PoE 2 Boss Guide: Balbala The Traitor Strategy & Drops

Balbala, The Traitor is a high-mobility assassin boss encountered in the Traitor's Passage within Act 2 of Path of Exile 2. Once a respected leader of the Maraketh, she has turned against her kin, utilizing forbidden toxins and illusion magic. This fight moves at a blistering pace, requiring players to distinguish between reality and mirages while managing lethal damage-over-time effects.

Lore & Background

Balbala, The Traitor is a key optional boss in Chapter 2 of Path of Exile 2. Although she is a side boss, defeating her is crucial for character progression because she is a prerequisite for unlocking the Ascendancy Class.

Core Mechanics

To defeat Balbala the Traitor in Path of Exile 2, you’ll need to stay alert and be ready to dodge her attacks. One of her main moves is Blade Rain, where daggers fall from above, hitting several areas of the arena and sending them towards you shortly after. The falling blades deal moderate damage but when sent at you all at once can deal tremendous damage. To avoid it, watch for falling daggers and be ready to dodge when they fly to you.
When Balbala gets close, she will use Sword Slashes, dashing around and slashing rapidly with her sword in up to four fast strikes. These attacks can be dangerous if you get caught in them. To avoid this, keep your distance from her. If you do get close, be ready to dodge-roll either through the slashes or around her to avoid taking damage.
Balbala can also use Poison Smoke, where she disappears and poisonous smoke fills the arena from the center. The smoke slowly spreads and hurts you if you stay in it for too long. The best way to avoid this is to keep moving near the outer edge until you find Balbala hiding. Don’t linger near the center, and make sure to avoid staying in the poisonous area. By staying far enough away when needed and moving around during her most dangerous attacks, you’ll be able to avoid most of her damage and defeat Balbala the Traitor successfully.

Phase 1: The Skirmisher

• 1. poision Seek
  Description: Teleports and becomes invisible while a Poison Gas spread from the center of the arena.
  Strategy: Keep moving around the arena until you find Balbala hiding.
• 2. Blade Rain
  Description: Balbala causes daggers to rain down from above, hitting multiple areas of the arena. This attack deals moderate damage but then shoots them all to you at once, dealing serious damage.
  Strategy: Try avoiding the falling daggers and dodging when she throws them to you.
• 3. Teleport Strike
  Description: Balbala will frequently teleport within the arena, accompanied by rapid dagger combos.
  Strategy: Keep moving, and be ready to roll when you hear the voice or see her disappear
• 4. Coin Toss
  Description: Balbala tosses a coin that spawns a Spirit of Balbala after 10 seconds.
  Strategy: Players can step into the rune circle to prevent monsters from appearing. After seeing the runes appear, walk in, step on them, and immediately roll away.

Recommended Builds

Balbala is an Evasion-based boss with high dodge chance but low physical mitigation.

• Monk - Glacial Hammer: Freezing Balbala is the most effective way to stop her erratic movement. The Monk's mobility also matches hers.
• Mercenary - Rapid Fire: High-rate-of-fire attacks can quickly dispel her clones (if they have HP mechanics) or track her while she moves.
• Key Stats: Poison Resistance and Bleed Immunity are mandatory for this fight. High Accuracy Rating is needed to hit her through her evasion.

Loot Table

Balbala drops items favored by assassins and desert nomads.