PoE 2 The Rust King: Location, Fight Guide, Moves, Rewards & More

If you've made it through Act 1 of Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), you might have heard about The Rust King. This boss is not just a simple challenge — it's your first real test in The Red Vale. If you're not prepared, The Rust King will challenge you. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to Wraeclast, this guide will cover everything you need to know about The Rust King, including his location, fight mechanics, rewards, and survival tips.

The Rust King's Location in PoE 2

The Rust King is hiding deep in The Red Vale, an area you'll explore during the Secrets in the Dark quest in Act 1 of Path of Exile 2. This area is known for its dark, claustrophobic atmosphere, and The Rust King fits right in with his brutal, savage look. You won't face him right away. The boss fight starts after you collect the third and final rune of power scattered throughout The Red Vale. Once you've got all three, get ready, because this is where things get serious.

Quick Facts: The Red Vale

Act: 1
Quest: Secrets in the Dark
Map Layout: Procedurally generated, so every run will feel slightly different
Boss: The Rust King

How to Beat The Rust King in Path of Exile 2

Veteran players will recognize that The Rust King isn't just about getting good gear — it's also about mastering the mechanics. His fight combines summons, area denial, and deadly blade attacks that will punish players who stand still for too long. If you're the type of player who likes to face-tank bosses, you're going to have a hard time.

Key Tips to Defeat The Rust King

1. Avoid his summoned weapons.
   He uses blades as his main attack, so avoid getting hit by them. Whether it's swords flying at you from every direction or a Blade Barrage raining down from above, positioning is key. Stay mobile and don't focus on dealing damage at one point.

2. Deal with Ancient Ezomytes Quickly
   The Rust King will summon waves of Ancient Ezomytes, spectral warriors that can quickly overwhelm you if left unchecked. When these adds spawn, shift focus immediately. If you don't, you'll find yourself trapped with nowhere to run when his bigger attacks start landing.

3. Watch His Weapon Animations
   The Rust King telegraphs most of his heavy-hitting abilities. When you see him raise his weapon high or start to gather blades, it's time to back off. Mastering his animation tells will make dodging much easier, and PoE 2 rewards players who learn enemy patterns.

The Rust King Moveset and Mechanics

If you like to go in with a full intel report, here's a complete breakdown of The Rust King's abilities — plus tips on how to dodge or counter them.

AoE Combo – "Heathen!"

Description: Two fast whip swings followed by a blade barrage.
How to Dodge: Move diagonally away after the second swing and reposition behind him.

Blade Ring – "Usurper!" or "Interloper!"

Description: Summons blades in a circle around him, which shoot out after a short delay.
How to Dodge: There are safe gaps between the blades. Stand between them when they launch.

Summon Ezomytes – "For the Clan!"

Description: Lightning strikes the area as spectral Ezomyte warriors rise from the ground.
How to Dodge: Keep moving and defeat the Ezomytes as fast as possible.

Blade Slam

Description: Summons blades in a straight line, then slams them into the ground.
How to Dodge: Watch for the ground marker and sidestep before the blades land.

Blade Barrage

Description: Blades gather overhead before raining down on your location.
How to Dodge: Run directly behind The Rust King during the gathering phase to avoid.

Default Melee Swings

Description: Basic melee combos if you stay too close.
How to Dodge: Constantly move sideways and avoid staying directly in front of him.

The Rust King's Defensive Powers and Weaknesses

The Rust King isn't just about impressive moves — he's also pretty tough. Knowing what types of damage work best can make a huge difference.

Resistances: Fire, Physical
Weaknesses: Lightning (take advantage of this if you can!)

If you're using a build that focuses on physical or fire damage, you're going to have a longer fight. On the other hand, lightning builds will absolutely destroy his health bar, so keep that in mind when preparing.

Rewards for Defeating The Rust King

Defeating The Rust King is rewarding in its own right, but there's also loot to be had.

The Big Prize

Rune Skull Cap (Key item for the Secrets in the Dark quest)

Additional Drops

• Rare weapons and armor with higher-than-normal rolls for Act 1.
• Currency items (never a bad thing in PoE 2's economy).

Speaking of currency, if you're ever short on PoE 2 currency, I recommend checking out Kit4Game for reliable trades — especially if you want to keep up with the more challenging boss fights later on.

Pro Tips from a Veteran Exile

Bring a Reliable Movement Skill

PoE 2 rewards movement even more than the first game, so skills like Dash, Frostblink, or Leap Slam are invaluable here. You'll need them to reposition fast when Blade Barrages start falling.

Don't Overcommit to DPS

If you're running a glass cannon, you'll die fast if you try to face-tank or stand still for more than a second. This isn't a boss you can rush; respect the mechanics.

Focus on Survival

While damage is important, survival is key in PoE 2. A bit of life regen, block chance, or even a decoy totem can buy you precious seconds to learn the boss's patterns without dying instantly.

Final Thoughts: Prepare for Act 2 with Confidence

Defeating The Rust King is a rite of passage for every exile in Path of Exile 2. He's one of those fights that separates those who are good at using buttons from those who are good at building and crafting. If you learn his moves, respect the summons, and stay mobile, you'll win — and you'll get some great loot, too.

Once you've bested The Rust King, you'll want to be ready for even tougher challenges ahead. Bosses like The Devourer, Areagne the Forgotten Witch, and The Brambleghast will push your skills even further, so make sure you're prepared before heading into Act 2.

Bonus Tip: Currency Matters

If you're struggling with gear upgrades or crafting, don't forget to stock up on PoE 2 currency early. A quick visit to Kit4Game can save you a lot of grinding time, especially if you're trying to push into Act 2 with optimized gear.

Conclusion: Embrace the Challenge

The Rust King isn't just a boss — he's a benchmark. Learn his moves, outmaneuver his summons, and improve your skills. If you can survive this fight, you'll be well on your way to conquering the rest of Path of Exile 2. Good luck, adventurer — and may your loot be plentiful.