Strategy Guide: Defeating Balbala, the Traitor in Path of Exile 2

In Path of Exile 2, Balbala the Traitor serves as a pivotal yet formidable boss. Successfully conquering her is essential for your character’s ascension, granting critical enhancements for many builds during the campaign. However, Balbala introduces several challenging mechanics that can test even seasoned players. Below, we outline effective strategies to navigate the Traitor’s Passage and emerge victorious against Balbala.

Strategies to Defeat Balbala, the Traitor in Path of Exile 2

Door Fight — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Balbala employs a variety of sweeping attacks, many of which can be evaded with timely rolls. Familiarizing yourself with her moveset is essential to progressing in the campaign. Here’s a breakdown of her primary attacks:

Key Attacks to Watch For

One of Balbala’s signature moves involves the summoning of multiple floating daggers that then target you directly. As these daggers take flight, your best strategy is to keep rolling, allowing you to evade their assault effectively. Timing is crucial, so practice your rolls to avoid taking damage.

Floating Dagger Attack — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Additionally, Balbala has a secondary attack that involves raining daggers from above. Although the damage from this attack is comparatively lower, dodging is still advisable to maintain your health. Close-range confrontations trigger her rapid dashing strikes or a combination of slashes, which showcase her nimbleness and rogue-like mechanics.

To effectively counteract these moves, it’s essential to practice and learn her patterns. However, one particular mechanic may leave players confused: Balbala’s signature disappearing act coupled with the emergence of poisonous smoke across the arena.

Understanding the Poison Mechanic

When Balbala vanishes, she releases toxic fumes that gradually fill the arena. While using a healing flask will negate the poison effect, it won’t restore your health. Instead, your goal should be to locate Balbala amid the poisonous haze because her reappearance will dispel the poison. In addition, she occasionally drops a coin with a glowing circle. Stepping on this coin results in an instant defeat, while avoiding it leads to the summoning of a Spirit of Balbala. This spirit is a manageable foe that provides an opportunity for additional damage without significantly hindering your chances of victory.

The Purpose of Balbala’s Barya in Path of Exile 2

Balbala's New Drop — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Upon defeating Balbala, players acquire Balbala’s Barya, a crucial token required to access the Trial of the Sekhemas. Although completing this trial poses an additional challenge, it ultimately rewards you with your first ascendancy, significantly enhancing your character’s capabilities.

Simply follow the objectives to return the token to Balbala, who will facilitate your entry into the Trials. If you do not succeed in the task, you can retry by speaking to her. Post completion of the Trial of the Sekhemas, bear in mind that future Ascendancy upgrades will require additional tokens, which will be consumed upon failures.

For more insights and expert tips on defeating Balbala, visit the detailed guide on Prima Games.