

Blade Storm of Clones

Mechanics: If left unchecked, the Shadow Clones will eventually unleash a devastating Blade Storm, filling the arena with damaging projectiles.

Control Strategy: Eliminate the Clones as quickly as possible. Use AoE skills to eliminate them efficiently. In a party, assign one player to focus on clone control while others attack Balbala.

Additional Tips for Victory: Fine-Tuning Your Approach

Flask Management: Use flasks strategically. Save your Chaos Resistance flask for the Poison Cloud phase or when you're taking heavy damage. Other utility flasks (increased movement speed, attack speed, etc.) can also be beneficial.

Skill Utilization: If your build includes skills that provide temporary invulnerability or significant damage bursts, use them at opportune moments (e.g., during the Poison Cloud phase or when Balbala is vulnerable after a teleport attack).

Positioning is Key: Maintain awareness of your position relative to Balbala and the rune locations. Effective positioning minimizes incoming damage and maximizes your damage opportunities.

Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust your strategy as needed. Balbala's attack patterns can vary slightly, and you may need to adapt to unexpected situations.

Practice Makes Perfect: Don't be discouraged by initial failures. Each attempt provides valuable experience and allows you to refine your approach.

Rewards and Progression: The Path to Ascendancy

Defeating Balbala rewards you with Balbala's Barya, a crucial item for progressing the "Ascent to Power" quest and unlocking your Ascendancy Class.

Thank you for reading

Triumph Over Treachery

The battle against Balbala is a test of skill, preparation, and adaptability. By understanding her mechanics, optimizing your build, and executing your strategy effectively, you can overcome this challenge and claim your reward. Remember that perseverance and learning from each attempt are essential for mastering the trials of Path of Exile 2.