This guide breaks down both Balbala’s signature encounter and the tricky quest to find Renly’s Tools, arming you with the strategies needed to POE2 Currency conquer Act 1’s toughest early obstacles.

Balbala: The Toxic Puppetmaster

Balbala is not your average early-game boss. Her defining mechanic revolves around area denial and stealth. During the fight, she cloaks herself in invisibility and fills the arena with a thick, poisonous mist. This mist slowly drains your health and limits your vision, forcing you to find her before it’s too late.

The moment the mist appears, immediately begin circling the edge of the arena. Balbala usually hides near a corner. Rushing in blindly is a recipe for disaster—she retaliates with a powerful slam attack upon being discovered. This high-damage move can wipe out careless players who attack without caution.

Instead, wait for her to strike first, dodge the slam, and then go in for a counterattack. Repeat this cycle patiently, and you’ll wear her down without risking unnecessary damage.

Fight Smart: Mobility Over Aggression

Balbala’s battle emphasizes agility and restraint. While it may be tempting to go all-in after a successful dodge, that’s often when she punishes you. A better approach is a methodical hit-and-run tactic: move, dodge, strike, and repeat. If you stand still or overcommit, you’ll be punished.

This is where awareness of the arena becomes vital. There’s enough room to maneuver, but getting trapped in a corner—especially when the poison is spreading—can be fatal. Keep moving and repositioning constantly to maintain the advantage.

Learning her patterns through repeated attempts is key. Once you recognize her behavior, the fight shifts from chaos to POE 2 Exalted Orbs controlled execution.