Path of Exile 2: How to Obtain and Ride the Rhoa Mount

In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), mounts are more than just a way to traverse Wraeclast's vast and dangerous zones-they are tactical tools that can turn the tide of combat and boost your farming efficiency. Among the most iconic and useful mounts is the Rhoa Mount, a raptor-like beast that transitions from a fearsome enemy in Path of Exile 1 to a loyal companion in its sequel.

Designed specifically for bow and spear builds, the Rhoa Mount combines mobility, offense, and utility, making it a must-have for late-game progression. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to unlock, summon, and master the Rhoa Mount, helping you dominate both exploration and combat. To unlock faster, you can prepare enough POE 2 Currency in advance to help you.

What Is the Rhoa Mount in PoE 2?

Before diving into how to get the Rhoa Mount, it's important to understand its unique mechanics and value. Unlike generic mounts that only boost movement speed, the Rhoa Mount is a hybrid minion, buff, and companion skill that adapts to your playstyle.

When active, the Rhoa acts as a persistent companion: you can mount it while wielding a bow or spear, or let it fight alongside you when dismounted. It grants key bonuses like increased minion accuracy and reduced movement speed penalties while using skills, but it also comes with risks-taking hits while mounted builds heavy stun, which can lead to forced dismounts.

As a tier 14 skill, the Rhoa Mount is a late-game unlock, but its versatility makes the effort to obtain it well worth it for ranged builds looking to optimize their endgame performance.

Prerequisites to Unlock the Rhoa Mount

Unlocking the Rhoa Mount requires meeting specific character requirements and progressing through the game's content. You can't obtain it early, so focus on these prerequisites to streamline your path:

1. Character Level and Attributes

The Rhoa Mount skill gem requires your character to be at least level 58-a milestone you'll typically reach near the end of the main campaign. Additionally, you need 133 to 157 Dexterity (depending on the gem's level), as the skill is tied to Dexterity-based builds like bows and spears.

If your Dexterity is low, invest in passive skill nodes that boost Dexterity or equip gear with Dexterity modifiers to meet this requirement.

2. Spirit Reservation

The Rhoa Mount is a persistent buff skill that reserves Spirit-PoE 2's resource for minion and buff skills. It requires either 60 or 100 Spirit reservation (varies by patch and gem tier), so you'll need to manage your Spirit pool carefully.

To offset this reservation, use gear with reduced Spirit reservation or passive skills that boost Spirit regeneration. Flasks or skills like Spirit Siphon can also help you recover Spirit faster during combat.

3. Uncut Spirit Gem Engraving

The Rhoa Mount skill gem is obtained by engraving a tier 14 Uncut Spirit Gem. Uncut Spirit Gems drop from high-tier enemies and chests in late-game zones, or you can trade for them with other players if you're short on time.

Once you have a tier 14 Uncut Spirit Gem, use an engraving station to craft the Rhoa Mount gem. This process is straightforward, but ensure you have the necessary materials to avoid wasting your Uncut Spirit Gem.

Step-by-Step: How to Get the Rhoa Mount

Now that you've met the prerequisites, follow these steps to unlock and equip the Rhoa Mount:

Step 1: Progress Through the Main Campaign

Focus on completing the main story acts and side quests to reach level 58. Prioritize bow or spear-related passive nodes early on to align with the Rhoa Mount's weapon requirements and streamline your progression to tier 14 skills.

Step 2: Acquire a Tier 14 Uncut Spirit Gem

Farm late-game zones (tier 14+) or trade with other players to get a tier 14 Uncut Spirit Gem. These gems are rare, so be patient-farming bosses or high-density enemy packs can increase your drop chances.

Step 3: Engrave the Rhoa Mount Gem

Visit an engraving station in major towns (like Oriath or Lioneye's Watch) and use your tier 14 Uncut Spirit Gem to craft the Rhoa Mount skill gem. Once crafted, the gem will appear in your inventory.

Step 4: Equip the Gem and Assign to Hotbar

Slot the Rhoa Mount gem into your skill panel-ensure you have enough Spirit reservation to activate it. Assign the skill to a hotbar key for quick access, as you'll need to summon and dismiss the mount frequently in combat.

How to Use the Rhoa Mount Effectively

Unlocking the Rhoa Mount is only half the battle-mastering its mechanics will help you maximize its potential. Here's how to use it in exploration and combat:

Mounting and Dismounting

To mount the Rhoa, press the assigned hotbar key while wielding a bow or spear. You'll instantly mount the beast and gain its movement and skill bonuses. To dismount, press the same key again-this is a voluntary dismount and avoids stun penalties.

Avoid forced dismounts: taking hits while mounted builds heavy stun. If the stun meter fills, you'll be knocked off the mount and stunned for several seconds-a death sentence in boss fights or high-tier zones. Fortunately, stun buildup decays after 2 seconds of avoiding hits (patch 0.3.0 change).

Combat Mechanics

While mounted, you can use bow, thrown spear, and mark skills without heavy movement speed penalties. The Rhoa grants 80-100% reduced movement speed penalty from skills (varies by patch) and 15% increased movement speed, letting you kite enemies while dealing damage efficiently.

When dismounted, the Rhoa acts as a companion, attacking enemies with its beak and benefiting from a 100% increased accuracy rating. It can take damage, so use minion buffs or support gems to keep it alive longer.

Recommended Support Gems

Pair the Rhoa Mount with support gems to enhance its performance. GGG recommends tier 1 support gems like Profusion and Vitality, while other useful options include Elemental Army (for elemental damage) and Loyalty (for damage redirection)-though Loyalty doesn't work while mounted.

Quality modifiers on the Rhoa Mount gem also help: 0-20% more maximum life for the Rhoa, making it tougher in companion mode.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Rhoa Mount

To get the most out of your Rhoa Mount, keep these tips in mind:

Manage Spirit Wisely: Avoid over-reserving Spirit-balance the Rhoa Mount with other skills to ensure you don't run out of resources mid-combat.

Use Voluntary Dismounts: If you're taking heavy hits, dismount manually to avoid stun and reposition before remounting.

Level Up the Gem: As you progress, level the Rhoa Mount gem to increase its stats and reduce Dexterity requirements. At level 20, it requires 157 Dexterity but offers stronger bonuses.

Cosmetic Customization: For a unique look, unlock the Karui Rhoa Mount effect-a rare cosmetic drop from Mystery Boxes in the in-game shop.

Why the Rhoa Mount Is a Must-Have for Ranged Builds

The Rhoa Mount is more than just a mobility tool-it's a game-changer for bow and spear builds. It lets you clear maps faster, kite tough enemies, and add extra damage with its companion mode.

In late-game content, where speed and efficiency matter, the Rhoa Mount's movement bonuses and reduced skill penalties let you farm high-tier zones and bosses with ease. Its nostalgic connection to Path of Exile 1's Rhoa enemies also adds a fun, rewarding layer to using it.

Final Thoughts

The Rhoa Mount is a versatile and powerful tool for any bow or spear build in PoE 2. While it requires some effort to unlock-meeting level, Dexterity, and Spirit requirements-it's well worth the investment for late-game success. Being well-prepared and accumulating more cheap POE 2 Orbs and items will help you get ahead of other players.

By following this guide, you'll unlock the Rhoa Mount, master its mechanics, and use it to dominate Wraeclast's most dangerous challenges. Whether you're farming for loot, taking down bosses, or exploring new zones, the Rhoa Mount will be your most trusted companion.