The “Hostile Takeover” quest in Path of Exile 2 is a POE 2 Currency mid-act storyline mission that blends combat intensity with strategic decision-making. It challenges players not only to overcome swarms of enemies but also to weigh their choices, as the outcome influences certain faction relationships and loot progression. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you complete the quest smoothly.

Starting the Quest

You’ll unlock Hostile Takeover after progressing through the campaign zone tied to the industrial outskirts. Speak to the local NPC contact, often a guild informant, who explains that a rival faction has seized a critical stronghold. The mission objective is clear: infiltrate, dismantle resistance, and reestablish control.

Entering the Stronghold

The stronghold zone is dense with patrolling enemies. Expect a mix of ranged rogues, shielded brutes, and spellcasters, making crowd control vital. Skills with area damage—such as Flame Nova, Ice Spear chains, or melee cleaves—help deal with large groups quickly. Be cautious of environmental hazards, including explosive barrels and traps placed along chokepoints.

Mini-Boss Encounters

As you advance deeper, you’ll face two lieutenants before reaching the final boss.

Lieutenant Karesh specializes in fire damage and summons waves of incendiary minions. Positioning and mobility are key—don’t linger in burning zones.

Lieutenant Veyra uses chilling magic and slows movement. Bring a flask or gear with freeze immunity to avoid being locked down.

Defeating them unlocks pathways to the central chamber.

The Hostile Commander

The final fight pits you against the Hostile Commander, a hybrid boss wielding both melee and chaos-based abilities. The commander alternates between ground slams that can one-shot low-armored builds and poison projectiles that create stacking damage-over-time zones.

Tip: Circle around during projectile phases, and use burst windows after dodging slam attacks. Flasks with chaos resistance or regeneration greatly increase survival chances.

Rewards and Outcomes

Upon victory, you’ll reclaim the stronghold. Depending on your dialogue choice with the NPC afterward, you may either:

Hand control to your allies, granting increased reputation and access to new trade options.

Seize the spoils for yourself, earning rare loot immediately but risking future hostility with certain factions.

The rewards typically include a guaranteed rare weapon or armor piece, currency shards, and experience.

Final Thoughts

“Hostile Takeover” exemplifies Path of Exile 2’s layered quest design—challenging encounters, tactical play, and meaningful choices. Approach prepared, balance offense and defense, and you’ll come out with both treasure and a cheap POE 2 Orbs stronger foothold in Wraeclast’s political landscape.