PoE 2 Boss Guide: Captain Hartlin Strategy & Drops

Captain Hartlin is a spectral boss encountered on the deck of The Wretched Corsair, a haunted shipwreck that serves as a central landmark in Journey's End in Act 4. As the final target of the quest "The Sunken Curse," this undead pirate captain and his ghostly crew guard a cursed artifact. This fight is an atmospheric battle against a highly mobile foe, requiring players to navigate a hazardous environment while dealing with relentless ghostly minions.

Lore & Background

Captain Haelthrin is a spectral pirate captain residing at the end of the fourth act journey. He possesses a quest item that you need to progress with the main quest of the fourth act, and you will battle him to claim this item. Captain Haelthrin deals physical, cold, and fire damage. When you get close to him, he will perform a combo using anchor sweeps and cannon fire. When you approach, he will also slam his anchor into the ground, and due to the spectral energy released from the ground impact, the anchor's attack range can cover medium distance. When you pull away from Captain Haelthrin, he will also summon a slow small tsunami. He will also fire a fast single cannonball with his cannons and combine it with the small tsunami. When Captain Haelthrin turns the ship's wheel and you see him raise his left hand, this means he is summoning his spectral crew to fight you. Captain Haelthrin will repeat the above attacks until your health is reduced to below 80%.

Core Mechanics

If Captain Haeling's health drops to 80%, he will gain new attack methods, which will stack on top of his previous attacks.

The spectral crew of Captain Haelthrin will be summoned to pursue you, but they are fragile. You can eliminate them with area attacks to avoid being cornered, allowing you to focus your firepower on Captain Haelthrin.

Phase 1: The Cursed Captain

• 1. Anchor Sweep
  Description: Captain Hartlin will sweep his anchor at you twice when you are in close range.
  Strategy: Roll to the side of Captain Haelthrin to dodge the attack.
• 2. Anchor Attack
  Description: He will hit the floor with the anchor. Usually after the anchor chain has swept past.
  Strategy: Roll to dodge the attack.
• 3. Tidal Wave
  Description: Captain Hartlin will spawn a tidal wave that heads straight in your direction. , and it is slow.
  Strategy: You can walk towards Captain Hartlin to dodge the attack.

Phase 2:  (80% HP)

• 1. Summon Crew Members
  Description: When his health reaches 80%, he will raise his left arm and summon his crew.
  Strategy: As soon as you see Captain Hartlin turn his ship's rudder, immediately roll to dodge the ghost cannons surrounding you.
• 2. Ghost Anchor
  Description: Captain Hartlin will slowly raise his anchor to create a green casting circle where a huge spectral anchor will fall, and will inflict damage to whoever is inside the circle. 
  Strategy: Stay away from the spell circle to avoid getting hurt.

Recommended Builds

The fight is chaotic and requires good positioning. Builds that can handle adds efficiently are preferred.

• Warrior - Cleave / Sweeping Blows: Wide, sweeping attacks are excellent for clearing the Drowned Crewmen while also hitting the captain.
• Sorceress - Fire Spells: As a cold-based undead boss, Captain Hartlin is thematically Weak to Fire. Ignite effects can burn him down quickly.
• Key Stats: Cold Resistance (75%) is mandatory to survive the fog and cannonballs. Freeze Immunity (from flasks or gear) is highly recommended.

Loot Table

Captain Hartlin drops a key quest item needed to lift the curse on the archipelago.