Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) continues the legacy of its predecessor by offering a deep and intricate world full of exploration, combat, and hidden treasures. Among the many quests that players encounter in Act 4, one side quest stands out for its blend of treasure hunting, exploration, and combat: the Forgotten Bounty. This guide will take you step by step through the quest, explain how to unlock it, and provide strategies to maximize your rewards. Whether you are a new player or a seasoned exile returning for PoE2, this guide will help you navigate the Forgotten Bounty with confidence.

 

What is the Forgotten Bounty?

The Forgotten Bounty is an optional side quest in Act 4 of Path of Exile 2. Unlike main story quests, it emphasizes exploration and discovery. The core objective revolves around locating four Torn Map Pieces, assembling them, sailing to a hidden island called Plunder's Point, and recovering a treasure by clearing waves of enemies. While the quest does not directly affect the main storyline, it provides valuable loot, crafting materials, and a rewarding sense of accomplishment.

 

The quest stands out because it combines multiple gameplay mechanics. Players engage in map exploration, interact with NPCs, fight challenging enemies, and solve a mini-puzzle by finding and assembling the map fragments. Completing the Forgotten Bounty is a satisfying detour from the main narrative, especially for players who enjoy a treasure-hunting experience in the game.

 

How to Unlock the Forgotten Bounty

Unlocking the Forgotten Bounty is straightforward but requires attentive exploration. The quest does not start through a single NPC but activates when the player interacts with the first Torn Map Piece. These map pieces are scattered across four specific islands in Act 4. Once the first piece is collected, the quest appears in your journal, allowing you to track your progress and plan the remaining steps.

 

The four islands where the map pieces can be found are:

Kedge Bay - The map piece can often be found near the Dead Man's Chest, close to the Smuggler's Stash checkpoint.

 

Whakapanu Island - Explore the area around the Petrified Pirate checkpoint to locate the fragment.

 

Shrike Island - Check the Corpse Nest area near its checkpoint for the Torn Map Piece.

 

Isle of Kin - Look for a Flayed Sailor NPC near the Flayed Sailor checkpoint; this interaction often triggers the map piece collection.

 

The exact spawn locations of map pieces are somewhat randomized within these areas, so careful exploration is necessary. Players should sweep the checkpoints and surrounding areas to ensure they do not miss any fragments. Once all four pieces are collected, returning to Makoru in Kingsmarch will allow her to assemble the full map, pointing you toward the next stage of the quest.

 

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

 

Collecting the Torn Map Pieces

The first stage of the Forgotten Bounty is the collection of the four Torn Map Pieces. Exploration is key here, and while the exact positions may vary due to procedural generation, the general areas mentioned above are consistent. Players should fully explore the subareas, including caves, docks, and minor side paths around the checkpoints. Each fragment you collect triggers an update in your quest log, helping you track progress.

 

Sailing to Plunder's Point

After assembling the map pieces with Makoru, the quest directs you to sail to Plunder's Point. This involves using your ship from Kingsmarch to reach the hidden island. Upon arrival, an NPC named Dannig will guide you through the next stage of the quest. Players should prepare for combat, as the following stage is significantly more challenging than the exploration phase.

 

Placing Explosives and Clearing Enemies

The core of the Forgotten Bounty is the treasure excavation. At Plunder's Point, players will find marked locations where explosives must be placed to uncover hidden chests. These locations are usually indicated by visual markers or quest icons. Triggering the explosives spawns waves of enemies that must be defeated to claim the treasure.

 

Combat during this phase can be intense, and players are advised to ensure their gear, resistances, and skill setups are adequate before proceeding. You can also buy POE 2 Currency to improve yourself quickly. Completing this phase successfully rewards the player with valuable loot and allows the quest to be completed. Failing to clear the enemies can result in partial loss of rewards, so preparation is key.

 

Quest Rewards

The Forgotten Bounty offers rewards that make the effort worthwhile. While the main draw is the loot from the treasure area at Plunder's Point, the quest also provides players with a sense of achievement and exploration satisfaction. Rewards include:

 

High-quality loot: Chests in the treasure area often contain rare items, currency, or crafting materials that can improve your character's equipment or finances and have a great impact in Path of Exile 2 Trade.

 

Experience points: Completing the quest provides experience, helping players level up in Act 4.

 

Exploration satisfaction: Successfully locating all map pieces and navigating a hidden island enhances the game's immersive experience.

 

The treasure-hunting mechanics encourage players to fully explore Plunder's Point rather than rushing through, as thorough exploration can yield additional caches and enemies, translating to better rewards.

 

Tips and Best Practices

Explore thoroughly: Since map pieces are sometimes hidden near checkpoints and minor side paths, make sure to sweep the areas carefully. Caves, docks, and minor islands may contain hidden fragments.

 

Prepare for combat: When placing explosives, ensure your character is well-equipped with strong gear, resistances, and survivability skills. The waves of enemies at Plunder's Point are challenging, and underprepared characters may struggle.

 

Use checkpoints efficiently: Map pieces tend to spawn near checkpoints, so use these as reference points during exploration.

 

Loot everything: The treasure at Plunder's Point is cumulative. Clear all enemy waves and explore every chest for maximum reward.

 

Be adaptable: Because PoE2 uses procedural generation, exact spawn points may differ between playthroughs. Treat guides as directional rather than rigid, and adapt based on what you find.

 

Save progress before major fights: If playing solo, ensure you have an exit or save point before triggering the explosives, in case combat proves overwhelming.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to complete this quest to finish the game?

No, the Forgotten Bounty is entirely optional. It is a side quest designed to offer extra loot and exploration content. Completing it is not required for main story progression.

 

Can I do the quest later in Act 4?

Yes. You can collect map pieces at any point after accessing the relevant islands. Completing the quest later may provide higher-level loot if your character is stronger.

 

What if I miss a map piece?

You can revisit any island through the ship system in Act 4. The map pieces do not disappear, allowing you to pick up any missed fragments.

 

What level should my character be for the treasure stage?

There is no strict requirement, but it is advisable to approach Plunder's Point with a character that has completed several island maps and has sufficient gear and abilities to handle tough combat encounters.

 

Why the Forgotten Bounty is Worth Completing

The Forgotten Bounty stands out among side quests in PoE2 due to its combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. It provides a satisfying break from the main narrative while rewarding players with valuable loot and experience. For players who enjoy treasure hunting and adventure, the quest offers an engaging challenge that tests both exploration skills and combat readiness. Additionally, the sense of discovery and satisfaction from assembling the map pieces and revealing hidden treasure is uniquely rewarding.

 

For players who have limited gaming time, the quest is flexible. You can collect a few map pieces in one session and complete the treasure run in another, making it manageable even for short play sessions.

 

Conclusion

The Forgotten Bounty is an excellent example of Path of Exile 2's rich side content. By combining exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, the quest offers both challenge and reward. Players who complete the quest enjoy valuable loot, experience, and the satisfaction of uncovering hidden secrets within the game world. Whether you are a dedicated adventurer or a casual player exploring between main quests, the Forgotten Bounty provides a compelling and enjoyable diversion in Act 4 of PoE2. Take your time, prepare wisely, and embrace the thrill of discovery on your journey through Wraeclast.