Path of Exile 2: The Bloated Miller Boss Guide

The Bloated Miller is the first major boss encounter players face in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), introducing both the intensity and tactical depth that define the game's combat system. This hulking Exomyte monstrosity stands between you and the Clearfell Encampment, acting as a brutal gatekeeper to your first taste of civilization in Wraeclast's grim sequel. Whether you're new to the franchise or a returning exile, understanding this fight is key to mastering the game's early mechanics.

Where to Find the Bloated Miller

You'll encounter the Bloated Miller at the end of the Riverbanks area, which serves as your starting zone in Path of Exile 2. The area itself teaches you the fundamentals of combat, resource management, and movement before culminating in this boss showdown. Once you reach the end of the zone, you'll find the Bloated Miller blocking the bridge that leads to Clearfell Encampment, the first major settlement in the campaign.

Defeating him completes the quest "Mercy for the Miller," your introduction to PoE 2's new quest and reward structure. This milestone not only opens the gates to the encampment but also solidifies your understanding of the sequel's new combat systems.

The Bloated Miller's Moveset

The Bloated Miller is less about raw damage output and more about timing, positioning, and resource awareness, three cornerstones of PoE 2's redesigned combat flow. The developers have emphasized player mobility this time around, and this encounter encourages mastery of the new dodge roll and block mechanics right from the start.

Here's what you need to look out for:

1. Quake Attack

The Bloated Miller raises his enormous club-like arm and slams the ground, sending a shockwave straight forward. The attack travels in a line, so your best counter is to dodge to the side. The tell is fairly clear: he pauses for half a second before the slam. Once you recognize that wind-up animation, roll to safety, then strike from the side or back.

2. Charge and Uppercut

After a guttural grunt, the Bloated Miller locks onto your position and charges forward. If you're caught standing still, this can quickly end your fight. When you see the charge animation begin, move laterally or use your dodge roll to avoid his rush. As he closes the distance, he ends the charge with a devastating uppercut slash that can take out a huge portion of your health. The key here is patience, bait his charge, sidestep, then counterattack during his recovery animation.

Both attacks are designed to test your reaction time. They're predictable once you've seen them a few times, but in the chaos of battle, especially when his minions appear, it's easy to mistime a roll or lose track of spacing.

Phase Two: Minions and Momentum

At around half health, the Bloated Miller begins summoning Exomyte thralls, grotesque, partially decomposed minions that swarm you in groups of two or three. They're weak individually, but they can quickly overwhelm you if ignored.

Your strategy should be to prioritize clearing these adds before focusing back on the boss. If even one minion lingers when the next wave appears, you risk losing control of the fight. Area-of-effect (AoE) skills or fast-cleaving weapons can make this phase far more manageable.

Once you've handled the minions, resume your focus on dodging the Miller's slow, heavy attacks. Keeping mobile and circling him counterclockwise gives you the most reaction time to avoid both Quake and Charge attacks.

Combat Tips and Recommended Setup

Stay Mobile: Constantly move and roll, standing still is a death sentence.

Use the New Block Mechanic: If your timing is precise, blocking can mitigate heavy damage.

Manage Stamina: Don't overuse dodge rolls; running out of stamina leaves you exposed.

Experiment with Early Gems: Try slotting your first Skill Gems to add elemental or ranged options, even a basic projectile can give you breathing room.

Learn the Arena Layout: Use obstacles to reposition and line-of-sight minions when needed.

This battle is intentionally crafted to teach you how Path of Exile 2 differs from its predecessor. Unlike the original game's more static combat, PoE 2 rewards fluid movement and defensive mastery.

Rewards

Once you bring down the Bloated Miller, you'll receive a small but meaningful loot drop. Expect:

A handful of Magic (Blue) Items

Some Gold

A quest completion reward from Mercy for the Miller: a Level 1 Uncut Skill Gem

While the immediate loot isn't spectacular, it's the first step toward earning valuable POE 2 Currency, the backbone of progression in Path of Exile 2. As you continue your journey, you'll use this currency to trade for equipment, upgrade skill gems, and craft more powerful gear. Even minor drops at this stage help you learn how the economy flows in PoE 2's new world.

Final Thoughts

The Bloated Miller is more than just an introductory boss, he's a tutorial in disguise, teaching you the importance of timing, movement, and stamina management. Mastering this fight sets the tone for everything that follows.

With every roll, parry, and counterstrike, you'll start to feel the rhythm of Path of Exile 2's more deliberate, visceral combat. And when you finally see him collapse in defeat, surrounded by loot and shimmering POE 2 Currency, you'll know you've earned your first true victory as an exile.

MMOexp POE 2 Team