PoE 2 Boss Guide: The Executioner Strategy & Drops

The Executioner is a brutal, melee-focused boss encountered in the Courtyard of Death within Ogham Village in Act 1 of Path of Exile 2. He is the primary antagonist of the quest "The Trail of Corruption". Recognizable by his hooded mask and massive greataxe, he is the very same figure who attempted to execute your character in the game's opening cinematic. Defeating him is not just an act of vengeance, but a necessary step to breach the Iron Manor.

Lore & Background

A loyal servant of the Iron Count, The Executioner enforces the Count's tyrannical will upon the villagers of Ogham. He stands atop a blood-soaked platform, surrounded by the heads of those who defied the manor.

Unlike the supernatural horrors of the corruption, The Executioner relies on raw, human sadism and brute strength. He commands a legion of Decrepit Mercenaries to overwhelm his foes while he prepares devastating overhead slams to crush any hope of rebellion.

Core Mechanics

The Executioner deals massive Physical Damage and Fire Damage. The fight is an endurance test involving "adds" (additional enemies). He does not heal, but his attacks can one-shot unprepared exiles.

Phase 1: The Guillotine's Edge

• 1. Heavy Cleave Swing
  Description: Brandishing a huge executioner's axe to sweep across the fan-shaped area ahead.
  Strategy: The attack range is quite wide. It is recommended to roll behind him instead of retreating backward.
• 2. Executioner’s Slam Smash
  Description: He raises the giant axe high above his head, charging for about 1.5 seconds. Then he powerfully slams it down onto the ground, dealing massive physical damage and generating a straight-line shockwave.
  Strategy: When you see the axe-swinging action, immediately roll sideways. This attack usually deals over 70% of the health of a squishy character.
• 3. Leap Slam
  Description: When the player is too far away, he will jump into the air and crash down to the player's position.
  Strategy: Keep moving, and roll over the moment you land.
• 4. Charged Flame Slam
  Description: The Executioner brings his mace overhead and pauses a bit to charge an attack, then slams it on the ground, causing flames to errupt from the slam zone
  Strategy: Back up immediately while the attack chharges

Recommended Builds

The Executioner is slow but hits hard. Builds with AoE clear for the adds and single-target burst for the boss excel here.

• Sorceress - Firestorm/Infernal Bolt: AoE spells can clear the mercenary waves while simultaneously damaging the boss.
• Mercenary - Grenade Launcher: The burst damage from grenades can stun The Executioner during his long wind-up animations, interrupting his attacks.
• Key Stats: Fire Resistance helps mitigate the burning ground from crossbowmen. Armor is vital to survive his basic axe swings.

Loot Table

While The Executioner does not drop a permanent Spirit upgrade (that comes from The King in the Mists), he is a famous farming spot for early-game Unique Items.