Path of Exile 2 (POE2 Currency ), Grinding Gear Games’ highly anticipated sequel to the legendary free-to-play ARPG, is shaping up to be an ambitious
successor to its predecessor. With a new campaign, overhauled mechanics,
and an evolved world to explore, players are finding themselves
immersed in rich detail and challenging encounters. Yet, within the
sprawling campaign, certain points of interest (POIs) stand out not just
for their lore, but also for how easy they are to miss. One such
location is the Ferryman, tucked away in Act 5.1 of the Interludes.
Unlike more obvious story markers or large boss arenas, the Ferryman is a
subtle but important discovery that many players either stumble upon by
accident or overlook entirely. This article will break down everything
you need to know about the Ferryman, from his location and lore
significance to gameplay implications, while also reflecting on how PoE2
balances exploration, atmosphere, and narrative.
The Ferryman as a Point of Interest
For new and veteran players alike, Path of Exile 2’s campaign introduces a
mix of linear and exploratory gameplay. While certain missions guide you
directly toward objectives, others encourage a more thorough search of
the environment. The Ferryman belongs to the latter category.
At its core, the Ferryman is a point of interest (POI) located in Holten, which
appears during the Interludes section of Act 5.1. Unlike combat-heavy
boss areas, the Ferryman represents a quieter, atmospheric stop with
unique narrative flavor. The developers intentionally positioned it to
reward players who take the time to deviate from the main path.
What makes the Ferryman intriguing is that it embodies the philosophy of
PoE2’s campaign design: to blend exploration with world-building. It’s
not just about clearing maps or looting gear—it’s about engaging with
the narrative layers and uncovering hidden details.
Location: Where to Find the Ferryman
While PoE2’s maps are procedurally generated, the macro-structure of campaign
zones remains consistent. This means that although enemies, foliage, or
small environmental details may differ from one run to another, the key
points of interest will always be in roughly the same place.
Here’s how you can locate the Ferryman:
Progress through Blackwood
To reach Holten, you must first traverse the dense forests of Blackwood.
This area acts as the natural lead-in to Holten and sets the stage for
the Interlude atmosphere.
Enter Holten
Once in Holten, look for the Waypoint. This acts as your central landmark for orientation.
Head Northwest of the Waypoint
From the Waypoint, take the left path and circle around. The Ferryman will
always be positioned in the northwestern quadrant of the map, directly
next to a docked boat at a small harbor.
Identifying the Setting
The Ferryman’s placement is distinct due to the dock and boat. Even though
PoE2’s environments are visually diverse and randomly generated in
detail, this particular landmark makes his location recognizable.
Because Holten can be sprawling and filled with combat distractions, many
players rush through without realizing the Ferryman is waiting nearby.
But those who take the time to explore will find him easily once they
understand the map’s fixed structure.
The Ferryman NPC: Who Is He?
The Ferryman himself is not a boss or combat encounter but an NPC named
“Soul of the Ferryman.” His haunting presence fits the grim tone of Path
of Exile’s world, where even seemingly mundane characters carry ominous
undertones.
The NPC is found next to the dock, often gazing toward the boat, suggesting his symbolic role as someone tied to passage,
travel, or perhaps even death itself. While the campaign does not thrust
his lore into the spotlight, his mere presence reinforces the themes of
loss, transition, and mortality that permeate the game.
Many fans have speculated that the Ferryman could represent more than just a
flavor encounter. In mythology, ferrymen are traditionally figures who
transport souls across dangerous or mystical waters—think of Charon, the
ferryman of Hades in Greek mythology. Given PoE’s penchant for weaving
mythological archetypes into its dark fantasy world, it’s not
far-fetched to assume the Ferryman plays a similar symbolic role here.
Gameplay Significance of the Ferryman
At first glance, you may wonder: Does the Ferryman matter mechanically?
The answer lies in understanding how PoE2 treats exploration. While the
Ferryman does not drop loot or offer a direct quest chain like a boss
might, engaging with him adds subtle rewards:
Narrative Enrichment
By interacting with the Ferryman, players deepen their understanding of
Holten’s atmosphere. His presence reinforces that every location, even
interludes, carries significance beyond combat.
World-Building Payoff
Path of Exile 2 thrives on immersion. Points of interest like the Ferryman
encourage you to slow down and take in the world, grounding the campaign
in more than just item hunts.
Completionist Appeal
For players who pride themselves on discovering every secret, the Ferryman is a
must-see POI. Skipping him means missing part of the carefully crafted
Interludes narrative.
Possible Future Ties
Grinding Gear Games is known for planting seeds in the campaign that later bloom into larger
narrative arcs. The Ferryman could be part of such a setup, with future
Acts or expansions expanding his role.
Why Players Miss the Ferryman
Many players have admitted to overlooking the Ferryman during their first playthrough. Here’s why:
Rushing Through Maps: PoE veterans are conditioned to optimize routes and
minimize downtime. Exploration often takes a backseat to efficiency.
Randomized Layout Distractions: While the macro-structure is consistent, the
procedurally generated micro-layouts can disorient players, leading them
to miss side routes.
Lack of Direct Quest Integration: Because the Ferryman is not tied to a mandatory quest, there is little incentive to
seek him out unless players are naturally curious.
This creates an interesting design choice. By not forcing the Ferryman into the
spotlight, GGG ensures that discovering him feels organic and rewarding,
rather than obligatory.
The Ferryman in the Larger Context of Path of Exile 2
To fully appreciate the Ferryman, it helps to see him as part of a broader
tapestry. Path of Exile 2 is not just about bigger bosses and better
loot—it’s about creating a living, breathing world where even side
characters carry weight.
The Ferryman reflects GGG’s commitment to narrative density. Instead of leaving Interludes as empty transition
zones, the developers fill them with characters and lore hooks. This
elevates the Interludes from being simple “filler Acts” to meaningful
chapters in the campaign.
Moreover, by placing him near a boat, the Ferryman resonates with PoE’s recurring themes of exile, journey, and
the blurred line between life and death. In a story where characters are
constantly navigating between survival and damnation, the Ferryman
embodies that threshold.
Exploration vs. Efficiency: A Player’s Dilemma
The Ferryman also highlights a broader tension in how players approach ARPGs like PoE2:
Efficiency-Oriented Players
These players optimize their builds, routes, and progression. For them,
anything not tied to loot or XP can feel like wasted time.
Exploration-Oriented Players
These players savor every detail, treating the campaign as a narrative journey rather than just a stepping stone to endgame.
The Ferryman rewards the latter playstyle. Yet, even for
efficiency-oriented players, he’s a reminder that PoE2 isn’t solely
about numbers and optimization—it’s about immersion.
Final Thoughts
The Ferryman in Path of Exile 2 may not be a combat challenge or loot
piñata, but he is one of the most atmospheric and meaningful points of
interest in the campaign. His subtlety is his strength—he rewards
curiosity, exploration, and a willingness to slow down in a game that
often pressures players to speed up.
By situating him in Holten during the Interludes, Grinding Gear Games reminds players that every
corner of PoE2’s world carries narrative weight. The Ferryman may not
hand you an item or start a questline, but he adds depth to the story,
texture to the setting, and a sense of discovery that makes replaying
the campaign worthwhile.
For players preparing to dive into Path of Exile 2, the lesson is simple: don’t overlook the small details. Whether
it’s a boat docked at a quiet harbor or an NPC staring into the
distance, these moments enrich the world in ways loot alone cannot. The
Ferryman is proof that sometimes, the most meaningful encounters are the
ones you could easily miss.