Path of Exile 2: How to Get the Headhunter Heavy Belt

The Headhunter Heavy Belt is a legendary item in Path of Exile 2 that has carried its mystique and desirability from the original game. Though its impact has been toned down compared to its predecessor, it remains an S-tier item for specific builds, particularly for those designed to clear hordes of enemies in Breach or similar content. With its unique ability to steal modifiers from defeated rare monsters, Headhunter is a game-changer for the right player.

Acquiring this coveted belt, however, is no easy feat. With its staggeringly low drop rate and high value in the player-driven economy, obtaining a Headhunter is a badge of honor in the Path of Exile 2 community. This guide will walk you through the ways to get the Headhunter Heavy Belt, and its mechanics.

How to Get the Headhunter Heavy Belt

Headhunter Heavy Belt belongs to an elite group of unique items in Path of Exile 2 that can drop from virtually any source in the game. Whether you're progressing through the campaign, mapping, or defeating bosses, there's always a slim chance of finding it. However, this chance is astronomically low, making Headhunter one of the rarest items in the game.

Here are the three primary methods to obtain Headhunter:

    Random Drop from Mobs or Chests

    Headhunter can drop from any mob, chest, or other loot source in Path of Exile 2. Unfortunately, this method is entirely reliant on RNG (random number generation), and the drop rate is so minuscule that it's impractical to farm specifically for Headhunter. The best way to maximize your chances is by stacking the "increased rarity of items found" stat on your gear and focusing on high-density content like Breach, Legion, or Delirium encounters.

    Using an Orb of Chance on a Heavy Belt

    An Orb of Chance is one of the most efficient ways to attempt to obtain Headhunter. This currency item allows players to gamble by upgrading a normal (white) item into a random rarity—magic, rare, or unique. To use an Orb of Chance for Headhunter, you'll need:

        A Normal Rarity Heavy Belt (white base item).

        One or more Orbs of Chance.

    Right-click the Orb of Chance and then click on the Heavy Belt to take the gamble. While this method is still highly RNG-dependent, it's more targeted than farming random drops. Headhunter, alongside a few other high-value uniques like Astramentis and Polcirkeln, is one of the best items obtainable via this approach.

    Trade with Other Players

    For many players, trading is the most practical way to acquire a Headhunter. By accumulating enough POE 2 Currency—such as Chaos Orbs, Divine Orbs, or other tradeable assets—you can purchase the belt from another player. This method allows you to bypass the grind entirely, though it requires significant wealth.

What Makes Headhunter Special

The Headhunter Heavy Belt's defining mechanic is its ability to steal modifiers from rare monsters you defeat. When equipped, the belt temporarily grants your character the special abilities to slay rare enemies for 20 seconds. These modifiers can include boosts to damage, resistances, movement speed, and even unique mechanics like ground effects or auras.

This ability allows players to snowball their power as they defeat more rare monsters in quick succession. It's particularly potent in high-density encounters like Breach, where waves of rare enemies provide an endless supply of modifiers to steal.

Is Headhunter Still as Powerful in PoE 2

While Headhunter remains a highly coveted item in Path of Exile 2, its effectiveness has been adjusted to better balance the game. In PoE 1, Headhunter was so overpowered that it could trivialize entire maps, turning players into walking gods. In PoE 2, the stolen modifiers are less impactful and their duration shorter, making the belt less universally desirable.

Despite this, Headhunter is still an excellent choice for specific builds, particularly those with high mobility and a focus on clearing maps quickly. Builds like Blink Autobomber, Gemling Stacker, and Flicker Strike Monk can leverage Headhunter's power to wreak havoc in Tier 16+ maps, especially in content with a high density of rare monsters.

However, for many builds, newer options like the Ingenuity Utility Belt offer more consistent benefits. Players should evaluate their build and playstyle before committing to Headhunter.

Conclusion

The Headhunter Heavy Belt remains an iconic item in Path of Exile 2, beloved by players for its unique mechanics and game-changing potential. Whether you're gambling with an Orb of Chance, grinding mobs for a lucky drop, or farming POE 2 Currency to purchase it outright, obtaining a Headhunter is an accomplishment worth celebrating. While its power has been tempered in PoE 2, it still shines in the hands of skilled players who know how to unleash its full potential.

MMOexp POE 2 Team