In Path of Exile 2, the POE 2 Currency Interlude chapter bridges Act 3 and Act 4, thrusting exiles into the harsh Vastiri Desert. Amidst sandstorms and ancient ruins, the "Recruit the Maraketh" quest emerges as a pivotal main story mission. This guide unpacks its objectives, mechanics, and rewards, helping you navigate the nomadic Maraketh tribe's trials without spoilers beyond essentials.

Quest Overview

Triggered after escaping the Karui siege in Act 3's finale, the quest begins in the Oasis Encampment. Lani, the enigmatic Maraketh warrior, approaches with a plea: her people face annihilation from the Black Sun cult. As an exile, you're tasked with proving your worth to rally the Maraketh nomads. The narrative weaves themes of survival, betrayal, and desert mysticism, deepening the lore of Wraeclast's fractured societies.

Key prerequisites: Complete "The Black Sun" side quest for bonus dialogue. Recommended level: 25-28. Classes like Ranger or Duelist shine here due to mobility in dunes.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Initiate the Pact: Speak to Lani at the encampment's central fire. Accept her challenge to hunt a sand leviathan plaguing water sources. Stock up on fire resistance flasks—desert heat drains life steadily.
Traverse the Dunes: Head east to the Shifting Sands zone. Dodge quicksand traps that slow movement by 50% and summon scarab swarms. Use waypoint shortcuts to retry failed paths. Encounter optional lore stones revealing Maraketh history.

The Leviathan Hunt: In the Sunken Temple, face the boss: a colossal worm with burrowing attacks. Phase 1: Slash tentacles to expose the core; evade seismic stomps. Phase 2: Cultist adds spawn—prioritize archers. Weakness: Cold damage slows its burrow. Loot includes the "Leviathan Fang" unique dagger for bleed builds.

Rally the Tribes: Return the fang to Lani. Infiltrate the Maraketh gathering at the Crimson Temple. Solve a riddle puzzle (align sun motifs to unlock doors) and duel chieftains in non-lethal trials. Agility checks favor dexterity-based skills; failures yield minor debuffs.

Climactic Betrayal: Confront the cult leader in a multi-wave arena. Environmental hazards like collapsing pillars add chaos. Success binds the Maraketh alliance, unlocking their vendor for desert-themed gear.

Tips and Tricks

Build Synergy: Lightning Arrow clears scarabs efficiently. Pack endurance charges against DoT effects.

Common Pitfalls: Ignoring heat exhaustion leads to 20% reduced regen. Save skill points for mobility gems.

Exploration: Hidden caches in ruins grant currency orbs. Side quest "Whispers of the Sun" ties in for extra XP.

Rewards and Progression

Completing "Recruit the Maraketh" grants 15,000 XP, Lani as a permanent ally (boosts fire resist +10%), and access to Act 4's "The Eternal Nightmare." It unlocks Maraketh tattoos for cosmetics and a unique amulet enhancing evasion.

This quest exemplifies PoE 2's blend of ARPG grit and narrative depth, turning a simple alliance into a tale of redemption. Forge ahead, exile— the buy POE 2 Chaos Orbs desert yields to the bold.