Path of Exile 2:How to Unlock the Well of Souls
Path of Exile 2 introduces a wealth of new systems, but one of the most intriguing is the Well of Souls. This hidden location, tied to the Abyssal League mechanics, allows players to desecrate Rare items and apply powerful, permanent modifiers-giving gear new potential at the cost of flexibility.
The Well of Souls is the core of Abyssal crafting. Here, you can use Desecrated Modifiers to transform Rare gear, permanently changing its properties. Unlike traditional crafting, once applied, these modifiers cannot be altered or removed. This permanence makes the system feel similar to corruption from Path of Exile 1 and makes the Well a critical tool for mid-game progression.
Because Abyssal mechanics appear early in Act 2, unlocking the Well quickly gives you a chance to experiment with Preserved Bones and other crafting items that can significantly upgrade your gear. Delaying this step may mean missing out on important mid-act power boosts.
Where to Find the Well of Souls
To reach the Well, you must uncover the Lightless Passage, a dungeon hidden in Act 2's Mastodon Badlands-the same area tied to the A Theft of Ivory questline.
Follow these steps:
1.Travel to Mastodon Badlands-You'll arrive here naturally while pursuing the Mastodon Tusks quest.
2.Check the Southwest Corner-The Lightless Passage usually spawns in this area. Look for a downward path framed by massive tusks.
3.Progress Through the Passage-Expect monster packs, rare enemies, and a guaranteed Rare spawn near a giant abyssal pit. You don't need to fully clear the dungeon-just press forward until you find the entrance.
4.Unlock the Well-Once discovered, the Well of Souls gains a permanent map icon, allowing access anytime with POE 2 Currency any character.
Bonus Reward
If you clear Mastodon Badlands before entering the Lightless Passage, you can interact with a unique effigy to earn an Uncut Support Gem II. This extra step makes the journey even more worthwhile.
First Visit:Meeting the Hooded One
Your first encounter at the Well introduces the Hooded One, who communicates on behalf of the abyss-dwelling Lurking Creature. After this sequence, you'll gain full access to the Desecration interface.
How Desecration Works
Crafting with the Well of Souls involves three stages:
1.Place a Desecrated Rare item in the abyssal frame.
2.Select one of three randomly generated Desecrated Modifiers.
3.Confirm your choice-locking the modifier onto the item permanently.
Desecrated items cannot be rerolled or altered by most crafting methods, so each decision carries real weight.
Preserved Bones
Desecration requires Preserved Bones, which drop from Abyssal Troves. Each type of bone applies to specific item slots:
Preserved Collarbone-Amulets, Rings, Belts
Preserved Cranium-Jewels
Preserved Jawbone-Weapons, Quivers
Preserved Rib-Armor
Preserved Vertebrae-Waystones
Once a Rare item is combined with buy POE 2 Orbs the appropriate bone, it becomes Desecrated and ready for modification.
Things to Keep in Mind
While powerful, Abyssal crafting comes with strict limitations:
Permanent Modifiers-Once applied, they cannot be changed or undone.
Restricted Crafting Options-Desecrated items function much like Corrupted items and cannot use most currency.
Timing Is Key-Wait for strong base items before committing to a modifier.
Quest Progression-The Well only becomes accessible after reaching A Theft of Ivory in Act 2. Skipping exploration may cause you to miss it.
The Well of Souls is one of Path of Exile 2 most impactful mid-game features. It offers meaningful customization with a risk-versus-reward tradeoff, echoing the corruption mechanics of the first game. Unlocking it early not only provides a steady stream of upgrades but also helps define the power curve of your build throughout Act 2 and beyond.
Stockpile Preserved Bones, plan your item bases carefully, and remember-once you commit to a Desecrated Modifier, there's no turning back.