How to Get the Root of the Problem Quest in Path of Exile
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The Root of the Problem is a crucial side quest in Path of Exile (PoE) that leads to important game progression and rewards. It’s not a quest that’s immediately available; it requires a specific series of actions to unlock. So, how exactly do you get the Root of the Problem quest?
The quest is initiated by speaking to Nigel, the Head Botanist, in The Backyard of your Hideaway. However, Nigel will only appear after completing certain pre-requisites: First, you need to progress through the game until you reach Act 2. You must also have established your Hideout. Upon returning to The Hideaway, you can access The Backyard and talk to Nigel. He will initiate the quest. Once you have the quest, you are required to travel to the River Crossings and destroy the tree roots covering the entrance to the Vaal Ruins. This area is located west of the Forest Encampment.
Understanding the Prerequisites
Before you can even think about obtaining the Root of the Problem quest, you must have met the following conditions:
Progression to Act 2
The Root of the Problem quest becomes available in Act 2. You cannot trigger it in Act 1. Make sure you have progressed through the main storyline sufficiently to reach The Forest Encampment in Act 2.
Establishing Your Hideout
You need to have established a Hideout. This is a customizable personal space where you can invite NPCs and store items. The Hideout system is unlocked early in Act 2. If you are still in act 1, keep progressing!
Unlocking Nigel
Nigel, the Head Botanist, is the NPC that gives you the quest. He can be invited to your Hideout through Helena after you’ve completed her quest in The Chamber of Sins. Once Helena is in your Hideout, travel to the Backyard and Nigel will be waiting for you. This is the final step to getting the quest.
Walkthrough of the Root of the Problem Quest
Once you have fulfilled the above conditions, follow these steps to complete the quest:
- Travel to your Hideout: Use a portal or the waypoint system to return to your Hideout.
- Access The Backyard: Once in your Hideout, look for the portal to The Backyard.
- Speak to Nigel: Interact with Nigel. He will initiate the quest, providing a hint about the location of the Vaal Ruins.
- Head to the River Crossings: Exit your Hideout and use the waypoint system to travel to the Forest Encampment. From there, exit to the west, you will reach the River Crossings.
- Locate the Tree Roots: Explore the River Crossings area. Search the walls for the Tree Roots concealing the entrance to the Vaal Ruins.
- Destroy the Roots: Attack the roots until they are destroyed, revealing the entrance to the dungeon.
- Enter the Vaal Ruins: Enter the Vaal Ruins Level 1.
- Descend to Level 2: Fight your way through the Vaal Ruins until you reach the second level.
- Find the Ancient Seal: Continue navigating the ruins until you discover the Ancient Seal. This is usually in a central area of the map.
- Complete the Quest: Once you locate and interact with the Ancient Seal, the Root of the Problem quest will be completed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is the Forest Encampment in Path of Exile?
The Forest Encampment is the primary town in Act 2 of Path of Exile. You will reach it after progressing through the main storyline of Act 1.
2. How do I get to the River Crossings?
To reach the River Crossings, exit the Forest Encampment to the west. The River Crossings is the next zone and is part of the path to the Dark Forest.
3. How do I find the Vaal Ruins?
The entrance to the Vaal Ruins is hidden behind a wall covered with Tree Roots in the River Crossings. Look carefully around the edges of the area for the concealed opening.
4. What is the Baleful Gem and how do I get it?
The Baleful Gem is a quest item required to progress in the “The Root of the Problem” quest. It’s obtained by defeating Fidelitas, the Mourning, in the Chamber of Sins Level 2 during the Intruders in Black quest.
5. How do I get the Intruders in Black quest?
The Intruders in Black quest is given by Greust after reopening the passage in the Western Forest.
6. How do I find the Western Forest in Path of Exile?
Head west through the River Crossings, following the path. The Dark Forest will be next, then after passing through this zone you will be in the Western Forest. Look for the Waypoint in The Dark Forest to make further exploration easy.
7. What is Maligaro’s Spike and what do I do with it?
Maligaro’s Spike is a quest item dropped by The Weaver, a unique giant spider boss located in the Weaver’s Chambers. After killing The Weaver, take Maligaro’s Spike back to Silk in The Forest Encampment. He will reward you with a Support Gem of your choice.
8. How do I get to The Weaver’s Chambers?
You can find the entrance to The Weaver’s Chambers in the web-riddled part of the Dark Forest.
9. Who is Silk and what is his role?
Silk is an NPC located in The Forest Encampment in Act 2. He is involved in the questline related to killing the Weaver. He also rewards you for bringing him Maligaro’s Spike.
10. How do I get Helena in my Hideout?
Helena is an NPC who is first encountered during the Intruders in Black quest. After rescuing her from Fidelitas, the Mourning, you can invite her to your Hideout.
11. What is the importance of the Ancient Seal?
The Ancient Seal is the main objective of the Root of the Problem quest. Interacting with it completes the quest, allowing you to progress further into the story.
12. What happens after completing the Root of the Problem quest?
Completing the Root of the Problem quest grants access to the Vaal Ruins, which contain valuable loot, and leads to other questlines within the game.
13. Where is Lioneye’s Watch and what happens there?
Lioneye’s Watch is the starting town of Act 1. Players will return here to heal, trade goods, access their stash, and embark on various quests. Players also receive their first skill gems here.
14. How do I unlock my Hideout in Path of Exile?
Hideouts are unlocked early in Act 2. You will receive a quest to establish it. Follow the quest directions and you’ll soon have your customizable home!
15. Is there fishing in Path of Exile?
Yes, there is a secret fishing mechanic in Path of Exile. Once you find the Master Fisherman, Krillson, and you have a fishing rod on you, you can begin your fishing journey. It’s not a feature that the game makes apparent so it’s a surprise for many players.