PoE 2 Boss Guide: The Brambleghast Strategy & Drops

The Brambleghast is a towering, plant-based monstrosity encountered in The Fell Thicket, a dense sub-area of the Ogham Countryside in Act 1 of Path of Exile 2. This optional boss is a manifestation of the forest's corruption, fusing nature with death. The encounter is a claustrophobic battle against area denial, requiring players to cut through walls of thorns while managing lethal physical bleed effects.Lore & Background

The Fell Thicket was once a sacred grove dedicated to the spirits of the wild in the Ogham region. However, the corruption emanating from the Dark Mists twisted the flora into predatory shapes. The Brambleghast is the grove's heart gone rot—an animate mass of razor-sharp briars, calcified roots, and the skeletal remains of travelers who lost their way.

It does not hunt like a beast; it grows around its prey, suffocating them in a cage of thorns. It is the guardian of the deep woods in Act 1, ensuring that nothing that enters the thicket ever leaves.

Core Mechanics

The Brambleghast deals almost exclusively Physical Damage. Its attacks apply heavy Bleeding. The arena is constantly shrinking due to the growth of Thorny Walls.

Phase 1: The Living Thicket

• 1. Grasping Vines
  Description: The thorned monster drives its vines into the ground with a fierce strike. From beneath the player's feet, roots burst through the soil and continuously attack the player.
  Strategy: The vines' branches are easy to dodge. Pay attention to the attack path and don't stay in one place to avoid them.
• 2. Burrowing Roots
  Description: Insert the vine underground, then after tracking the player's position, it will protrude from beneath their feet.
  Strategy: Stay mobile and immediately dodge if you see dust and dirt underfoot.
• 3. Energy Vine Attack
  Description: The boss will summon a large number of vines that emerge from the ground to attack the player, and will release purple energy balls after each attack.
  Strategy: The purple energy balls released by the vine roots move very slowly, making them easy to dodge by running.

• 4. Energy Attack
  Description: A swirling vortex of sharp leaves surrounds the boss.
  Strategy: By understanding the attack patterns, you can avoid getting hurt by hiding in the gaps between attack effects.

Recommended Builds

Builds with high physical mitigation and AoE clear are favored.

• Warrior - Cleave/Whirlwind: Large AoE attacks help clear the Briar Walls and Saplings while dealing damage to the boss.
• Sorceress - Firestorm: As a plant-based enemy, fire damage is thematically appropriate and effectively clears the stationary walls.
• Key Stats: "Staunching" Flask (Removes Bleeding) is mandatory. High Armor helps mitigate the thorn damage.

Loot Table

The Brambleghast is a reliable source for Support Gems and nature-themed gear.