PoE 3.27 Guide:Completing the Love is Dead Quest
Dec-03-2025 PSTLove Is Dead is one of the most memorable story moments in Path of Exile campaign. While the quest itself is straightforward, it carries heavy emotional weight and rewards players with valuable experience and a Book of Skill, making it an important stop for every character, whether you're new or replaying the campaign in 3.27.
How to Begin Love Is Dead
1.After reaching Act 8, travel to The Sarn Encampment, your main base for this act.
2.Speak with Clarissa, who will ask for your help. She believes she can bring her beloved Tolman back to life using the ancient Ankh of Eternity.
3.Agreeing to assist her sends you into The Quay, a dangerous zone overrun by twisted undead.
The quest begins from here.
Quest Overview
Act:8
Quest Giver:Clarissa
Key Areas:The Sarn Encampment → The Quay → Resurrection Site → The Sarn Encampment
Goal:Recover the Ankh of Eternity and assist Clarissa in her resurrection attempt
Boss:Zombie Tolman
Reward:1 Passive Skill Point + 2 Respec Points (Book of Skill)
Step 1:Recover the Ankh of Eternity
Head through the eastern exit of The Sarn Encampment to reach The Quay. This area is filled with decayed docks, waterlogged passages, and dense packs of undead sailors and imperial ghosts.Unleash your potential in Path of Exile. Get your POE currency on MMOexp today!
Tips for The Quay:
Act 8 enemies hit harder than earlier zones, so defensive flasks or movement tools help greatly.
Gear with strong life rolls and capped resistances will keep you safe.
Use wide AoE skills to avoid being overwhelmed by large packs.
The Ankh of Eternity always appears deep in The Quay inside a shrine-like structure guarded by numerous enemies. Once you claim it, your objective updates, directing you to the Resurrection Site, a small arena where Clarissa waits.
Step 2:Give Clarissa the Ankh
At the Resurrection Site, speak to Clarissa to hand over the Ankh. She immediately begins the resurrection ritual, attempting to restore Tolman.
The ritual quickly spirals out of control. Instead of returning Tolman's soul, the corrupted magic mutates him into a grotesque undead creature. Undead begin flooding into the arena, and the fight begins.
Step 3:Defeat Tolman and the Undead Waves
The encounter consists of two portions:
Phase 1:Undead Waves
Small packs of corrupted minions will rush you from all sides.
Tips:
Keep moving-standing still makes it easy to get boxed in.
AoE abilities and mobility skills (Flame Dash, Leap Slam, Whirling Blades) are very helpful.
If your character feels fragile at this stage, upgrading your gear through crafting or trading for affordable improvements using POE Currency can make a noticeable difference. Even small resistance or life upgrades greatly improve survivability.
Phase 2:Zombie Tolman
Once the adds thin out, Tolman enters the fight.
How to Handle the Boss:
He deals heavy melee damage-maintain distance whenever possible.
Clear remaining minions before focusing him down to create safe space.
Keep moving to avoid getting trapped.
Use appropriate flasks to mitigate damage, as some enemies deal chaos or mixed elemental damage.
When Tolman is defeated, the arena falls silent. Clarissa collapses beside his body, devastated by the failed ritual.
Step 4:Speak With Clarissa
Talk to Clarissa after the battle. She is heartbroken and vows to destroy the Ankh to prevent it from causing further suffering. She thanks you for your help and heads back to The Sarn Encampment.
Step 5:Return to The Sarn Encampment
Back in town, speak with Clarissa again. She will give you the quest reward:
Reward:
Book of Skill
Grants +1 Passive Skill Point
Grants 2 Passive Respec Points
You'll also receive a chunk of experience for finishing the quest.
Why Love Is Dead Is Important
1. Emotional Storytelling
This quest marks a major turning point in Clarissa's character arc, showing how Wraeclast's cruelty breaks even the brightest spirits.
2. Valuable Progression Rewards
A passive skill point is essential for any build. Even veteran players running through the campaign for the tenth time never skip it.
3. Smooth Progression Through Act 8
Finishing the quest helps ensure you're properly leveled and prepared for upcoming boss encounters.
Love Is Dead stands out as one of Path of Exile most tragic and memorable story moments. Whether you're leveling for the new league or experiencing Act 8 again, the quest remains a vital part of your journey-blending impactful narrative with meaningful character progression.Don't wait for victory—buy your cheap POE currency and start ruling the kingdom!