Secrets in the Dark is the second quest you'll take on during Act One of Path of Exile 2. In it, you'll search for the cause of the corruption in the forest and make a shocking discovery. This walkthrough will take you through the quest's events and point out some things you can find along the way.

Travel to The Grelwood

The first objective Una gives you is to get to The Grelwood, but to do that, you'll need to travel through Clearfell, which is inhabited by imps, hags, and wolves. The Vile Hags are especially dangerous. Stay out of their area-of-effect attack and bring them down before they revive other enemies.

If you explore the map, you'll also find Beira of the Rotten Pack. Killing her earns you the Head of the Winter Wolf, which will give your character +10% Cold Resistance permanently. That said, she isn't easy at such a low level. You'll need to watch out for her chilling area of effect attacks while handling her reinforcements. Don't hesitate to retreat while fighting her; she won't follow you very far. For more tips on taking her down, check out our dedicated boss guide on Beira of the Rotten Pack.

As you're clearing out Clearfell, you'll find an entrance to the Mud Burrow. This is where you can take on The Devourer in Treacherous Ground. It's a good idea to do this quest now to gain some valuable experience and a bit of loot.

When you're ready to advance in this quest, find the entrance to The Grelwood in Clearfell and head through to continue the quest.

Search for evidence of the count's activities.

Search The Grelwood to uncover what caused its corruption. You'll encounter fungal zombies, werewolves, and vile imps throughout the area. The Werewolf Prowlers hit much harder and have more health than the other enemies, so take them out first.

You'll also find an optional boss called The Brambleghast. It's mostly a melee fighter with a simple attack rhythm. Get used to the timing of its attacks to learn when to dodge or block. Also, the vines it summons to defend itself don't have much life. Take a moment to slash them down so they aren't smacking you while you try to focus on the boss. For more tips, check out our dedicated boss guide on The Brambleghast.

You can also come across Areagne, the Forgotten Witch, in her hut. You can defeat her for loot and plunder her cauldron for flasks. She's especially difficult for melee characters at this level; stunning her is the best way to take her out before she overcomes you with frost spells. If you're having trouble with her, come back later when you have better gear. For some tips, check out our dedicated boss guide on Areagne, the Forgotten Witch.

As you explore The Grelwood, you'll eventually encounter the Tree of Souls, where you'll see a hanged person named The Hooded One and a proclamation nailed to the tree nearby. Activate the waypoint here, then interact with the nearby orb to summon Una.

Speak with Una

Speak with Una, and she'll inform you that you'll need Runes of Power to free the soul of The Hooded One from the Soul Tree. You'll find the runes in question in an adjacent area called The Red Vale. Head there now to continue the quest. The entrance to it is in the Grelwood.

Search the Red Vale for Runes of Power

Search the Red Vale for three Obelisks of Rust containing Runes of Power. When you interact with them, Ancient Ezomytes will spawn to defend them.

When you interact with the final Obelisk, it'll summon The Rust King, a giant, rusted automaton that'll accuse you of being an interloper and attack. His attacks are standard area-of-effect moves with clear telegraphs. It's good practice in positioning, dodging, and blocking. For tips on defeating him, check out the dedicated boss guide for The Rust King.

When he's defeated, grab the last Rune of Power and head to the Clearfell Encampment.

Speak to Renly

Ask Renly to forge the Runes of Power into the Runed Spikes you need. He mentions that they stayed warm even after much quenching. Once you have them, head back to The Grelwood. The waypoint should drop you off right next to the Tree of Souls.

Stab the spikes into the Runic Seals.

Use the orb to summon Una and speak with her. She tells you to stab the Runed Spikes into the tree to release The Hooded One. Stab all three Runic Seals, and The Hooded One will fall. Una will rush to their aid. Speak to her, and she'll tell you to meet her back in town.

Speak with Una

Find Una in a hut near the Stash. She's there tending The Hooded One and tells you they're still clinging to life. Only a Count can lift the curse on them, so Una asks you to find a special signet ring, which begins the next quest.

You'll also have a new side quest available to you from Renly: Finding the Forge. Go ahead and pick that up, but it'll be a while until you can complete it.

If you've got Path of Exile 2 currency and Path of Exile 2 items, you're in a solid position to handle future content like the side quest "Finding the Forge", which isn't immediately completable.