In Path of Exile 2, players will encounter a variety of unique and dangerous foes, each designed to challenge their build, strategy, and patience. Among the more fearsome of these enemies is Geonor the Putrid Wolf, a corrupted beast twisted by the game’s dark magic. This grotesque creature has become infamous for its intense combat phase, its chilling presence in lore, and its role in one of the more memorable side quests. Learning how to approach, fight, and survive this enemy is essential for those progressing through the mid-to-late stages of PoE 2’s brutal world.
Who is Geonor the Putrid Wolf?
Geonor the Putrid Wolf is not your typical animal encounter in Path of Exile 2. This monster is the result of vile corruption that has turned a noble alpha wolf into a bloated, decaying monstrosity. With necrotic energy coursing through its veins and a constant aura of rot surrounding its body, Geonor is both terrifying in appearance and deadly in action.
Lore Background
According to lore fragments found scattered throughout the corrupted forest region, Geonor was once the protector of a druidic circle, a majestic alpha that guarded the sacred woodlands. However, as dark forces seeped into the land, Geonor was ensnared and transformed into an agent of decay. The beast now prowls the desolate forest as a corrupted shell of its former self, devouring anything foolish enough to trespass.
Where to Find Geonor the Putrid Wolf
Geonor appears as a rare boss encounter within theWithering Hollowarea, a decayed and swamp-infested forest zone located during the third act of PoE 2. The area is filled with toxic plant life, corrupted creatures, and traps left by long-lost nature guardians who tried and failed to contain the beast.
To reach Geonor’s lair, players must:
- Complete the main objectives within Withering Hollow
- Locate three hidden runestones to open the Decay Shrine
- Use a corrupted root pathway to access the lair of the Putrid Wolf
Once inside the lair, the atmosphere shifts drastically. Fog cloaks the ground, bones litter the area, and the sounds of distant growling and wet tearing echo through the cavernous den.
Geonor Boss Fight Mechanics
The battle against Geonor the Putrid Wolf is both challenging and mechanically rich. It’s designed to test players’ movement, resistance management, and timing. The boss has multiple phases and unique abilities that must be understood and countered.
Phase One: Corrupted Lunges
- Putrid Leap: Geonor leaps toward the player, leaving a trail of toxic rot behind.
- Flesh Tear: A frontal cone slash attack that inflicts bleeding and poison.
- Rot Aura: Passive aura that reduces poison resistance by 20% in a 15-meter radius.
During this phase, keep your distance and avoid standing in the rot trails. Use movement skills like Dash or Flame Dash to evade Geonor’s charges and slashes.
Phase Two: Frenzied Mutation
At 50% health, Geonor howls, causing pustules to erupt from its back. The area becomes covered in plague spores, and new attacks are introduced:
- Plague Burst: Unleashes necrotic explosions from pustules around the battlefield.
- Rabid Swipe: A quick succession of attacks that increase in speed with each hit.
- Summon Rotling Minions: Calls forth small corrupted wolves that explode on death.
Area awareness is crucial in this phase. The battlefield becomes more chaotic, and crowd control skills can help manage the incoming Rotlings. Be sure to equip poison resistance flasks and health regeneration gear before entering the lair.
Recommended Builds and Strategies
Defeating Geonor requires preparation. Depending on your build type ranged, melee, or caster you will need to adjust your strategy accordingly.
Ranged Characters
- Keep moving in circles to avoid Plague Burst zones.
- Use high-damage projectiles like Explosive Arrow or Ice Shot.
- Equip Quicksilver Flasks for extra mobility.
Melee Characters
- Use Leap Slam or Shield Charge to close gaps quickly.
- Equip armor with poison immunity or increased ailment resistance.
- Hit-and-run tactics are preferable over face-tanking.
Spellcasters
- Cast totems or minions to distract Geonor during plague phases.
- Utilize area denial spells like Frost Wall or Flame Wall.
- Keep a minimum distance of 20 meters during Rabid Swipe.
Loot Drops and Rewards
Successfully defeating Geonor the Putrid Wolf rewards players with valuable loot, rare materials, and lore entries. The loot pool includes items exclusive to this boss, some of which are highly sought after in the trade economy of PoE 2.
Notable Drops
- Putrid Pelt (Unique Chest Armor): Increases poison duration and grants minor health regeneration when near diseased enemies.
- Fang of Geonor (Unique Claw Weapon): Adds chaos damage and gives a chance to summon Rotling on critical hit.
- Decay Core: Used in crafting to imbue gear with necrotic modifiers.
Additionally, lore hunters will unlock an entry in the Bestiary about Geonor, giving insight into the fall of the druidic circle and the forces that now control the Withering Hollow.
Tips for First-Time Challengers
First encounters with Geonor can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:
- Stock up on poison removal flasks and bring at least one flask with ailment immunity.
- Clear the arena of Rotling spawns early to avoid being overwhelmed.
- Bring a movement skill to dodge lunges and leap attacks quickly.
- If you die, respawning will force you to re-enter from the start of the lair, so take your time.
Being prepared is more important than brute strength. Learning the rhythm of the fight will help even less-optimized builds succeed against the corrupted wolf.
Why Geonor Matters in PoE 2
Beyond being a memorable fight, Geonor the Putrid Wolf reflects the central themes of Path of Exile 2: corruption, lost nobility, and the price of power. It’s not just a boss encounter it’s a story element that reinforces the tone and richness of the game’s worldbuilding. Players who engage with Geonor’s lore and challenge may find themselves more immersed in the decaying lands of Wraeclast and the fragile balance between nature and corruption.
As one of the standout mid-game bosses, Geonor the Putrid Wolf will remain a benchmark for players refining their builds and learning the deeper systems of the game. Whether you face him alone or as part of a party, the battle will leave an impression one that defines Path of Exile 2’s approach to challenging, rewarding encounters.