PoE 2 Areagne, The Forgotten Witch Boss Guide

As you dive into Path of Exile 2, you'll encounter many optional bosses, some more devious than others. One that has already caught our attention is Areagne, the Forgotten Witch, an Act 1 optional boss that lurks in Grelwood. Optional? Yes, she is. But if you're hungry for powerful loot and a solid challenge, skipping her would be a rookie move.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about Areagne the Forgotten Witch in PoE 2, from where to find her and how to defeat her to her moveset and rewards. Whether you're an Exile veteran or new to PoE 2, this guide will help you handle this frosty menace like a pro.

Where to Find Areagne the Forgotten Witch in PoE 2
Areagne Forgotten Witch poe 2

Location: The Grelwood (Act 1)

Areagne the Forgotten Witch can be found hiding in The Grelwood, an area you'll traverse during Act 1. She'll be lurking in her hut at first, but don't expect her to sit still. As soon as you approach, she'll teleport outside and begin her frigid attack.

Like other zones in Path of Exile 2, The Grelwood's layout is randomly generated each time you enter it, so there's no exact GPS marker. However, The Grelwood's unique visual style (gnarled trees, twisted roots, and heavy foliage) makes it fairly easy to recognize once you're there.

Quick Tip: Keep an eye out for elemental anomalies in the area. They're a sign that you're getting closer to Areagne's hut.

How to defeat Areagne, the Forgotten Witch in Path of Exile 2

This isn't a simple hack-and-slash fight - Areagne the Forgotten Witch relies heavily on elemental control, particularly cold damage and area denial mechanics. She'll freeze you into Exile-flavored popsicles if you stand still for too long. Here's how to deal with her:

1. Avoid Elemental Zones

Areagne loves to fill the arena with elemental hazards, especially frost patches that deal freezing debuffs. Standing on them slows your movement and attack speed, which is a death sentence in PoE 2.

Pro Tip: PoE 2's dodge roll (a new addition) is your best friend. Keep repositioning to stay out of these zones.

2. Dodge Her Ice Breath Beam

Periodically, Areagne unleashes a freezing breath attack - a wide beam of cold that she can sweep across the battlefield. This beam deals heavy cold damage and often freezes or chills. It's telegraphed, so watch her animations closely.

Survival tip: As soon as you see her inhale, dodge perpendicular to her, not backwards.

3. Kill Spriggan Minions Immediately

Periodically, Areagne will summon Spriggans, fast-moving minions that will chase you and attack relentlessly. They're not tanky, but if you ignore them for too long, you'll be overwhelmed.

Veteran's advice: Treat spriggans like ticking time bombs - kill them quickly, then get back to Areagne.

4. Learn their disappear and reappear pattern

One of their nastier tricks is to disappear in the middle of a fight, leaving behind a frost explosion. This blast not only hurts, but also leaves an even colder ground.

PoE 2 Areagne, Forgotten Witch Moveset Breakdown

Here’s a quick rundown of Areagne, Forgotten Witch’s full moveset in PoE 2:

Move Description Dodge Tip
AoE Frost Zone Disappears, leaving behind frost ground that debuffs movement/attack speed. Run away immediately upon vanishing.
Freezing Breath Sweeping cold beam attack with heavy damage and freeze chance. Side dodge roll — do NOT backpedal.
Summon Spriggans Calls Spriggans that chase you down and attack in packs. Prioritize these adds.
Basic Melee Close-range scratch attack, basic physical damage. Simple back dodge if caught in melee range.

Recommended Builds and Tactics

Areagne is all about mobility, so melee builds with limited mobility options will struggle here. If you're running a ranged or caster build, you'll have a much easier time as long as you keep moving. Some top recommendations:

Recommended Builds for Areagne, Forgotten Witch

  • Ranged Bow Builds - Kiting around the Frost Zones will keep you safe.
  • Instant Casting Spellcasters - Avoid channeling skills because you'll be constantly moving.
  • Cold Resistant Melee - If you're going to go into melee, stack Cold Resistance heavily.

Flask Recommendations

  • Quicksilver Flask - Extra mobility is key.
  • Of Heat Flask (Freeze Immunity) - 100% essential if you get caught.
  • Topaz or Sapphire Flask - If you can mitigate elemental burst damage, your odds go way up.

Rewards for defeating Areagne, Forgotten Witch

What's a boss fight without some sweet loot? Killing Areagne, the Forgotten Witch in PoE 2 gives you:

  • Uncut Support Gem - Great for customizing your early builds.
  • Uncut Skill Gem - Flexibility to experiment with your build in Act 1.
  • Chance at Cold Themed Gear (though not guaranteed).

While the exact loot table is still being fully mapped by the community, these uncut gems alone are worth the detour. They give you the flexibility to craft your build early, which is huge for any serious player.

Why You Shouldn't Skip Areagne in PoE 2

Sure, Areagne the Forgotten Witch is optional, but you'd be robbing yourself of a great learning fight and early rewards by skipping it. Mastering the boss mechanics in Act 1 will prepare you for PoE 2's tougher content later on, including the brutal encounters in Act 2 and beyond.

Plus, it's never too early to start thinking about your PoE 2 currency farm. Every boss, side area, and optional challenge offers a chance at loot that you can later trade for currency. If you want to upgrade your gear or grab some extra Path of Exile 2 currency, defeating Areagne is a smart play. For more help with other Act 1 bosses, check out the Beira of the Rotten Pack Guide, The Devourer Guide, and The Brambleghast Guide to sharpen your strategies even further.

Final Thoughts - Areagne, Forgotten Witch PoE 2 Guide

Areagne, the Forgotten Witch is a fantastic example of Path of Exile 2's improved boss design. She's not just a damage sponge - she forces you to engage with the environment, react to clear telegraphs, and constantly reposition. Whether you're hunting her for loot or just to prove you can do it, she's worth the fight.

Another pro tip

If you're struggling with gear, check out Kit4Game for quick access to PoE 2 currency and gear. Sometimes a well-timed upgrade can make all the difference in battles like this.

Good luck, Exile - and remember, frostbite is temporary, but victory is forever!