The Ferryman is a unique NPC that players often overlook during their Path of Exile 2 campaign run. Unlike quest-related characters, the Ferryman is a vendor who sells valuable Greater Runes, making him an important stop for anyone wanting to strengthen their build before moving deeper into the game. This guide covers his exact location, how to reach him, and what you can expect from his shop.
Ferryman Location in Holten Docks
You can encounter the Ferryman in Holten, during the Interlude act (Act 5.1). Holten is accessible after passing through the Blackwood area, which becomes available once you complete the events in the Scorched Farmlands and defeat Siora, Blade of the Mists.
- Map Placement: The Ferryman appears on the docks in the middle of Holten, positioned between two large bridges.
- Point of Interest: He is marked as the “Soul of the Ferryman” on the world map.
- Route Tip: From the Holten Waypoint, head northwest by taking the left route and circle around to the harbor area. Look for a small dock with a moored boat — that’s where he will be waiting.
Even though maps in PoE 2 use randomized layouts, the placement of key NPCs like the Ferryman remains consistent. His location will always be in the harbor section, regardless of minor path variations.
See also: All Permanent Buffs in Path of Exile 2 Act 4 and Interludes (Full Walkthrough)
What You Can Buy from the Ferryman
The Ferryman serves as a merchant NPC, but his inventory is far more limited compared to regular vendors.
- Item for Sale: Greater Runes
- Cost: Approximately 2,000 Gold each (listed as 2,046 Gold in some versions)
- Quantity: Nine Greater Runes total
Greater Runes are extremely rare and can be hard to come by during leveling. Purchasing them from the Ferryman provides a straightforward way to bolster your rune collection, especially if you are preparing for harder encounters in the Interlude.
Things to Know Before Visiting the Ferryman
While the Ferryman might seem like a typical shopkeeper, there are some quirks to be aware of:
- No Restocks: Once you purchase his nine Greater Runes, his shop inventory is gone for good. Resetting the area, leveling up, or progressing the story will not refresh it.
- Not Quest-Related: The Ferryman isn’t tied to any questline. Visiting him is entirely optional, but skipping him means missing out on a reliable set of Greater Runes.
- Map Bug: Occasionally, the Ferryman’s icon may remain on your world map even after you’ve cleared out his shop. This is simply a visual bug and does not impact gameplay.
Greater Runes are a significant boost to your character progression. Since random drops for these runes are uncommon, the Ferryman provides one of the most dependable opportunities to expand your rune arsenal before heading further into Holten Estate and beyond. For many builds, these runes can help smooth out mid-game scaling and prepare you for the tougher challenges in Act 5. Play Now!
