Path of Exile 2 Act 1 introduces you to the brutal world of Wraeclast, blending exploration, combat, and careful progression through interconnected zones. Understanding the POE 2 Currency campaign’s layout helps with quest sequencing, efficient leveling, and reduced time spent wandering into unnecessary fights.

1. The Twilight Strand — Your First Steps

Act 1 begins on the Twilight Strand, a short coastal zone that doubles as a tutorial. Expect introductory enemies like zombies and beach crabs, and don’t worry about optimizing your route here — just focus on learning basic movement, skills, and loot.

Follow the coastline from the shipwreck.

Kill enemies to collect early resources.

The main objective here is to reach Lioneye’s Watch, your first town hub.

2. Lioneye’s Watch — The First Hub

Upon entering Lioneye’s Watch, you’ll meet key NPCs and pick up quests to drive Act 1 forward:

Talk to all NPCs: They provide quests, passive refunds, skill gem rewards, and crafting services.

Review your inventory and sell/salvage unused gear.

Set up your first skill gems and equip new weapons.

From here, your first campaign objectives branch out into several areas — but there’s an optimal order that keeps XP gains steady and avoids dead‑end exploration.

3. Prisoner’s Gate & Southern Forest — Early Progression

Your next objective generally takes you through the Prisoner’s Gate into Southern Forest.

Tips for this area:

Clear monsters as you go; don’t rush ahead.

Follow the main road markers — they usually point toward quest objectives.

Locate the bandit camps to trigger quest progress.

Beware of narrow pathways — they often lead to ambushes.

Completing the Southern Forest quests will push you toward The Coast.

4. The Coast — Defined Paths, Major Rewards

The Coast is wider and more open than earlier zones, with multiple sub‑paths:

East Coast

West Coast

Midway points

To optimize your route:

Stick close to the coastline until the waypoint.

Clear groups of enemies and open chests near the main quest markers.

Activate the waypoint before moving inland or advancing forward.

This zone ends with an assault on a fortified location — prepare for tougher mobs and occasionally hidden elite packs.

5. The Mud Flats & Submerged Passage

After completing Coast quests, you’ll be funneled into the Mud Flats, a swampy, maze‑like stretch.

Navigation Tips:

Prioritize progressing northward toward the waypoint.

Avoid dead‑ends; many will only lead to small packs and no objectives.

Use torches and movement skills to clear areas quickly.

Once at the waypoint, the next objective leads you to the Submerged Passage – a narrow, waterlogged tunnel system that funnels you forward more than it offers decisions.

6. The Ledge to the Climb Ahead

Exiting the Submerged Passage puts you into The Ledge — a linear corridor that dramatically ramps up enemy density and difficulty. Stick to the main elevation line and don’t stray too far into branching paths unless you’re seeking extra XP or loot.

7. Concluding Act 1 — The Cavern of Wrath & Beyond

Act 1 culminates with the Cavern of Wrath, a challenging dungeon fight that wraps the initial story arc. By this point you should:

Be regularly upgrading your gear.

Have a solid understanding of your skill tree and build direction.

Have a stash of currency items for essential modifications.

Final Tips for Act 1

Activate every waypoint as soon as you find it — it saves huge time later.
Sell or salvage every piece of gear that doesn’t fit your build.
Complete optional quests first — they offer valuable XP and gear.
Follow the POE 2 Chaos Orbs for sale road markers — PoE 2’s zones may look open, but objectives are usually along these arcs.