Key Takeaways:

1. Understand the Phases: Count Geonor’s fight consists of three phases, each with unique mechanics.
2. Perfect Dodging: Timing is critical; improper dodges will lead to devastating hits.
3. Manage Adds and Use Upgrades: Eliminate wolves for survival and boost your gear for added DPS and defense.

Path of Exile 2 introduces one of its most challenging early bosses with Count Geonor, the final boss of Act 1. Many players find this fight frustrating, with its multiple phases and brutal attacks. Count Geonor serves as a skill check, testing players’ understanding of dodging, positioning, and proper resource management. But don’t worry you can beat him. This guide will walk you through each phase of the fight, the dangerous abilities, and the best strategies to overcome Geonor and his Putrid Wolf form.

Who Is Count Geonor in Path of Exile 2?

Count Geonor, also known as The Putrid Wolf, is a central antagonist in Act 1. He transforms from a sword-wielding human into a ferocious, corrupted wolf, gaining devastating ice attacks, summoning deadly wolves, and using destructive beams.

The fight is divided into three phases:

1. Human Form: Geonor uses predictable sword attacks and ice abilities.
2. Wolf Form: He transforms, regenerates HP, and gains new ice-based skills.
3. Enraged Wolf Form: At low health, Geonor becomes more aggressive, blending attacks and summoning red beams.

Each phase ramps up the difficulty, requiring precise dodging and tactical awareness.

Phase 1: Human Form – Master the Basics

Geonor’s Human Form Abilities

At the start, Count Geonor will appear in his human form, wielding a massive greatsword. His attacks are predictable but hit hard, especially if you fail to dodge.

Key Attacks to Watch For:

1. Sword Combo
   • Geonor swings his sword seven times in front of him.
   • How to Avoid: Stay mobile and sidestep out of melee range.
2. Sword Thrust
   • A fast, forward thrust that sends a wind slash at you.
   • How to Avoid: Move to the side as soon as he lines up the attack.
3. Sword Charge
   • Geonor dashes forward in a straight line.
   • How to Avoid: Dodge to the side. If you stay directly in front, you’ll get impaled.
4. Sword Ice Wall
   • Geonor traps you in ice walls and slams his sword down for AoE damage.
   • How to Avoid: Break the ice walls quickly and move out of the slam’s radius.
5. Wolf Summons
   • He summons wolves while temporarily transforming into his wolf form.
   • How to Avoid: Use AoE skills to kill the wolves quickly.
6. Red Blood Slam
   • Geonor transforms into mist, reappears, and smashes the ground.
   • How to Avoid: Move to the edge of the red circle and dodge roll at the last second.

Strategy for Phase 1

• Stay mobile: Don’t get greedy with damage; Geonor’s combos can punish reckless play.
• Save resources: Keep your health and mana flasks for later phases.
• Watch for Red Blood Slam: It’s the hardest attack to dodge. Move early and time your dodge precisely.

If you have decent DPS, you can finish this phase in under a minute. Just stay calm, play defensively, and capitalize on openings between his attacks.

Phase 2: Wolf Form – New Mechanics and Frost Chaos

Once Geonor drops to around 40-50% HP, he will start a dramatic transformation into The Putrid Wolf. His health is fully restored, and his attacks become far more dangerous.

Geonor’s Wolf Form Abilities

1. Icicle Breath
   • A thin cone of frost breath that deals low damage and slows you down.
   • How to Avoid: Move out of the cone’s direction.
2. Ice Spikes
   • Geonor stabs his sword into the ground, creating frost circles that erupt into ice spikes.
   • How to Avoid: Stand on an unaffected spot. The safest area is far from Geonor.
3. Ice Mist
   • A snowy fog blankets the arena, and Geonor summons wolves while lunging at you.
   • How to Avoid: Eliminate the wolves quickly, and dodge Geonor’s lunges after his voice lines.
4. Requiem on High
   • Geonor summons icy beams from the sky, which deal AoE damage.
   • How to Avoid: Watch for beam indicators on the ground and stay mobile.

Strategy for Phase 2

• Focus on wolves: Killing the summoned wolves will refill your health and mana flasks. Use AoE attacks to clear them efficiently.
• Avoid Ice Spikes: Position yourself far away from Geonor or on unaffected ground.
• Listen to voice cues: During Ice Mist, Geonor lunges at you after reciting lines. Turn up your game volume and dodge immediately after he speaks.
• Save dodge rolls: You’ll need to dodge lunges, beams, and AoE frost attacks. Always keep stamina available for key moments.

If you handle the wolves and time your dodges, this phase becomes manageable. Take advantage of safe openings to deal damage.

Phase 3: Enraged Wolf Form – The Final Challenge

Once Geonor drops to 25% HP, he becomes enraged, significantly increasing his aggression and blending attacks together. His Requiem on High now summons red beams that deal more damage, and these beams appear unpredictably alongside his other attacks.

Geonor’s Enraged Abilities

1. Red and Black Beams
   • Upgraded version of Requiem on High, summoning deadly beams of red light.
   • How to Avoid: Keep moving and dodge out of AoE markers quickly.
2. Combined Attacks
   • Geonor mixes his lunges, wolves, and beams, creating overwhelming chaos.

Strategy for Phase 3

• Stay calm and focus: Avoid panicking despite the chaos. Prioritize dodging beams and lunges over dealing damage.
• Play defensively: Geonor’s attacks are relentless, so prioritize survival. Use any openings to strike safely.
• Culling skills: If you have a skill that triggers on low-health enemies (like a “Culling Strike”), use it to finish Geonor quickly once his health drops below 10%.

General Tips to Defeat Count Geonor

1. Upgrade Your Gear: Don’t hesitate to trade or buy better weapons and armor. Even minor improvements can make a huge difference.
2. Bring Flasks: Ensure your health and mana flasks are upgraded. A life flask with instant recovery can save you during the chaotic phases.
3. Learn the Voice Cues: Geonor’s lunges are telegraphed by his lines. Listening for them gives you the perfect dodge timing.
4. Stay Mobile: Standing still will get you killed. Always keep moving to avoid beams, lunges, and frost attacks.
5. Clear Adds: Summoned wolves are both a threat and an opportunity to refill flasks. Kill them promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why does Geonor regain all his HP in Phase 2?
A: Geonor fully heals during his transformation into The Putrid Wolf. This is part of the fight’s design and cannot be avoided.

Q: How do I dodge Red Blood Slam effectively?
A: Move to the edge of the red circle and time your dodge roll just as Geonor is about to land. Dodging too early or late will result in taking massive damage.

Q: What’s the best class for defeating Count Geonor?
A: Any class can beat Geonor, but ranged and hybrid classes often have an easier time due to their ability to dodge while attacking from a distance.

Q: How do I deal with summoned wolves?
A: Use AoE skills or abilities to clear wolves quickly. Killing them also restores health and mana flasks, which is crucial for surviving the later phases.