In Path of Exile 2, players are introduced to a plethora of new bosses, each designed to challenge even the most seasoned players with unique mechanics, phases, and environments. One of the most enigmatic and terrifying bosses in the game is the Great White One, a massive, ancient creature that threatens to plunge the world into chaos. Its appearance marks a pivotal moment in the game's storyline, and defeating it requires mastery of mechanics, adaptability, and a well-prepared strategy.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Great White One, including its lore, phases, abilities, and strategies to defeat it. Whether you're diving into Path of Exile 2 for the first time or you're a veteran preparing to take on this terrifying foe, this guide will help you overcome the challenge and reap the rewards that await, such as Path of Exile 2 Currency.

1. Lore and Background of the Great White One

The Great White One is an ancient, primordial being that has existed long before the current age of Wraeclast. Legends speak of a terrifying sea creature that once roamed the deep oceans, feared by both man and god. This entity was not just a beast but a cosmic force tied to the very fabric of reality itself.

Its origins are tied to the mysterious Vaal Empire, whose forbidden experiments sought to manipulate and control ancient beings like the Great White One. In their quest for power, the Vaals awakened the creature, inadvertently leading to their own downfall. For centuries, the Great White One slumbered, waiting for the right time to return and wreak havoc on the world.

As players progress through Path of Exile 2, the creature is revealed to be a central figure in the plot, tied to the corruption of both the land and the oceans. It is up to the player to confront this primal force and prevent it from unleashing its destructive potential on all of Wraeclast.

2. Location and Encounter Overview

The Great White One resides in a deep-sea lair, a haunting underwater domain filled with remnants of ancient, ruined civilizations. This location is filled with treacherous terrain, including flooded ruins, shifting tides, and even sections where the very air itself is toxic. Players must navigate these hazardous zones before facing the Great White One in its lair.

Once inside, players will face a multi-phase encounter with this colossal creature. The battle is designed to test a variety of skills, from movement mechanics and dodging to damage mitigation and positioning. The Great White One is relentless, and only the most prepared will be able to overcome it.

3. Abilities and Phases of the Great White One

The Great White One encounter is divided into several distinct phases, each bringing new challenges to the player. Understanding the creature's attacks and phases will be crucial in surviving and defeating it.

Phase 1: The Awakening of the Beast

The first phase of the fight involves the Great White One emerging from the depths. The creature begins the fight by unleashing a massive roar, shaking the arena and stunning any players caught in its immediate area. This initial roar will also summon sea creatures (like sharks, jellyfish, and squids) that act as minions and add to the chaos.

Roar of the Abyss: The Great White One's roar not only stuns players but also deals heavy physical damage in a cone in front of it. Players must keep their distance and avoid standing directly in front of the boss.

Summon Minions: The Great White One will summon different types of aquatic creatures throughout the phase. Some of these creatures have special abilities, such as poisonous sprays or frenzied charges. Focus on killing these minions quickly to avoid being overwhelmed.

Tidal Waves: Throughout this phase, the arena will be periodically flooded with waves of water, which slow down movement and deal damage over time. Players must navigate the area and avoid being trapped in the rising waters.

Phase 2: Raging Depths

Once the Great White One reaches about 50% health, it will initiate Phase 2. In this phase, the creature becomes more aggressive, using its strength to manipulate the environment itself. The tidal waves will increase in frequency, and the boss will also begin to use devastating sweeping attacks that hit players from a distance.

Whirlpool of Ruin: The Great White One creates a massive whirlpool in the center of the arena, pulling players toward it and dealing significant physical damage. Players must move quickly to avoid being sucked into the whirlpool and drowned. Movement skills like Leap Slam or Flame Dash will be essential for surviving this phase.

Frenzied Bite: The Great White One's biting attack becomes more frequent and deadly. Players need to watch for a red indicator on the ground, signaling the path of the bite. If caught, players will take heavy bleed damage. The key here is to dodge and stay mobile.

Abyssal Tendrils: The boss begins summoning tentacle-like appendages from the water, which lash out at players in random locations. These tendrils will deal massive damage and also apply a debilitating slow effect. Stay on the move and avoid the indicated areas.

Phase 3: The Final Descent

At about 20% health, the Great White One enters its final phase. In this phase, it's enraged, more powerful, and has access to a brand new set of abilities that can easily wipe out unprepared players.

Breach of the Abyss: The Great White One will summon massive fissures in the arena, releasing torrents of corrupted water. These pools will deal massive damage over time and increase in size as the phase progresses. Players must keep moving to avoid getting trapped in the expanding water zones.

Wrath of the Ocean: The creature unleashes a gigantic water blast in all directions, which will deal massive elemental damage. This attack has a large area of effect, so players need to be mindful of their positioning and move to the edges of the arena.

Unholy Call: As the Great White One's health dips low, it will call forth the power of the Vaal gods, summoning soul-crushing waves that deal high damage while reducing players' resistances. During this phase, it's critical to use defensive buffs (such as Vaal Grace or Flask of Staunching) to reduce incoming damage.

4. Strategies for Defeating the Great White One

Defeating the Great White One requires not only understanding its abilities but also having the right strategy and build to withstand its onslaught.

A. Build Preparation

High Mobility: The key to surviving the Great White One's attacks is mobility. Ensure that your build includes movement skills like Leap Slam, Whirling Blades, or Flame Dash to dodge the whirlpool and other dangerous mechanics.

Damage Mitigation: The boss deals both physical and elemental damage, so having a mix of resistances and damage reduction is crucial. Defensive flasks and items that grant % physical damage reduction and % elemental resistance will be important.

Life Leech and Regeneration: Given the high damage output of the Great White One, you'll want to have life leech or regen on your gear or passive skill tree. This will help you stay alive during the more punishing phases of the fight.

B. Phase Management

In Phase 1, focus on clearing the minions as quickly as possible to avoid getting overwhelmed. Keep your distance from the boss and stay mobile to avoid the Tidal Waves.

In Phase 2, be prepared for the Whirlpool of Ruin. Stay near the edge of the arena, and when you see the whirlpool forming, use your movement skills to get out of the pull.

In Phase 3, watch for Breach of the Abyss and Wrath of the Ocean, as they are both devastating. At this point, it's essential to have defensive flasks ready and to position yourself carefully to avoid getting trapped by water pools or caught in the AoE blast.

5. Conclusion

The Great White One is one of the most challenging bosses in Path of Exile 2, requiring quick reflexes, precise movement, and careful planning to defeat. With its multi-phase encounter, complex abilities, and high damage output, it's a true test of your skill and understanding of the game's mechanics. You can also use poe2 trade to help you quickly become stronger and conquer your enemies.

By preparing your build to maximize mobility and defense, keeping a cool head during the encounter, and staying focused on phase management, you can defeat the Great White One and earn the loot and bragging rights that come with it. The battle is long and difficult, but the reward of taking down one of Wraeclast's most ancient and powerful beings is well worth the effort.