One of the most exciting new features in Path of Exile 2 is the introduction of mounts. Unlike traditional ARPGs where you’re locked to running everywhere on foot, mounts give you a faster, more dynamic way to travel across Wraeclast’s dangerous zones. Among these mounts, the Rhoa is one of the earliest and POE2 Currency most iconic creatures players can acquire. Known from Path of Exile 1 as aggressive, bird-like beasts that charged exiles to death, they now serve as loyal companions and practical tools for exploration.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to get the Rhoa mount, what you need to do to unlock it, and how to use its unique mechanics both in exploration and combat.

Why the Rhoa Mount is Special

Before we get into the step-by-step process of unlocking the Rhoa, let’s take a look at why this mount is worth chasing early:

Iconic Monster Tamed: Rhoas are a staple enemy from Path of Exile 1, so riding one feels both nostalgic and rewarding.

Charge Mechanic: Unlike some other mounts, Rhoas come with a built-in charge ability that lets you barrel through enemies and obstacles.

Early Accessibility: It’s one of the first mounts available, making it a realistic goal for most players within the opening acts.

Utility in Exploration: Perfect for traveling long, open zones or smashing through blocked terrain quickly.

Step 1: Unlocking Mounts in Path of Exile 2

You can’t just hop on a Rhoa right at the start of the game. First, you’ll need to progress through the mount tutorial questline introduced in Act 2.

During Act 2, you’ll encounter an NPC named Akeha the Beastbinder in a hunter’s camp near the Broken Plains zone.

Akeha introduces the concept of taming wild beasts as mounts and gives you your first quest: “Breaking the Beast.”

This quest requires you to weaken and subdue a specific Rhoa pack leader roaming the plains.

Completing this questline unlocks the mount system, and the subdued Rhoa becomes your first mount.

Step 2: Capturing the Rhoa

Taming a Rhoa is not as simple as killing it and looting. Here’s how the process works:

Weaken, Don’t Kill: The Rhoa Pack Leader must be brought below 20% HP without being killed. Skills that deal damage over time can be risky here—stick to controlled hits.

Use the Taming Net: Akeha provides you with a Hunter’s Net, a new utility item that works like a skill. When the Rhoa is low enough, cast the net to attempt capture.

Defend Yourself: While you’re attempting to capture, other Rhoas in the area will continue to attack. Be prepared to survive the onslaught for a few seconds.

Success: If successful, you’ll be rewarded with your first Rhoa mount, which becomes available through the Mounts Menu.

Step 3: How to Summon and Ride Your Rhoa

Once captured, the Rhoa is added to your collection of mounts. To use it:

Open the Mounts Menu (default hotkey: M).

Select the Rhoa and assign it to a mount slot on your hotbar.

Press the hotkey in-game, and your exile will instantly mount up.

While mounted, you’ll move much faster across terrain, and you’ll have access to the Rhoa’s unique Charge skill.

Step 4: Using the Rhoa’s Charge Ability

The Rhoa isn’t just a movement boost—it has its own active ability that makes exploration and combat more engaging.

Charge Skill: By default, pressing your mount-skill button while moving forward makes the Rhoa dash in a straight line.

Break Obstacles: Certain barriers, like crumbling walls or bramble piles, can only be broken using a mount’s charge. This adds exploration value.

Crowd Control: Charging through enemies will knock them aside, giving you breathing room if you’re surrounded.

Synergy with Builds: For melee characters, charging into a pack of enemies before unleashing skills like Cleave or Volcanic Fissure creates smoother combat flow.

The charge has a short cooldown, so it can’t be spammed endlessly but is highly effective when used strategically.

Step 5: Upgrading Your Rhoa

As you progress further into Path of Exile 2, mounts can be upgraded or swapped out. For Rhoas specifically:

Saddle Upgrades: Vendors in towns sell better saddles that increase your mounted movement speed and reduce stamina costs.

Mount Training: Completing specific side quests allows your Rhoa to gain endurance, lowering the cooldown of its charge ability.

Cosmetic Skins: While not gameplay-affecting, microtransaction skins for Rhoas are available to change their appearance into fiery, armored, or spectral variants.

Step 6: When to Use the Rhoa Mount

Not every scenario calls for mounting up. Here’s when the Rhoa shines:

Long Travel Zones: Large outdoor areas like the Broken Plains or Desolate Cliffs are perfect for mounted speed.

Breaking Barriers: Watch for terrain markers that indicate a Rhoa charge is required.

Escape Tool: In tough fights, you can hop on and dash out of combat.

Group Play: In co-op, you can use your Rhoa to create space for your allies by charging enemies out of formation.

However, keep in mind you can’t use most combat skills while mounted. For actual fighting, you’ll need to dismount. The Rhoa is best treated as a tool for positioning and utility, not raw DPS.

Tips for Mastering the Rhoa Mount

Practice Dismount Timing: Learn to dismount mid-charge to immediately follow up with an attack skill.

Watch Your Stamina: Mount abilities draw from stamina. Don’t waste it all on short sprints—save charges for big obstacles or mobs.

Pair With Tanky Builds: Juggernauts or Marauders can use the Rhoa to crash into fights, then leverage tankiness to finish enemies off.

Upgrade Early: The base Rhoa is great, but investing in saddle upgrades early makes travel noticeably smoother.

Final Thoughts

The Rhoa mount is one of the earliest companions you can earn in Path of Exile 2, but it remains useful well into the endgame thanks to its charge utility and travel speed. From smashing through enemy packs to breaking hidden walls, the Rhoa adds depth to both exploration and combat.

While it won’t replace your skill gems as a source of damage, the Rhoa is an invaluable tool in navigating Wraeclast’s massive, hostile world. Tame it early, learn to use its charge wisely, and you’ll find yourself traveling faster, safer, and buy POE2 Currency with a lot more style.