Path of Exile 2 (patch 0.3.0) introduces several hidden encounters, and one of the most mysterious is the Great White One. This optional boss lurks on Whakhapanu Island and is tied to both loot and a side quest that many players miss on their first run. The fight isn't immediately obvious-some players report that entering the arena triggers nothing at all. Fortunately, there's a reliable method to summon the shark-like beast and claim its rewards, including rare Path of Exile 2 Items and valuable currency drops.

This guide will cover where to find the Great White One, how to trigger the fight, its attack patterns, and the best strategies to defeat it in Path of Exile 2.

Where to Find the Great White One

The Great White One appears in Chapter 4, on Whakhapanu Island in the Shark Pit section of the map. While the overall map layout changes with each instance (like all PoE 2 areas), the Shark Pit is consistent in its visual design.

Here's what to look for:

·The Shark Pit is a rocky, enclosed arena with jagged walls on three sides.

·The only open side faces directly toward the water.

·This coastal opening is where the Great White One will make its entrance.

How to Trigger the Boss Fight

If you walk around the Shark Pit without interaction, nothing may happen-this has stumped several players. To trigger the fight:

1. Move toward the water-facing opening of the Shark Pit.

2. Wait a few seconds.

3. The Great White One will swim by in the ocean and leap onto land, initiating the battle.

Once triggered, you're locked into combat until either you or the Great White One is defeated.

The Great White One's Attack Patterns

While visually intimidating, the Great White One is a fairly straightforward boss. It primarily relies on melee attacks, with only a couple of movement-based abilities to close gaps.

Core Attacks

·Claw Swipes - Simple melee slashes when you're directly in front.

·Bite Attack - A quick snap of its jaws that applies a debuff, marking you with its "scent." This makes its follow-up lunges more accurate.

·Tail Spin - Spins in a wide arc, dealing AoE damage and sending rocks and sand outward. This can clip players who try to flank from the side.

·Lunge Attack - Short-range leap to close distance.

·Leaping Smash - After a delay, the boss leaps across the arena to land on you, causing AoE impact damage.

·Burrow and Emerge - Dives into the sand, then bursts up multiple times in succession. Each emergence leaves behind a slowing AoE patch.

Key Traits

·The boss has no true ranged attacks. All of its moves either require melee range or involve lunging/leaping.

·It can chain melee attacks together quickly, punishing greedy melee players.

·The sand AoEs are especially dangerous if you rely on sprinting or poor stamina management.

How to Beat the Great White One

The fight's difficulty largely depends on your build type. Minion builds and ranged characters will find it significantly easier, while melee fighters need to play carefully to avoid being punished.

General Strategy

·Stay Out of Melee Range: Most of its attacks only connect at close distance. Keep your distance and kite when possible.

·Watch for the Tail Spin: Don't circle too close to its back-step away when you see it preparing to spin.

·Avoid Sand Traps: When it burrows and emerges, treat the slowing AoEs like hazards. Step out immediately, and don't waste a Sprint unless necessary.

·Punish After Leap Attacks: Its leaping smash leaves a recovery window-ranged and melee builds alike can capitalize here.

Best Builds Against It

·Minion Necromancer/Druid Companions: Pets can tank most of its attention, making the fight trivial.

·Ranged Casters/Archers: Its lack of ranged abilities makes kiting simple.

·Melee Builds: Use hit-and-run tactics. Dodge in, land 1-2 attacks, then disengage before its claws or bite combo connects.

Rewards and Tribal Medicine Side Quest

Defeating the Great White One guarantees a unique quest item tied to the Tribal Medicine side quest. This questline is short but rewarding, offering both lore and a useful item reward that will aid you through the rest of Chapter 4.

Many players overlook the quest because they don't know where to take the item. Once you loot it:

1. Return to the village hub on Whakhapanu Island.

2. Speak to the quest NPC tied to the local tribes.

3. Hand over the item to complete the quest and claim your reward.

In addition to the quest item, the boss drops rare gear and has a chance of yielding Path of Exile 2 Currency, such as Chaos Orbs and crafting fragments. For players looking to farm efficiently, combining boss farming with a currency strategy ensures steady progression. Of course, those short on time can always buy POE2 Currency or buy POE2 Items through trusted marketplaces to fast-track their builds.

How Hard Is the Great White One Compared to Other Bosses?

In terms of Chapter 4 bosses, the Great White One is more of a mid-tier challenge. It's considerably easier than the Singing Cave's final boss, but harder than typical map rares. Its main threat lies in catching melee players with chained claw and bite attacks or trapping ranged players in slow fields during its sand dive mechanic.

Overall, the fight is manageable for most builds once you learn its patterns.

Final Thoughts

The Great White One is one of the more memorable optional bosses in Path of Exile 2 (patch 0.3.0). Between its unique ocean-themed entrance, its reliance on raw melee power, and the valuable Tribal Medicine side quest reward, it's a fight that every player should experience.

By knowing where to find it, how to trigger the encounter, and how to counter its melee-heavy arsenal, you'll turn what could be a frustrating mystery into a straightforward (and rewarding) victory.