Path of Exile is famous for its depth, complex character customization, and the nearly endless number of choices players must make. One of the earliest but most impactful choices you'll face in the game comes in Act 2 with the quest "Deal with the Bandits." While it may seem like just another side quest, the decision you make here will follow your character for the rest of the playthrough. Many new players underestimate its significance, but veterans know that the rewards can shape how a build feels in both leveling and endgame.

 

This guide will break down everything you need to know about the Deal with the Bandits quest in Path of Exile: what it is, how it works, what each bandit offers, and most importantly, which choice is the best for your build. By the end, you'll know exactly how to approach this quest no matter what type of character you're playing.

 

What Is the Deal with the Bandits Quest?

In Act 2, after entering the Forest Encampment, you'll be tasked with dealing with three bandit leaders who control the surrounding lands: Oak, Alira, and Kraityn. The quest is given by Eramir, an NPC in the Forest Encampment.

 

You can choose one of two paths:

 

Help one of the bandits.

 

Killing the other two and siding with a single bandit grants your character a permanent stat bonus, depending on whom you choose.

 

Kill all three bandits.

 

Returning to Eramir after killing all of them grants your character 2 Passive Skill Points.

 

The choice is permanent for your character (though it can later be changed by using a vendor recipe or an Orb of Regret + specific item). That means this is not just a leveling decision-it's something that will influence your final build and endgame efficiency.

 

Where to Find the Bandits

Oak: Found in the Wetlands.

 

Alira: Found in the Western Forest.

 

Kraityn: Found in the Broken Bridge.

 

Each bandit will ask you to side with them. If you accept, you must kill the other two. If you refuse, you'll fight them instead.

 

Rewards from Each Bandit

Let's take a detailed look at what each bandit offers if you choose to support them.

 

Helping Oak

Oak is the bandit leader who represents strength and endurance. By siding with him, you'll receive:

 

1% of Life Regenerated per second

 

2% additional Physical Damage Reduction

 

20% increased Physical Damage

 

This reward is most useful for tanky melee builds, characters that want extra survivability, or anyone who scales physical damage. The regen and damage reduction are particularly nice for hardcore characters, though they aren't as impactful in softcore.

 

Helping Alira

Alira is the bandit who values intelligence and trickery. Her reward gives:

 

+20% to Global Critical Strike Multiplier

 

+15% to all Elemental Resistances

 

+20 Mana Regeneration per second

 

Alira's reward is extremely versatile and often the most popular choice for leveling and endgame builds. The resistances make gearing easier, the mana regeneration helps spellcasters and aura-heavy builds, and the crit multiplier significantly boosts damage for crit-based characters.

 

Helping Kraityn

Kraityn favors speed and dexterity. His reward gives:

 

6% increased Attack and Cast Speed

 

+10% to all Elemental Resistances

 

+6% increased Movement Speed

 

This is a solid option for speed-focused builds such as bow users, attack builds, and some casters that benefit from cast speed. However, compared to Alira's resistances and crit, Kraityn tends to be less universally strong.

 

Killing All Three (Eramir's Reward)

If you kill all three bandits, return to Eramir and you'll receive:

 

2 Passive Skill Points

 

This option gives you total flexibility. While you don't get immediate defensive or offensive bonuses like with the bandit allies, you do get two points that can be allocated anywhere on the passive tree, and you can also buy Path of exile currency. This makes it the most flexible and often the "default" best choice for players who want long-term scaling.

 

Which Choice Is Best?

There's no single "always correct" answer, but there are general rules based on build archetypes and player goals. Let's look at the meta choices:

 

Best Choice for Most Builds: Kill All (2 Passive Points)

The majority of builds benefit most from taking the 2 skill points. Path of Exile's passive tree is massive, and two extra points can often make or break a build's efficiency. This option provides maximum flexibility and scales better into endgame, especially for optimized builds.

 

Best Choice for Spellcasters and Crit Builds: Help Alira

Alira is the most commonly chosen bandit to side with, especially for newer players. The elemental resistances help solve gearing problems, the mana regen helps sustain, and the crit multiplier directly boosts damage. Even some melee or hybrid builds find Alira's bonuses better than two passive points early on.

 

Niche Choice for Tanky Physical Melee: Help Oak

Oak's bonuses are good but very narrow. If you're playing a physical melee character that values both damage and tankiness (like a Juggernaut, Champion, or Slayer), Oak's reward can be solid. However, in many cases, the two passive points still outperform his bonuses.

 

Speed-Focused Builds: Help Kraityn

Kraityn is the least chosen, but not useless. His reward works well for bow builds or certain speed-farming characters who want more attack/cast/movement speed. Still, in most scenarios, two passive points give greater long-term value.

 

Tips for New Players

If unsure, kill all three.

 

Two passive points are never a bad choice, and you won't regret it.

 

Alira is the safest pick for beginners.

 

Her resistances make gearing much easier for new players who don't have Path of exile currency or gear stockpiled.

 

Plan with your endgame build in mind.

 

Check your build guide or pathing on the skill tree before making the choice.

 

Conclusion

The Deal with the Bandits quest in Path of Exile may seem like a small decision early in the game, but it's one of the most impactful long-term choices you'll make. Each bandit offers unique permanent bonuses, while Eramir's reward of two passive points gives total flexibility.

 

By understanding these rewards and considering your build's goals, you'll never feel lost in Act 2 again. Instead, you'll know exactly which choice will maximize your character's power, efficiency, and survival as you continue your journey through Wraeclast.