Path of Exile (PoE) is widely acclaimed for its deep and challenging gameplay, where every quest and encounter can test your strategic skills and character build. Among the early quests that players face in Act 1, “The Ruler of Highgate” stands out as a pivotal challenge. It combines environmental navigation, combat against multiple enemy Path of exile currency, and a mini-boss encounter that introduces mechanics you’ll encounter throughout the game. This walkthrough is designed to help you complete the quest efficiently, understand the story behind Highgate, and maximize rewards.

Quest Overview

The quest becomes available after completing previous early-game objectives, such as “Breaking Some Eggs” and “The Caged Brute.” By the time players reach Highgate, they are typically around level 6–8 and equipped with basic gear. While the Ruler is not the first boss players encounter in PoE, he serves as an early test of combat skills, resource management, and situational awareness.

Step 1: Preparation Before the Quest

Preparation is critical before attempting the Ruler of Highgate. PoE emphasizes careful planning over brute force, especially in early-game content. Before heading into Highgate:

Repair Equipment: Make sure all weapons and armor are in top condition to maximize effectiveness.

Stock Up on Flasks: Life and mana flasks are essential. Consider bringing a Quicksilver Flask if you have one to improve mobility.

Skill Setup: Ensure your active skills are optimized for either single-target or AoE damage, depending on your build.

Inventory Check: Remove unnecessary items to avoid being encumbered and ensure you can collect all loot.

Players often underestimate the importance of preparation, and rushing in without it can lead to multiple deaths. The Ruler’s minions and environmental hazards can quickly overwhelm an unprepared character.

Step 2: Traveling to Highgate

Highgate is located northeast of the Twilight Strand and Southern Forest regions. As you make your way there, pay attention to the environment, as PoE often places enemies in chokepoints to challenge movement and positioning. Travel carefully:

Avoid rushing straight through enemy clusters.

Use movement skills like Leap Slam, Flame Dash, or Dash to traverse dangerous terrain efficiently.

Pay attention to map markers and terrain cues, which often indicate the presence of the Ruler or his minions.

The journey itself is part of the challenge. Clearing monsters along the path not only grants experience but also ensures a safer approach to the boss.

Step 3: Clearing the Approach

Before facing the Ruler directly, you must clear the approach. This area contains multiple enemy types, each requiring different strategies:

Bandits: Standard melee attackers that can stun or knock back players. They are dangerous in groups.

Dark Forest Wolves: Fast-moving creatures that attack quickly and in packs, often flanking players.

Spellcasters: Ranged enemies capable of elemental damage. Prioritize them to reduce incoming damage.

For efficient clearing:

Use AoE skills to manage groups effectively.

Position yourself near choke points to prevent being surrounded.

Focus on high-damage threats first, such as spellcasters, before dealing with melee mobs.

This careful clearing ensures that when you finally reach the Ruler, you are not weakened by prior fights.

Step 4: Locating the Ruler

The Ruler of Highgate is typically found at the top of a small hill or behind a guarded area. The path is often reinforced by minions who act as a buffer against intruders. Locating the Ruler efficiently requires:

Observing enemy placement. Clusters of enemies often indicate the Ruler’s proximity.

Using the minimap to identify the boss area.

Avoiding unnecessary fights to conserve health and flasks.

Taking time to navigate carefully ensures that you enter the boss fight in optimal condition, with resources and positioning ready.

Step 5: Understanding the Ruler’s Mechanics

The Ruler of Highgate is more than a standard enemy. He has unique abilities designed to challenge new players:

Sweeping Strike: Deals heavy melee damage in an arc. Sidestepping or moving behind him avoids this attack.

Summon Minions: Calls additional enemies during combat. These minions can quickly overwhelm players if ignored.

Charge Attack: A fast, straight-line attack that knocks players back and can interrupt attacks.

Observing attack patterns before committing fully to offensive skills is essential. The first few seconds of engagement should be spent learning timing and spacing.

Step 6: Combat Strategy

Combat against the Ruler requires strategy rather than brute force. Key strategies include:

Kiting and Ranged Attacks: Ranged builds should maintain distance and use mobility skills to avoid minions.

Flask Management: Use health flasks wisely. Avoid drinking too early, but do not wait too long.

Minion Priority: Quickly eliminating minions prevents distraction and additional damage.

Positioning: For melee builds, staying to the sides or behind the boss minimizes damage from frontal attacks.

Timing is crucial. Save high-damage skills for moments when the Ruler is not defending or performing an attack. Rushing in recklessly often leads to unnecessary deaths.

Step 7: Rewards and Loot

Defeating the Ruler of Highgate provides multiple rewards that aid progression:

Experience Points: Essential for leveling early in Act 1.

Currency Items: Scrolls of Wisdom, Orbs of Transmutation, and other crafting items often drop.

Potential Skill Gems or Unique Items: While not guaranteed, these drops can significantly enhance your early build.

Loot in PoE is always valuable, and carefully collecting everything ensures your character is better prepared for subsequent encounters.

Step 8: Completing the Quest

After the Ruler is defeated:

Return to Tarkleigh to report your victory.

Collect quest rewards, which may include skill gems, currency, and experience.

Explore Highgate for optional encounters or hidden areas. PoE often rewards curiosity with extra loot and experience.

Completing this quest also sets up the next Act 1 quests, such as "The Caged Brute" or "The Siren’s Cadence," positioning your character for a smoother journey through the early game.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Many players, especially newcomers, encounter difficulties with this quest due to common errors:

Rushing Through Enemies: Leads to being overwhelmed by mobs or environmental hazards.

Ignoring Flask Usage: Flasks are a primary survival tool in PoE. Using them effectively can be the difference between victory and death.

Focusing Solely on the Boss: Minions can easily disrupt attacks and inflict additional damage.

Poor Skill Allocation: Ensure your active skills are effective for your build. Inefficient use of points can make the fight harder than necessary.

By avoiding these mistakes, players can approach the Ruler confidently and complete the quest efficiently.

Optional Challenges in Highgate

Highgate contains several optional objectives and challenges for players seeking more rewards:

Hidden Chambers: Areas concealed behind destructible walls or narrow paths, often containing valuable loot.

Elite Minibosses: Occasionally spawn near the Ruler. Defeating them provides additional XP and loot.

Efficiency Challenges: Some players attempt to clear the area and defeat the Ruler without overusing flasks, testing their skill and resource management.

Exploring these options not only makes the quest more rewarding but also helps players understand PoE’s intricate combat and exploration mechanics.

Conclusion

The Ruler of Highgate quest is a critical part of early Act 1 in Path of Exile. It challenges players to manage resources, understand enemy mechanics, and engage strategically with a mini-boss and his minions. By preparing adequately, clearing the approach carefully, and employing smart combat strategies, players can defeat the Ruler efficiently and reap valuable rewards.

Successfully completing this quest not only provides experience and loot but also equips players with the skills and knowledge needed for subsequent challenges in Wraeclast. Attention to buy POE currency, skill timing, and resource management in this quest builds a solid foundation for surviving the increasingly complex encounters that Path of Exile is famous for. Mastery of “The Ruler of Highgate” ensures a smoother, more rewarding journey through Act 1 and beyond, setting the stage for the epic adventures that lie ahead.