Quest Log & Journal

The Quest Log and Journal in Path of Exile 2 are indispensable tools for navigating the treacherous lands of Wraeclast and beyond. Understanding how to effectively use them will streamline your progression, ensure you don't miss crucial lore, and help you track your many objectives.

Accessing Your Quests and Lore

To open your Quest Log and Journal, press the default hotkey 'U' (this can be rebound in the Options menu under 'Keybindings'). The interface is divided into several tabs, each serving a distinct purpose.

Active Quests: This tab displays all quests you are currently pursuing. Each quest entry provides a brief description, your current objective, and often a hint regarding the next step or location.
Completed Quests: Here, you can review quests you've successfully finished. This is useful for recalling past events or checking if you've missed any potential follow-up quests.
Lore Journal: This section compiles all the lore snippets, character dialogues, and environmental narratives you've encountered. It's a rich resource for delving deeper into Path of Exile 2's expansive world and understanding its intricate history.
Region Progress: This tab offers an overview of your completion status for each major region, including discovered Waypoints, completed side objectives, and unique encounters.

Navigating Active Quests: A Step-by-Step Guide

When tackling a new quest, the Active Quests tab is your primary reference. Let's take the early game quest, "The Sundered Heart," as an example:

Identify the Objective: Upon accepting "The Sundered Heart" from Commander Kirac in the Encampment, open your Quest Log. The objective will typically read: "Retrieve the Shard of Andar from the Sunken Grotto."
Locate the Destination: The quest entry will often highlight the general area on your world map (accessible via 'M'). For "The Sundered Heart," the Sunken Grotto is located within the Whispering Coast. Look for a shimmering quest marker on your mini-map as you approach the area.
Follow Quest Markers: Once inside the Whispering Coast, a faint golden trail or a pulsating arrow on your mini-map will guide you towards the entrance of the Sunken Grotto.
Engage the Threat: Inside the Sunken Grotto, you'll encounter various aquatic foes. Your primary target is the unique monster, Drowned Captain Vorlag. He is typically found at the deepest point of the grotto, often guarding a chest or an altar.
Retrieve the Item: Upon defeating Drowned Captain Vorlag, the Shard of Andar will drop. Ensure you pick it up; it will glow distinctly.
Return to Quest Giver: The Quest Log will update, prompting you to "Return the Shard of Andar to Commander Kirac in the Encampment." Use a Town Portal Scroll or a Waypoint to quickly return to the Encampment.
Claim Your Reward: Speak to Commander Kirac. He will thank you and offer your reward, which for "The Sundered Heart" is typically a choice between a rare Two-Handed Axe, a Bow, or a Sceptre, along with a small amount of currency like Scrolls of Wisdom.

Journaling Your Journey: Lore and Progress

Beyond active quests, the Journal is a treasure trove of information:

Lore Entries: As you progress, new lore entries will automatically populate the Lore Journal. These can range from ancient prophecies found on Ancient Tablets to the personal logs of fallen adventurers. Reading these can provide context for boss encounters or reveal hidden side quests. For instance, finding the "Journal of the Lost Cartographer" in the Shifting Sands might unlock a quest to find a hidden cache.
Region Progress: This tab is excellent for perfectionists. It tracks your discovery of all Waypoints, unique environmental interactions, and optional mini-bosses within each zone. Aiming for 100% completion in each region can yield bonus experience or even unique cosmetic rewards. For example, fully exploring the "Crimson Mire" and defeating all its named elites might grant you the "Mire Walker" title.

Regularly checking your Quest Log and Journal will keep you informed, prevent you from getting lost, and deepen your immersion in the rich world of Path of Exile 2.