How to get every permanent stat bonus in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 ^[1] may have toned some things down when compared to the first game, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any difficulty. The game can feel a little challenging for players, especially those new to the genre, prompting them to want to increase their character’s stats. While things like weapons and equipment are all well and good, many players may not know that it’s also possible to get a stat bonus, that too in every single act in the game.

Today, we’re here to go through all of the permanent stat bonuses in Path of Exile 2. This includes the stat bonuses in acts one to three as well as going through other ways to get permanent stat bonuses, including changing the difficulty. 

So, without any further ado, if you want to learn how to take your character’s stats to the next level in Path of Exile 2 then keep reading because we have you covered. Of course, if you need currencies instead so you can upgrade some of the best gear and weapons in the game then look no further than Eloking’s Path of Exile 2 marketplace.

Act 1 permanent stat bonuses

Act 1 in Path of Exile 2 offers multiple opportunities to secure permanent stat bonuses essential for a player’s early development. These bonuses are tied to specific quests, bosses, and locations.

In Clearfell, players will face Beira of the Rotten Pack. Defeating this boss will grant players a +10% Cold Resistance bonus, which is incredible for mitigating cold damage early in the game. Moving to the Hunting Grounds, players will encounter a unique boss called Crowbell. Defeating Crowbell will reward players with +2 Passive Skill Points, which they can use to enhance their weapon specialization or other passive skills.

Players will confront The King in the Mist in Freythorn. Defeating this boss grants +30 Spirit, which increases the player’s skill resource pool and allows for more frequent ability usage. The Ogham Farmlands has a side quest called Find Una’s Lute. Finishing this quest by retrieving Una’s lute grants players +2 Passive Skill Points, essential for further character development.

Finally, in Ogham Manor, interacting with the Psalm of Madness allows you to confront Candlemass, the Living  Rite. Defeating him grants players a +20 Maximum Life bonus, significantly boosting their durability.

Act 2 Permanent stat bonuses

Act 2 introduces more challenging encounters and greater rewards. The permanent stat bonuses here involve obtaining relics or completing special tasks.

In Keth, you’ll battle Kabala, Constrictor Queen. Defeating her rewards you with +2 Passive Skill Points. Additionally, collecting the Kabala Clan Relic sets players up for more quests. In the Bone Pits, defeating enemies gives the Sun Clan Relic. Although this item doesn’t provide a stat bonus, it’s essential for later rewards.

Delivering the Kabala Clan Relic and Sun Clan Relic to the altar at the Valley of the Titans unlocks a choice between two permanent bonuses. Players can gain 30% increased Charm Charges or 15% increased Mana Recovery from Flasks. Players can return to the altar later to switch between these options as their build changes.

In Deshar, completing the Find the Final Letter quest for Shambrin gives players +2 Passive Skill Points, providing another valuable enhancement. The Spires of Deshar hide the Sisters of Garukha Shrine. Interacting with this shrine gives players +10% Lightning Resistance, but they must be ready for an ambush.

Act 3 permanent stat bonuses

Act 3 offers unique challenges and significant rewards, with bonuses tailored toward enhancing resistance, Spirit, and other key stats.

In the Sandswept Marsh, interacting with the Orok Campfire allows you to claim a Lesser Jeweller’s Orb, a key crafting material for socket modifications. Defeating Mighty Silverfist at the Jungle Ruins yields +2 Passive Skill Points, adding an extra layer of depth to their build.

The Azak Bog has Ignagduk, the Bog Witch. Defeating this enemy rewards players with +30 Spirit, greatly enhancing their skill resource pool for combat effectiveness. Those who get the Venom Vial and deliver it to Servi in the Venom Crypts offer users an essential choice among three permanent bonuses: 25% increased Stun Threshold, 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold, or 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate. 

At Jiquani’s Machinarium, using a Small Soul Core on a Stone Altar lets you fight Blackjaw, the Remnant. Defeating him grants +10% Fire Resistance, providing a defense boost. Finally, in The Molten Vault, after defeating Mektul, the Forgemaster unlocks the Reforging Bench, a tool that allows players to modify gear for better performance.

Cruel difficulty bonuses

Completing the campaign on Normal difficulty unlocks the Cruel difficulty, which offers permanent stat bonuses for replaying the campaign. However, enemies are tougher, necessitating better preparation. In Cruel, bosses and quests give improved resistances and additional passive skill points, with higher bonuses than Normal’s +10%. New side quests introduce exclusive rewards. Players must manage elemental resistances, as Cruel has penalties. Balancing gear and passive skills is crucial for surviving these challenges.

Key rewards in cruel difficulty:

• Advanced Passive Skill Points: Unique bosses provide essential skill points for optimizing builds in endgame scenarios.
• Resistance Bonuses: +15% Elemental Resistances and Stun Resistance are crucial for survival in harder content.
• Enhanced Resource Pools: Bonuses like +50 Spirit or increased Max Life support prolonged battles against strong bosses.
• Unique Crafting Rewards: Some quests provide valuable materials for better gear optimization

Preparation is essential in Cruel difficulty. Players should get strong flasks, create gear, and boost damage output to tackle challenges. Farming PoE 2 Currency in Normal mode supplies the resources needed for crafting or trading in Cruel, ensuring an edge.

Players can enhance their character’s power survivability in Path of Exile 2 by completing the quests and challenges tied to permanent stat bonuses.

FAQs

What are permanent stat bonuses in Path of Exile 2?

Permanent stat bonuses are enduring enhancements to a character's attributes, such as increased resistances, additional life, or extra passive skill points. These bonuses are acquired by engaging in specific in-game activities, including defeating optional bosses and completing side quests.

Are permanent stat bonuses missable, and can I obtain them later if I skip them initially?

While many permanent stat bonuses are tied to optional content, they are generally designed to be accessible throughout the game. If a player misses a bonus during their initial playthrough, they often have opportunities to obtain it later by revisiting areas or completing quests they previously skipped. However, it's advisable to pursue these bonuses when first encountered to maximize their benefits during gameplay.

Do permanent stat bonuses carry over to new characters?

No, permanent stat bonuses are character-specific. Each new character must earn these bonuses by completing the required quests, defeating bosses, or finding hidden rewards.

References

1. [1] "Official PoE 2 website". pathofexile2.com. Retrieved March 22, 2025