Path of Exile 2 Permanent and Cruel Bonuses: Complete Guide for Acts 1-3
Key Takeaways:
- Permanent and Cruel bonuses significantly influence your character’s progression and end-game potential in Path of Exile 2.
- Completing specific tasks, side quests, and defeating bosses in each act unlocks powerful bonuses that improve resistances, passive skill points, and survivability.
- Missing any bonus can hinder your character’s efficiency, especially in the challenging Cruel difficulty introduced post-Act 3.
In Path of Exile 2, reaching the end game requires mastering its intricate systems, including permanent bonuses. These rewards, unlocked through quests and boss battles, provide passive boosts like increased resistance, life, and skill points. Failing to claim these bonuses may leave your character underpowered, especially when transitioning into the Cruel difficulty after Act 3.
Cruel difficulty challenges you to replay Acts 1-3 but with tougher enemies and enhanced rewards. While the tasks and challenges remain the same, the heightened difficulty demands stronger builds and optimized rewards.
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of all permanent and Cruel bonuses for Acts 1, 2, and 3.
Act 1: Permanent and Cruel Bonuses
Act 1 Permanent Bonuses
Maximizing Act 1 bonuses ensures a smooth progression. Here’s what you can earn:
| Bonus | Location | Task |
| +10% Cold Resistance | Clearfell | Defeat Beira of the Rotten Pack. |
| +2 Weapon Set Skill Points | Hunting Grounds | Eliminate the hidden boss Crowbell. |
| +30 Spirit | Freythorn | Complete rituals to summon and defeat King in the Mist. |
| +2 Weapon Set Skill Points | Ogham Farmlands | Complete the “Find a Lost Lute” quest and return it to Una. |
| +20 Maximum Life | Ogham Manor | Defeat Candlemass, The Living Rite. |
Act 1 Cruel Bonuses
Once in Cruel difficulty, you’ll revisit Act 1 with greater stakes.
| Bonus | Location | Task |
| +10% Cold Resistance | Clearfell | Defeat Beira of the Rotten Pack again. |
| +2 Passive Skill Points | Hunting Grounds | Defeat Crowbell once more. |
| +2 Passive Skill Points | Ogham Farmlands | Return the lute to Una in Clearfell Encampment. |
| +8% Maximum Life | Ogham Manor | Activate Psalm of Madness and defeat Candlemass, The Living Rite. |
Act 2: Permanent and Cruel Bonuses
Act 2 Permanent Bonuses
Act 2 rewards focus on charm charges, flask recovery, and elemental resistance.
| Bonus | Location | Task |
| +2 Weapon Set Skill Points | Keth | Defeat Kabala Constrictor Queen. |
| Choose One: | Keth | Locate the Kabala Clan Relic and Sun Clan Relic, place them on the altar. |
| – 30% Increased Charm Charge Gain | ||
| – 15% Increased Life Recovery from Flasks | ||
| +2 Weapon Set Skill Points | Deshar | Complete “Final Letter” quest for Shambrin NPC. |
| +10% Lightning Resistance | Spires of Deshar | Activate the Sisters of Garukhan Shrine. |
Act 2 Cruel Bonuses
Enhanced rewards await in Cruel difficulty for Act 2 tasks.
| Bonus | Location | Task |
| +2 Passive Skill Points | Keth | Defeat Kabala, Constrictor Queen again. |
| Choose One: | Keth | Place relics on the Valley of the Titans altar to choose from the same bonuses. |
| +2 Passive Skill Points | Deshar | Finish “Final Letter” quest for Shambrin again. |
| +10% Lightning Resistance | Spires of Deshar | Activate the Sister of Garukhan Shrine. |
Act 3: Permanent and Cruel Bonuses
Act 3 Permanent Bonuses
The final act provides powerful boosts for end-game preparation.
| Bonus | Location | Task |
| +2 Weapon Set Skill Points | Jungle Ruins | Defeat Mighty Silverfist. |
| +30 Spirit | The Azak Bog | Defeat Ignagduk, The Bog Witch. |
| Choose One: | The Venom Crypts | Bring the Venom Vial to Servi in Ziggurat Encampment. |
| – 25% Increased Stun Threshold | ||
| – 30% Increased Elemental Ailment Threshold | ||
| – 25% Increased Mana Regeneration Rate | ||
| Unlock the Reforging Bench | The Molten Vault | Defeat Mektul, the Forgemaster. |
| +2 Weapon Set Skill Points | Aggorat | Defeat Utzaal enemies, collect Sacrificial Heart, and place it on the altar. |
Act 3 Cruel Bonuses
The Cruel versions of Act 3 bonuses provide unique defensive options.
| Bonus | Location | Task |
| +2 Passive Skill Points | Jungle Ruins | Defeat Mighty Silverfist again. |
| +40 Spirit | The Azak Bog | Defeat Ignagduk, the Bog Witch once more. |
| Choose One: | The Venom Crypts | Bring the Venom Vial back to Servi to choose from: |
| – 10 Chaos Resistance | ||
| – +5 to All Attributes | ||
| – 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs | ||
| +10 Fire Resistance | Jiquani’s Mechinariumm | Defeat Blackjaw, The Remnant. |
| +2 Passive Skill Points | Aggorat | Collect Sacrificial Heart and place it on the altar. |
FAQ
What are permanent bonuses in Path of Exile 2?
Permanent bonuses are character enhancements tied to completing specific quests, defeating bosses, or fulfilling side tasks. These bonuses include resistances, life, spirit, and skill points, which are crucial for end-game viability.
What is Cruel difficulty in Path of Exile 2?
Cruel difficulty is a mode unlocked after completing Act 3, where players replay Acts 1-3 with tougher enemies and better rewards. The challenges remain the same, but the gameplay is more intense.
How do I unlock bonuses in Cruel difficulty?
Bonuses in Cruel difficulty are tied to the same quests and tasks as in the original playthrough. Completing these tasks again under Cruel conditions unlocks enhanced rewards.
