Where to Go First in PoE 2 Act 4

Act 4 is fully non-linear, meaning you can sail to Path of Exile 2 Currency any island as soon as you arrive in Kingsmarch. That said, some areas are significantly harder than others, and several optional zones offer powerful permanent rewards that make later fights much easier.

Recommended Act 4 Island Order

To minimize difficulty spikes and maximize character power, follow this progression order:

1. Kedge Bay (Optional)
2. Whakapanu Island
3. Shrike Island
4. Abandoned Prison
5. Isle of Kin
6. Eye of Hinekora (Optional)
7. Arastas
8. Ngakanu

Completing the islands in this sequence gives you extra passive points, resistance bonuses, and gear upgrades before facing the most dangerous encounters in Act 4.

Why Start with Kedge Bay?

Although Kedge Bay is optional, it's one of the most rewarding early stops in Act 4.

By completing Kedge Bay, you gain:

Book of Specialization (+2 Passive Skill Points)
Early exposure to the Delirium mechanic
Liquid Emotions, used to instill Notable Passives onto amulets

The Delirium system won't become truly relevant until the Atlas endgame, but completing the Dark Mists quest here gives you a preview and valuable Path of Exile 2 Currency. The passive points alone make this island worth visiting early.

If you want to unlock the in-game trade market as soon as possible, you can prioritize Ange's quest and head to Whakapanu Island first instead-but Kedge Bay remains highly recommended. It's also a great early source of buy Path of Exile 2 Orbs crafting Path of Exile 2 Items, or you can choose to buy POE2 Items to accelerate gear upgrades.