PoE 2 Boss Guide: Count Geonor, The Iron Count Strategy & Drops

Count Geonor is a relentless melee-focused boss encountered in The Iron Manor in Act 1 of Path of Exile 2. Wielding a powerful greatsword, he unleashes a mix of close-quarters combos and long-range energy attacks. This fight requires precise timing and constant movement, as Geonor possesses a hidden shapeshifting ability that restores his vitality when cornered. Here is your complete guide to surviving this duel.

Lore & Background

Located deep within The Iron Manor, Count Geonor is not merely a noble clad in plate; he is a vessel for a primal curse. While he fights with the finesse of a master swordsman in his human form, a beast lurks beneath the armor.

As his health dwindles, the facade cracks, revealing his shapeshifting nature. He is a test of patience for any exile, punishing those who rush in recklessly with high-damage abilities and punishing physical strikes.

Core Mechanics

Count Geonor is a relentless melee-focused boss who wields a powerful sword to unleash a mix of close and long-range attacks. This fight requires precise timing, constant movement, and understanding his attack patterns to avoid his high-damage abilities. Patience is key, as rushing in recklessly can quickly lead to defeat. Here's a breakdown of his attacks and how to counter them effectively. The 3 Sword Slash is one of his staple moves, where Count Geonor spins and delivers two quick slashes before finishing with a standard swing. The best way to counter this combo is by backing away while he performs the sequence, keeping out of range until the final swing finishes. Once the attack ends, you'll have a brief opening to strike back safely.

Another attack to watch for is the Sword Blast, where Count Geonor charges his sword before thrusting it forward, releasing a blast of energy in a straight line. As he begins to charge, prepare to sidestep either to the left or right to avoid the blast when it is unleashed. This attack is straightforward to dodge with proper timing, so stay alert. During the Running Sword Thrust, the boss charges toward you at high speed, aiming to pierce you with his sword. As he closes the distance, quickly step to the side to evade the thrust. This move can leave him briefly vulnerable, allowing you to counterattack before he recovers. The Long Swing is one of the trickiest abilities in his arsenal, as it involves a wide slash that surprisingly covers a long distance. This attack often follows the Running Sword Thrust, so keep an eye on his movements after he charges. While the quickness of this move can make it harder to anticipate, watching for the momentum buildup before the slash is key. Stay on your toes and dodge to the side to avoid the arc of the swing.

Phase 1: Human Form

• 1. The 3 Sword Slash
  Description: One of his staple moves. Geonor spins and delivers two quick slashes before finishing with a heavy standard swing.
  Strategy: The best way to counter this is by backing away while he performs the sequence. Keep out of range until the final swing finishes. Once the animation ends, you have a brief opening to strike back safely.
• 2. Sword Blast
  Description: Geonor charges his greatsword with energy before thrusting it forward, releasing a blast in a straight line that covers significant distance.
  Strategy: This attack is telegraphed by the charging animation. Step sideways immediately when you see the sword glow. Do not try to run backward, as the range is deceptive.
• 3. Long Swing
  Description: The boss starts charging at you and thrusts his sword at you.
  Strategy: Can be countered by side stepping when he gets close to you after running toward you.
• 4. Running Sword Thrust
  Description: The boss lowers his stance and charges toward you at high speed, aiming to pierce you with his sword. This is his primary gap-closer.
  Strategy: As he closes the distance, wait for the last second and Dodge Roll to the side. This move leaves him briefly vulnerable, allowing you to land a few hits before he recovers his stance.

Phase 1B: Wolf Form (75% HP)

After being reduced to 75% life, Count Geonor will periodically plunge his sword Agnar deep into the ground, leaving it in place. He will then shapeshift into the form of a wolf. This begins a wolf form sub-phase.

• 1. Blood Dash
  Description: Geonor creates three globules of blood in a straight line in front of him. He then quickly dashes through the line of globules, sending out splatters of blood to the left and right.
• 2. Blood Slam
  Description: Geonor disappears and a red circle appears on the ground. He then crashes down from above with a bloody slam.
  Strategy: Despite being a red flash attack, it can be blocked while Geonor is in wolf form.

Phase 2A: Monstrous Form (50% HP)

After being reduced to 50% life, Count Geonor transforms into a monstrous wolf-like creature named Geonor, the Putrid Wolf. Phase 2 begins with Geonor restored to full life.

• 1. Leaping Slash
  Description: Geonor leaps forward and makes a slashing strike.
  Strategy: If you see a red circle on the ground, you must immediately roll out of the area.
• 2. Ice Spike Eruption
  Description: Geonor plunges his sword into the ground, spreading icy-looking patches over a large area.
  Strategy: Do not stay within the circle: When you see a white/blue circle appear on the ground, you must immediately move out of the area.
• 3. Ice Breath
  Description: Geonor exhales a barrage of icy projectiles and creates a patch of chilled ground. This attack deals cold damage.
  Strategy: Significantly slows down the player's movement speed, making it difficult to dodge the subsequent heavy attack.

Phase 2B: Fog Circle

Geonor, the Putrid Wolf will periodically let out a howl, creating a ring of dense fog around the arena to hide himself. This begins a fog circle sub-phase, during which he cannot be damaged.

Each time Geonor enters this sub-phase he recites one stanza of a poem. After lines 2–7 of the stanza, he will dash from a place obscured by the fog across the arena and attempt to strike the character. Tendril Prowlers and Court Werewolves are also brought into the fight from the fog. Geonor will dash a total of six times.

Upon delivering the last lines of the stanza, Geonor will leap into the middle of the arena, clearing the fog and ending the sub-phase. As the fog dissipates, any Court Werewolves and Tendril Prowlers remaining in the arena will die.

Recommended Builds

Given The Iron Count's high Armor and Physical Damage reduction, the following archetypes excel:

• Warrior - Sunder: The innate "Armor Break" capability of the Warrior is crucial here. Use Sunder to reduce his defenses, allowing your heavy strikes to actually hurt him.
• Sorceress - Spark/Lightning: Lightning damage ignores his high physical armor. The enclosed arena allows Spark projectiles to bounce off walls, hitting the boss multiple times per cast.
• Key Stats: Ensure you have Armor Piercing or Elemental Damage, and upgrade your Life Flask to have the "Staunching" (Removes Bleeding) modifier.

Loot Table

Defeating Count Geonor has a chance to drop the following specific items: