Grinding Gear Games has built Path of Exile 2 around bosses that demand more than raw damage—they test awareness, positioning, and adaptability. One of the standout challenges in Act Four is Captain Hartlin, a tragic figure bound to the seas and cursed into undeath.

Hartlin appears during the Dark Mists questline. Freya Hartlin sends you searching for her missing son in the fog-drenched waters of Kedge Bay. Unfortunately, by the time you reach Journey Edge, it's too late—he has been twisted into a grotesque abomination, his body merged with rusted anchors, nautical relics, and spectral weaponry.

This fight is more than just another boss battle. It serves as both a dramatic narrative moment and a major difficulty spike that tests whether your build is ready for midgame.

The Battlefield

Journey Edge provides an open arena, giving Hartlin the freedom to unleash sweeping AoE attacks. Positioning is critical—standing still for too long will get you punished.

Melee builds struggle against his high physical resistance, forcing you to rely on armor-piercing skills or well-geared weapons.

Spellcasters fare better, since Hartlin's defenses against elemental damage are weaker. Fire, lightning, or chaos magic can cut through him far faster than brute force.

Upgrading gems, refining gear, or investing POE 2 Currency to perfect your build can make the difference between victory and a quick death.

The Wheel Mechanic

The fight's signature feature is the captain's wheel chained around Hartlin's neck. The top skull glows one of three colors, each tied to a special attack. Periodically, the wheel spins, shifting his ability set.

Purple – Skeleton Swarm

Hartlin summons a dozen undead sailors. They're weak alone but overwhelming in groups. AoE and crowd-control skills shine here.

Green – Anchor Drop

A giant anchor crashes from above, dealing massive AoE damage in the center. The cast leaves Hartlin briefly exposed, giving melee players a chance to punish him.

Blue – Spectral Orbs

Waves of tracking orbs drift toward you. Each orb hits moderately, but together they create a deadly storm. Staying mobile is the only answer.

In his later stages, Hartlin layers these abilities with cannonfire barrages, turning the arena into chaos. Surviving this onslaught means the fight is nearly won.

Strategy Tips

Prioritize Spell Damage – Magic bypasses his physical defenses for much faster kills.

Clear Minions Fast – Don't let skeletons pile up; AoE tools prevent them from overwhelming you.

Capitalize on Anchor Drop – After the Green cast, unload your strongest abilities while Hartlin is open.

Keep Moving – Constant strafing makes avoiding anchors, orbs, and swings far easier.

Save Mobility Skills – Dashes or blinks are lifesavers during the cannon barrage finale.

Rewards

Defeating Hartlin doesn't unlock a unique exclusive, but he always drops:

Verisium, required for Dark Mists progression.

Rare gear with valuable modifiers.

Currency items to help stock up before the next act.

While his loot isn't game-changing, his guaranteed quest reward makes him a required—and satisfying—kill.

Why This Fight Matters

Captain Hartlin is a teaching boss designed to prepare you for tougher midgame encounters:

His wheel mechanic forces you to read color-coded telegraphs.

His skeleton summons test your crowd control.

His cannon phase pushes your ability to survive arena-wide hazards.Unlock endless possibilities with the power of POE2 Currency for sale purchased with MMOexp!

He's not the flashiest or most complex boss in Path of Exile 2, but his mix of heavy armor, unpredictable rotations, and narrative weight make him a memorable turning point in Act Four. Defeating him proves that both you and your build are ready for the escalating brutality to come.