Path of Exile 2: Who Is the Hooded One
Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) continues to build on the deep and intricate lore of Wraeclast, introducing players to a host of unique NPCs who play vital roles in the story. One of the most mysterious and intriguing characters is the Hooded One, an enigmatic figure who appears early in the game and remains a constant presence throughout your journey. But who is the Hooded One, and what is their significance in PoE 2's overarching narrative?
In this guide, we'll dive deep into the Hooded One's origins, how they're encountered, their role in the story, and why this NPC is vital to both gameplay and lore.
When Do You First Meet the Hooded One
Your journey with the Hooded One begins fairly early in Act One of Path of Exile 2. To encounter this mysterious figure, players must complete two pivotal quests: Sorrow Among Stones and The Mysterious Shade.
These quests will lead you to the Cemetery of the Eternals, a haunting and ominous location where you'll face two formidable bosses, Asina and Draven. Once these foes are defeated, the next step of the questline brings you back to the Clearfell Encampment, where the Hooded One is revived in a chilling and dramatic sequence overseen by Una.
After their revival, the Hooded One becomes a recurring character, appearing in every town across the acts. Functionally, this NPC offers two essential services:
Free Item Identification: While identifying items yourself requires Scrolls of Wisdom, the Hooded One provides this service at no cost. This is particularly useful if you're managing a large stash of unidentified gear and running low on scrolls.
Skill Point Respecs: The Hooded One allows players to respec skill points at the cost of gold, a crucial type of Path of Exile 2 currency. This mechanic gives players flexibility in adapting their builds without restarting entirely.
Who is the Hooded One
As the story progresses, it's revealed that the Hooded One is none other than Sin, a pivotal god from the original Path of Exile. While players new to the series may not recognize the name, veterans will remember Sin as a central figure introduced in Act Five of the first game.
In the original Path of Exile, Sin's lore is deeply tied to his sibling, Innocence, creating a complex narrative of rivalry, betrayal, and divine ambition. The brothers were born with distinct characteristics: Sin, with "the clearest blue eyes," and Innocence, with "burning red eyes." True to their names, Innocence was perceived as virtuous, while Sin was labeled as deceitful.
The Tragic Tale of Sin and Innocence
According to the lore revealed in the Chamber of Innocence in PoE 1, Innocence discovered Sin stealing and accused him of evil. Their mother's reaction was horrifying—she condemned Sin to be burned at the stake. However, Sin's death was not the end. Instead, the ashes of his body corrupted the people of the town, unleashing chaos and despair.
But how accurate is this tale? The lore presented in the Chamber of Innocence paints Innocence as a righteous figure and Sin as a corrupting force. However, this narrative is likely skewed—history, after all, is written by the victors.
In reality, Innocence's rise to godhood was not an act of purity but one of manipulation and deceit. Early in his journey, Innocence may have been humble, but he became increasingly ruthless, using lies and fear to gain followers. He framed Sin as the "Original Evil," a malevolent being that had to be destroyed, further cementing his own divinity.
Despite these actions, Innocence succeeded in achieving godhood, and his story intertwines with Sin's in fascinating and morally ambiguous ways.
What Role Does Sin (the Hooded One) Play in PoE 2
The Hooded One's return as Sin ties directly to the narrative threads left unresolved in the original game. While Innocence sought divinity at any cost, Sin's story was one of rebellion and redemption.
In PoE 2, the Hooded One provides key lore insights and practical gameplay support. By identifying items for free and offering respecs for gold, the Hooded One simplifies critical mechanics, ensuring players can efficiently manage their inventory and builds. These services are invaluable, especially for players looking to make the most of their POE 2 Currency.
Gold, a new addition to Path of Exile 2, becomes an essential resource for trading, crafting, and enhancing your character. Leveraging the Hooded One's services wisely ensures that your hard-earned currency is used strategically.
Sin's Legacy in PoE 2
As you progress through PoE 2, Sin's identity as the Hooded One adds layers of depth to the game's lore. Much like in the original game, Sin's presence serves as a reminder that the history of Wraeclast is not black-and-white. The dichotomy between Sin and Innocence challenges players to question the morality of the gods they encounter and the true cost of divinity.
Maximizing POE 2 Currency with the Hooded One
Here's how you can use the Hooded One to make the most of your POE 2 Currency:
Save Scrolls of Wisdom: Take advantage of free item identification to conserve your Scrolls of Wisdom for moments when you're away from town.
Respec Strategically: Use gold wisely to respec skill points, especially when experimenting with new builds or adapting to tougher challenges.
Invest in Upgrades: With gold saved from respec costs, invest in crafting materials or trade with NPCs to enhance your gear.
Conclusion
The Hooded One is more than just an NPC in Path of Exile 2—he's a gateway to understanding the rich lore of Wraeclast while providing players with essential gameplay mechanics. By revealing Sin's identity and backstory, PoE 2 deepens the series' narrative and creates a compelling connection between the past and present.
As you journey through PoE 2, don't overlook the Hooded One's significance, both as a god of Wraeclast and as a resource for optimizing your POE 2 Currency. After all, in a world as complex as Wraeclast, every advantage counts.
MMOexp POE 2 Team