Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) is filled with challenging optional bosses that reward players with unique loot, quest items, and valuable experience. Among these formidable foes, the Great White One stands out as a memorable and intimidating encounter in Act 4. This shark-like monstrosity combines high mobility, devastating physical damage, and tricky mechanics that test even seasoned exiles.

Whether you're a newcomer exploring Wraeclast for the first time or a veteran seeking to Poe 2 trade optimize your boss-fighting strategy, this guide will walk you through everything you need to locate, prepare for, and defeat the Great White One efficiently.

1. Locating the Great White One: Where to Find the Boss

The Great White One is an optional boss, meaning it is not required to complete the main campaign. However, it is highly recommended for players looking to collect quest items and challenge their combat skills.

You will find this boss on Wha Kapanu Island in Act 4, specifically in a designated area called the Shark Pit. PoE 2's procedurally generated maps mean the exact location of the Shark Pit can vary between playthroughs, but it is always near water with rocky surroundings that mark a shallow, circular pit.

To trigger the fight, approach the water's edge in the Shark Pit. Unlike regular enemies, the Great White One does not spawn immediately-instead, it will emerge dramatically from the sand or water once you get close enough. Be cautious: leaving the area prematurely can cause the boss to despawn, forcing you to restart the encounter.

2. Boss Overview: Key Traits and Mechanics

The Great White One is a land-adapted shark with limbs, blending the ferocity of a marine predator with the mobility to hunt on land. Its design is built to challenge players both mechanically and strategically, with a mix of high damage, mobility, and area-denial abilities.

2.1 Damage Types and Weaknesses

The boss primarily deals physical damage, with additional cold damage and bleed effects in later phases of the fight. Its resistances are strongest against physical and cold damage, making these damage types less effective.

The Great White One's biggest weakness is lightning damage. If your build allows, swapping to lightning-based skills or support gems will significantly increase your damage output and shorten the fight.

2.2 Core Mechanics and Debuffs

One of the boss's unique mechanics is the "Prey" debuff. When hit by its melee attacks, you will be marked with this debuff, causing the Great White One to target you more aggressively-especially when it burrows underground.

The boss also has a high mobility rate, able to burrow through sand and close gaps rapidly. This makes positioning and constant movement critical to avoiding its attacks.

3. Major Attacks to Watch For (And How to Dodge Them)

While the Great White One has basic melee swipes and lunges, its most dangerous abilities are area-of-effect (AoE) attacks that can quickly drain your health if not dodged properly. Here are the key attacks to anticipate:

3.1 Sand Maelstrom

When the boss burrows underground and begins spinning, it creates a Sand Maelstrom-a wide circular area of quicksand that drastically slows your movement speed. This is often followed by a leap attack, making it even more dangerous.

To dodge: As soon as you see the boss dive underground and spin, disengage immediately. Move to the edge of the arena and wait for it to resurface before re-engaging.

3.2 Piranha Puddles

As the fight progresses, the Great White One will summon Piranha Puddles-pools of water filled with vicious fish that deal continuous physical damage over time. These puddles accumulate throughout the fight, limiting your safe movement space.

To dodge: Always keep an eye on the ground. Avoid standing in any water pools, and reposition frequently to stay in areas clear of puddles. This becomes especially important in the later stages of the fight.

3.3 Tail Spins and Lunges

The boss will occasionally perform a tail spin that hits all enemies in a wide arc around it. It also uses lunges to close gaps quickly, dealing heavy damage to anyone caught in its path.

To dodge: Watch for the boss's animation-its body will tense up before a tail spin or lunge. Roll sideways to avoid the tail spin, and back away or roll backward to buy POE 2 Divine Orbs dodge the lunge.

3.4 Sand Tornadoes

At around 85% health, the Great White One will begin summoning random sand tornadoes that scatter additional Piranha Puddles across the arena. These tornadoes deal light damage but further restrict your movement.

To dodge: Keep moving and avoid standing near tornadoes. Focus on staying in open areas where you can easily dodge both the tornadoes and the boss's main attacks.