Path of Exile 2: The Prisoner Boss Guide - How to Defeat the Warden of the Abandoned Prison

In Path of Exile 2, Act Four brings one of the game's most intense and Path of Exile 2 Currency cinematic encounters yet - The Prisoner, a brutal boss fight that takes place deep beneath the Abandoned Prison. This merciless killer wields devastating area-of-effect attacks and can quickly overwhelm both melee and ranged builds if you aren't prepared. To survive, you'll need to master his attack patterns, keep your distance when necessary, and make smart use of the ballistae scattered around the arena.

This comprehensive boss guide will walk you through how to find The Prisoner, avoid his deadliest abilities, and use the ballistae effectively to bring him down once and for all.

Using the Ballistae to Defeat The Prisoner

During the second half of the fight, you'll notice three large ballistae positioned around the arena. These are essential to bringing down The Prisoner completely - your regular attacks alone won't finish the job.
At specific health thresholds, you'll see an on-screen prompt or hear a mechanical click signaling that a ballista is ready to be used. When this happens:

1. Immediately rush to the nearest ballista.

The Prisoner will often pause or slow his movement during these moments, giving you just enough time to reach him safely.

2. Activate the ballista.

Once triggered, the siege weapon will automatically target The Prisoner and fire a powerful bolt that pierces his armor, dealing massive damage.

3. Repeat the process.

You'll need to activate multiple ballistae throughout the fight to completely break his defenses. Once all have been fired, finish him off with your strongest attacks or cold-based spells.

Pro Tip: Lure The Prisoner to the center before triggering a ballista to ensure the shot connects. If you struggle to survive while repositioning, upgrade your movement gear or buy POE2 Items with increased mobility stats like Movement Speed or Evasion Rating.

Best Builds and Strategies

For Melee Builds: Use fast weapons and focus on side or back positioning. Two-handed weapons are risky due to his AoEs, but a well-timed heavy strike after dodging Waves of Oppression can deal solid damage.
For Ranged Builds: Keep your distance and circle the arena's perimeter. Use movement skills like Blink Arrow or Flame Dash to avoid Frost Nova and reposition after each attack.
For Spellcasters: Lean into cold-based spells. Freezing Pulse or Ice Nova can deal excellent damage while exploiting his resistance weakness. Just remember to conserve mana for dashes and defensive skills during Blood Nova.

The Prisoner's Reward

Despite his terrifying difficulty, The Prisoner doesn't drop a unique item - only a handful of random rare drops, currency shards, and crafting materials. While the loot may not seem impressive, defeating him grants significant Act Four progression and a memorable test of skill, reflexes, and resource management.

Final Thoughts

The Prisoner is one of Path of Exile 2's standout mid-game bosses - a brutal test of your mechanical skill, timing, and ability to read attack patterns. Between the deadly novas, the powerful energy waves, and the strategic use of ballistae, this fight demands patience and precision.

Master his attacks, use your environment wisely, and keep your cool under pressure. With the right strategy, you'll break free from cheap POE 2 Currency The Prisoner's torment - and prove once again that no dungeon in Wraeclast can hold you.