How to Beat The Executioner in Path of Exile 2

If you're diving into Path of Exile 2, one of the first major roadblocks you'll face is The Executioner, a brutal, towering foe that tests your ability to dodge, manage adds, and stay cool under pressure. Found early in Act One, this boss isn't just a test of strength but also an early lesson in patience and positioning. Whether you're playing solo or in a group, understanding his attack patterns and knowing when to strike can make the difference between victory and a quick trip back to town.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to beat The Executioner in Path of Exile 2, from where to find him to the best strategies for surviving his relentless onslaught. We'll also touch on how fights like this can affect your early-game resource management.

Where to Find The Executioner in Path of Exile 2

You'll encounter The Executioner during Act One, when your journey takes you to Ogham Village as part of The Trail of Corruption questline. Your mission here is to track down the Count, and your investigation will eventually lead you into a grim area known as the Courtyard of Death.

The name is no exaggeration, this open, blood-soaked courtyard is littered with grisly trophies from The Executioner's work. At the center of it all sits his massive chopping block, surrounded by piles of human heads and ominous signs of ritual slaughter. Once you step into this courtyard, there's no turning back. The Executioner will immediately begin his deadly performance.

The Executioner's Fighting Style and Attacks

The Executioner is exactly what his name implies: a hulking brute wielding a massive axe, built to deal devastating physical damage. His movements are slow but deliberate, and his attack animations have long, telegraphed wind-ups. Don't be fooled by his sluggish pace, one clean hit can nearly wipe you out.

Here are the key attacks to watch for:

Guillotine Slam: His signature move. The Executioner raises his axe high before bringing it down with tremendous force. If you're caught in the center of this attack, it can easily one-shot most early-game characters. Watch for the clear animation cue and dodge away at all costs.

Sweeping Cleave: A wide, arcing swing that can hit multiple targets. Stay at medium range or circle around his back to avoid the brunt of it.

Ground Shockwave: Occasionally, he'll stomp or slam the ground to send out a small shockwave. This isn't as lethal but can interrupt casting or stagger you long enough for him to follow up.

The key to survival is recognizing these patterns early and using your mobility to stay clear. If you're playing a ranged or spellcasting class, kite him around the courtyard while peppering him with damage between his swings. Melee players will need to rely on precision dodging and hit-and-run tactics.

Managing Adds During the Fight

The Executioner doesn't fight alone. Throughout the encounter, he'll summon waves of reinforcements, smaller enemies that rush in from the edges of the courtyard. These adds can quickly overwhelm you if ignored, especially if you're busy dodging his attacks.

The best strategy is to pull The Executioner toward the courtyard entrance, then sprint back to the chopping block area where the mobs tend to cluster. This will create distance between you and the boss, letting you focus on clearing out the reinforcements first. Once they're gone, turn your attention back to The Executioner. Repeat this pattern each time new enemies appear.

If you've invested your POE 2 Currency wisely, now's the time to take advantage of upgraded gear and skills. Faster attack speed, improved movement abilities, and even minor armor or life upgrades can drastically improve your odds in this prolonged fight.

Recommended Gear and Preparation

Even though The Executioner appears early in the game, he's one of the toughest Act One bosses. Proper preparation can make the fight far easier. Here's what to consider before entering the Courtyard of Death:

Bring a Movement Skill: Dash, Blink Arrow, or Flame Dash can help you dodge his guillotine and reposition quickly.

Stack Life or Energy Shield: His hits are heavy, even a small life buffer can mean the difference between survival and death.

Carry Flasks Strategically: Have both life and mana flasks ready. If possible, roll a flask with increased recovery speed.

Upgrade Weapons Early: Spend some of your POE 2 Currency to upgrade your weapon before this encounter. The extra damage helps you burn through his adds faster and end the fight sooner.

Players using elemental builds should take advantage of any damage-over-time effects like Ignite, Poison, or Bleed to keep steady pressure on the boss while dodging.

The Executioner's Rewards

Unfortunately, The Executioner doesn't have any unique or guaranteed loot. His drops are standard randomized gear and POE 2 Currency, such as orbs, scrolls, or crafting POE 2 items, depending on your luck and difficulty level. However, defeating him is the key to progressing through Act One. Once he's down, the path opens toward the Manor, where you'll bring the act to its dramatic conclusion.

Don't underestimate the long-term benefits of these early fights. The loot and POE 2 Currency you gather here will set the foundation for future crafting and gear improvements, especially as the game's economy evolves in early access and post-launch updates.

Final Tips

Stay mobile: Never stay in front of him for too long. His cleaves and guillotine can kill you instantly.

Watch for animation cues: Every attack has a clear wind-up, learn them, and you'll rarely get hit.

Control the battlefield: Keep adds away from the boss to avoid being trapped.

Use your POE 2 Currency wisely: Investing in survivability and mobility early pays off far more than pure damage at this stage.

The Executioner in Path of Exile 2 is more than just a boss, he's a crash course in the game's combat fundamentals. Timing, positioning, and resource management all come together in this brutal encounter. Whether you're farming for loot or just trying to survive Act One, remember that the right preparation and smart use of your POE 2 Currency can turn a near-impossible fight into a rewarding victory.

Defeat him, and you'll not only unlock the next chapter of your adventure, you'll prove that you're ready for everything Wraeclast has to throw at you.

MMOexp POE 2 Team