Stuck wondering how to start, progress, or finish The Runeseeker quest in Path of Exile 2? This questline is easy to miss and even easier to stall if you skip Rune encounters in early Acts. This guide breaks down exactly how to unlock it, progress through each stage, and avoid common progression locks in Return of the Ancients.

 

How to Unlock The Runeseeker Quest

The Runeseeker begins naturally during the early campaign, but it is tightly tied to Rune interactions and Runestone discoveries.

 

To unlock it:

Progress through Act 1 main story content

Interact with ancient Runestones found in zones like early wilderness areas

Speak to the rune-related NPC (Farrow becomes central later)

Complete early "help the man" style objectives tied to rune discovery systems

 

If you skip Runestone interactions, the quest may not fully appear or may stall later in Act progression.

 

Act 1 Progression: Learning the Rune System

Early Runeseeker steps focus on introducing rune mechanics.

 

You will typically:

Find Runestones in Act 1 zones (such as early forest-type areas)

Trigger rune interactions that unlock lore and crafting progression

Begin forming connection with the Runeforging system and Farrow's storyline

 

At this stage, the quest is mostly exploratory, not combat-heavy.

 

Act 2-3 Progression: Farrow & Rune Gating

As you move deeper into the campaign, The Runeseeker becomes more structured.

 

Key progression mechanics:

Farrow becomes your main quest handler

You are required to collect or activate Runestones across multiple zones

Missing even one Runestone can block progression or delay NPC triggers

 

This is where most players get stuck:

NPC not appearing

Rune recipes missing

Quest not updating after Act transitions

 

The fix is usually going back and completing missed Rune interactions.

 

Act 4 & Endgame Transition: Unlocking Runeforging

By the late campaign:

All required Runestones must be completed

Farrow unlocks full Runeforging functionality

Verisium crafting systems become available

The quest transitions into endgame progression systems

 

At this point, The Runeseeker is less a quest and more a system unlock chain.

 

Common Issues & Fixes

Players frequently encounter these problems:

Farrow not appearing

Missing rune recipes

Quest stuck in Act transition

Cannot interact with rune objects

 

Fixes:

Revisit earlier Acts and check missed Runestones

Change zone instance (Ctrl + click waypoint)

Complete all rune-related side objectives before moving forward

 

In most cases, progression is not bugged-it's just incomplete.

 

Summary: Who This Quest Is For

This walkthrough is ideal for:

Players stuck in Act 2-4 progression

Returning players confused by rune systems

Build crafters trying to unlock Runeforging early

Completionists aiming to unlock all systems efficiently

 

Core value: It ensures you don't miss hidden Rune triggers that permanently lock crafting progression.

 

Final Tips

Always interact with Runestones immediately when found

Don't rush Acts-Rune systems are heavily gated

Check Farrow frequently after major Act transitions

Treat Runeseeker as a progression system unlock, not a side quest

 

Core Takeaway

The Runeseeker quest is not difficult-it's conditional. If you miss Rune interactions in earlier Acts, you delay or block powerful systems like Runeforging and Verisium crafting.

 

Bonus Insight: Why It Matters for Currency Progression

Completing The Runeseeker efficiently directly impacts your access to advanced crafting systems, which in turn affects POE 2 Currency generation efficiency. Faster unlocks mean earlier access to high-value crafting, better gear scaling, and stronger market trading potential.