Path of Exile 3.27: How to Complete Through Sacred Ground
Through Sacred Ground is one of Act 2's most rewarding optional quests in Path of Exile 3.27. Despite its short length, the quest grants a Book of Skill, giving you a permanent Passive Skill Point and two Respec Points-an invaluable boost for any early-league build. Whether you're progressing through the campaign for the first time or rerolling fresh characters in a new league, this quest is absolutely worth your time.
In this complete walkthrough, we'll cover how to start the quest, where to find the Crypt, how to defeat Archbishop Geofri the Abashed, and why Through Sacred Ground is essential for progression.
How to Start Through Sacred Ground
You can begin Through Sacred Ground in Act 2 once you reach the Forest Encampment and complete these two main quests:
1. Intruders in Black
2. The Great White Beast
After finishing them, speak to Yeena. She'll ask you to retrieve a sacred relic-the Golden Hand-from deep within the Crypt. This kicks off the quest officially.
Important Tip:
You do not need to speak to Yeena to start the quest. If you find the Golden Hand inside the dungeon before talking to her, the quest will automatically activate when you return to town.
If you're leveling a fresh character, this is also an ideal time to upgrade gear. Many players buy Path of Exile Items such as resist gear, leveling uniques, or movement skill links to smooth the early game. Even cheap purchases using Path of Exile Currency can make Act 2 significantly easier.
Where to Find the Crypt (Act 2 Location Guide)
The Crypt is located off the Crossroads, east of the Forest Encampment.
Here's the exact route:
1. Exit the Forest Encampment into the Riverways.
2. Follow the northern path to reach the Crossroads.
3. From the Crossroads waypoint, head directly south to locate the entrance to the Crypt.
Dungeon Structure
·Crypt Level 1 → Contains undead mobs, skeletal archers, necromancers, and the Act 2 Ascendancy Trial.
·Crypt Level 2 → Home of Archbishop Geofri the Abashed and the Altar of the Golden Hand.
Enemy types vary, but you'll mostly encounter monsters dealing Physical, Cold, and Chaos damage. Bringing anti-freeze flasks or cold-resistant gear is highly recommended.
Steps to Complete Through Sacred Ground
1. Enter the Crypt and Find Level 2
Explore Crypt Level 1 until you locate the stairs leading down. The layout is randomized each instance, so paths differ.
2. Navigate Crypt Level 2
Push through the thick packs of undead until you reach the Altar of the Golden Hand.
3. Defeat Archbishop Geofri the Abashed
The Archbishop guards the altar and must be slain before you can claim the relic.
4. Loot the Golden Hand
Interact with the altar to obtain the item.
5. Return to Yeena in the Forest Encampment
Turn in the Golden Hand to complete the quest and receive your rewards.
How to Defeat Archbishop Geofri the Abashed
Geofri is a mini-boss but can be surprisingly dangerous for unprepared players, especially during early league play. He deals a mix of Physical and Cold Damage, and the arena's tight, narrow hallways can make the fight tricky.
Key Tips for Beating Geofri
1. Prepare Physical Mitigation
Skills like Molten Shell, Steelskin, or Defiance Banner can help absorb melee hits.
2. Bring Cold Resistance
Cold damage spikes are the biggest threat.
Helpful PoE Items:
·Sapphire Flask
·Rare gear with Cold Resistance
·Early uniques like Goldrim or Wanderlust
3. He Is Hexproof
Geofri is immune to curses, including:
·Frostbite
·Temporal Chains
·Vulnerability
Rely on raw DPS and defenses instead of curse-based utility.
4. Stay Mobile
Strafe around him, avoid being cornered, and use movement skills (Dash, Leap Slam, Flame Dash) to reposition.
If your build is underpowered here, consider buying PoE Items such as better weapons, 4-links, or resistance upgrades. Small investments using POE Currency make early progression much safer.
Once defeated, you'll gain access to the Altar and can retrieve the Golden Hand.
Quest Rewards
Returning the Golden Hand to Yeena grants:
·1 Passive Skill Point (Book of Skill)
·2 Passive Respec Points
These rewards are extremely valuable early on, especially for new builds that haven't fully established their passive route.
Additional Notes & Optional Content
Ascendancy Trial in the Crypt
Crypt Level 1 contains one of the six Normal Labyrinth Trials:
·Spinning blades
·Trap rooms
·Pressure plates
If you're preparing for Phase 1 of your Ascendancy (after Act 3's final boss), make sure to complete this trial.
Other Act 2 Passive Point Opportunities
You can earn another Passive Point by completing Deal with the Bandits-if you choose the "kill all bandits" option.
Together, these two quests provide +2 passive points, making Act 2 one of the most important acts for early power spikes.
Tips for New Leagues or Rerolling Characters
In every new season or build reroll:
·Do not skip Through Sacred Ground.
·The travel time is short, the dungeon is easy, and the passive point is permanent.
·Early Passive Points dramatically improve DPS, life, mana sustain, and leveling speed.
Many experienced players route this quest into their Act 2 speed path because it's both efficient and highly rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Through Sacred Ground is more than just a simple Act 2 detour-it's a crucial quest that provides power, flexibility, and progression efficiency in Path of Exile 3.27. With its quick completion time, guaranteed Passive Point reward, and convenient dungeon location, it's one of the most valuable optional quests in the early campaign.
